Individual Responsibility

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 9, 1913

Individual Responsibility

THERE is no question in the mind of any Seventh-day Adventist but that the third angel's message is the present truth for this day; and that this saving truth must be made known to our fellows in some way by somebody. It is equally clear that the message is to be given in this generation, and that Christ will very soon come.

It is impossible for the living preacher, the Bible worker, and all other classes of workers to proclaim the message in its fulness. How, then, shall the work be accomplished? The Word tells us that to every man is given his work, and the Lord has directed in the organization of the work so that every individual, no matter what his circumstances or condition in life, rich or poor, young or old, may have an active part in sowing the seed of truth.

The Lord holds us responsible for the light given, and requires that we let it shine out through our lives for the guidance of others. The following quotations from the spirit of prophecy are to the point:—

"God has given every man a work to do in connection with his kingdom. Each one professing the name of Christ is to be an interested worker, ready to defend the principles of righteousness. The work of the gospel is not to depend solely upon the minister; every soul should take an active part in advancing the cause of God. But, instead of this, how many in our large churches come and go like a door on its hinges, feeling no responsibility for the progress of the work, no interest in the salvation of souls for whom Christ died. They do not dream of weaving their religion into their business. They say, Religion is religion, and business is business; they believe each has a proper sphere, but let them be separated. But in whatever calling a Christian is found, he has his work to do for the Lord in representing Christ to the world. Whatever may be our occupation, we are to be missionaries, having for our chief aim the winning of souls to Christ. If this is not our interest, we rob God of influence, of time, of money and effort. In withholding our heart's service from the Lord, we fail to benefit our fellow man, and thus rob God of the glory that would flow to him through the conversion of others."

"Souls are perishing out of Christ, and those who profess to be the disciples of Christ are letting them die. Our brethren have talents entrusted for this very work; but they have bound them up in a napkin and buried them in the earth. What manner of entreaty can be brought to bear upon the idlers in the market-places that will arouse them to go and work in the Master's vineyard? What can we say to the slothful church-member to make him realize the necessity of unearthing his talent and putting it out to the exchangers? O that God would set this matter in all its importance before the sleeping churches! O that Zion would arouse and put on her beautiful garments! O that she would shine!"

"The work of enlightening others is not the work of the minister only, but it is the work of all who profess the truth of God. God has given to every man his work in making Christ known to the world. We must teach the members of the church how they may effectually minister to others. There are many who are ordained ministers, who have never yet exercised a shepherd's care over the flock of God, who have never yet watched for souls as they that must give an account. Were the kind of labor of which it stands in need, bestowed upon the church, many who are doing nothing would be educated to become diligent laborers in the harvest-field. An education should be given to the people of God that would result in furnishing hundreds who would put out to the exchangers valuable talents, whose use would develop men for positions of trust and influence, and great good would be accomplished for the Master."

"The church of Christ has been organized on earth for missionary purposes, and it is of the highest importance that every individual member of the church should be a sincere laborer with God, filled with the Spirit, having the mind of Christ, perfected in sympathy with Christ, and therefore bending every energy, according to his entrusted ability, to the saving of souls. Christ requires that every one who would be called by his name should make his work the highest and first consideration, and disinterestedly cooperate with heavenly intelligences in saving the perishing for whom Christ has died."

May the Lord help every one of us to realize what the very profession of a knowledge of this truth implies as to our individual duty. By the reception of the gospel ourselves, we are made debtors to all men, that they, with us, may share in its riches.