13:34Mark 13:34

Christ has gone away as a householder leaving his house in his servants' charge, entrusting them with authority and assigning each one his own appointed task, with special charge to stay watchful.Ms 35, 1906, par. 15–23+2 The going away took place at his ascension, leaving his followers to carry forward his work on earth by taking the gospel to the whole world.Ms 40, 1903, par. 21–22+2 No one is left without a part, for every believer whatever his station or ability has his own distinct duty for which he alone must answer to God.Ms 143, 1902, par. 1+2 That trust is measured to each one's powers and opportunities, growing with faithful use and bringing certain reckoning and reward or loss when the Master returns.CT 518.1–2+4 Because the hour of return is unknown, readiness means constant watchfulness, prayer and diligent working at one's post rather than idleness or delay.Ms 35, 1906, par. 15–23+4

The verse belongs to the answer given on the Mount of Olives to Peter, James, John and Andrew when they asked when these things would be and what would be the sign of the coming and of the end of the world.DA 627.1–3 That answer does not separate the destruction of Jerusalem from the great day of the coming but mingles the description of the two great crises, so that words spoken about Jerusalem reach beyond that event to the final punishment of the world for iniquity.DA 627.1–3 It was given not for the disciples only but for those who will live amid the last scenes of this earth's history, and in mercy its meaning was left for disciples and later hearers to study out for themselves.DA 627.1–3

The Son of man is as a householder taking a far journey who leaves his house in the charge of his servants, giving authority to his servants and to every man his work, and specially commanding the porter to watch.Ms 35, 1906, par. 15–23+4 His departure is like a master leaving on a long journey who entrusts his household to his servants, gives each person work, and charges the doorkeeper to stay watchful.Ms 88, 1897, par. 1+2 As an absent Lord He came to this world to serve His household and His interests, then returned to heaven and left His followers in charge as stewards entrusted with the care of His house and His work, each one given a trust.8T 37.2 This is given as the reason to take heed and watch and pray, because no one knows when the time is, and the master of the house may come at even or at midnight or at the cockcrowing or in the morning, and must not come suddenly and find his servants sleeping, a charge spoken to all.Ms 35, 1906, par. 15–23+2 Because the time of the master's return is unknown, all must stay awake and ready rather than be found sleeping, and the warning work in the last days is for servants to give people present truth suited to their time and faithfully carry out their entrusted duties until He comes.19MR 388.2–389.1+2

The departure happened at the ascension, leaving His work on earth with His servants, giving them authority and giving every man his work to carry on in the earth according to the example He had set in His own ministry.Ms 40, 1903, par. 21–22 That work is to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature, and it is given to every person for eternity and to every person who claims to be His child in His cause.Ms 40, 1903, par. 21–22+2 Waiting must not be idle, for servants are to watch and pray while faithfully carrying out that work as they expect His return, working to make the truth known to others and bearing responsibility for helping win people to Christ and for their well-being and salvation.RH Mar 10, 1904+1 This calls for wakefulness, conversion to Bible truth, economy on every hand, and carrying the work forward with weeping and with prayer.Lt 260, 1906, par. 14

The day and hour of the coming of the Son of man are unknown, and the Lord will come at a time when people think not.Ms 35, 1906, par. 15–23+2 Readiness therefore does not mean knowing the exact moment He is coming but understanding and doing what must be done to inherit eternal life, for God has given to every person his work.Ms 192, 1903, par. 1

To every man is given his work, for while the Master is away each servant has been assigned a task to do to the best of ability in preparation for His coming.Ms 143, 1902, par. 1+2 No one is excused, whatever station, education, capacity or ability, but a definite responsibility rests upon every person to take up the part appointed, whether great or small, and do it with conscientious faithfulness.HMW 25.2+2 That duty is laid upon consecrated canvassers to carry the last warning message, explain the word and bring light into the darkness of error, and upon church members in every place to dedicate themselves and carry truth from house to house to those needing the bread of life.AAC 3.1+1 Those who teach truth must carefully and prayerfully learn the ability of each believer and then instruct and lead them step by step until they feel the burden of the work appointed them.ST Jan 1, 1894 Taking up that work and doing it faithfully is necessary to resist temptation, to fulfill the divine purpose and to live the Christian life, which goes beyond going to church and hearing the word to practicing the truth heard and carrying it into everyday life in constant, unselfish work with the single aim to glorify Him who made every sacrifice to save from ruin.ST Jan 1, 1894+1

The assignment is special, distinct, personal and individual, appointing to each a particular part in the cause to which to give self and for which to be personally accountable to God.Ms 143, 1902, par. 1+3 It is work that keeps physical, mental and spiritual capabilities in exercise, and capabilities entrusted increase in usefulness when used in service, so that comprehending the assignment brings blessing.Lt 25, 1902, par. 9 It is each one's own work in saving a world that grows worse and worse, an accountability to praise God for, which Satan seeks to hinder on the right hand and on the left by setting everything possible in operation to call attention away from individual work.Ms 164, 1904, par. 13 The work is suited to place and abilities, to be served faithfully where placed, accepting another field only when clearly called, for abandoning entrusted work out of weariness for a position where there is inability or unwillingness to serve makes a slothful servant.5T 184.2–3 Each is therefore to consider individual responsibility prayerfully.JIOKP 38.2+1

The work does not belong principally to the minister nor to officers, leaders or conference leaders alone, but to every church member and every soul professing the name, whatever calling.Ms 11, 1883, par. 3+3 None are to depend on leaders to think for them or to carry all burdens and perplexities, nor to remain idle, inactive and fruitless, nor to leave duty to the minister or place responsibilities on one person.Ms 11, 1883, par. 3+3 Idleness and neglect of spiritual responsibility leaves the worker a hindrance in the vineyard, and when believers neglect duty their light fails to reach others, souls are misled, and the church does not represent Christ or strengthen the world.EDFCP 25.1+1 All are to take an active, earnest, disinterested part in advancing the kingdom with the chief aim of winning souls by making Christ known, diffusing light and bearing the message of divine love, not condemning or denouncing but drawing with Christ, beseeching men to be reconciled, encouraging souls and attracting them to the Saviour.6T 427.1–2 Withholding the service of heart and life, influence, time, money and effort robs God of the glory that should flow through conversion of souls, while those who understand the Scriptures are to carry the message to places where it has not reached and share what has been given, with different tasks assigned according to ability yet all belonging to one united work of drawing people to Christ in which members act together under divine power, each dependent on the others while retaining a distinct role.6T 427.1–2+2

That work is not merely working fields of corn and wheat but earnest, persevering work for salvation of souls, by which the Father is glorified in much fruit-bearing.RH Nov 26, 1914 The first great work is saving souls by personal responsibility and personal effort, the individual believer reaching the individual sinner, with every hand as well as heart engaged.STMW11 644.2 Each is to be instructed of God and not educated to look to and trust in man, understanding own responsibility and results, with no barriers erected to keep men from their fellow men.STMW11 644.2 For this every one has a lamp to be kindled from the divine altar and filled with the golden oil emptied from the heavenly witnesses that stand before the throne, to shed precious, strong, pure, clear rays of light on the sinner's pathway.STMW11 644.2 Every person endowed with faculties and entrusted with talents is as a living stone in the temple to shine and emit light, with lay members doing all they can do, taking up the work lying nearest, anything however humble, rather than being idle do-nothings like the men of Meroz.RH Nov 26, 1914+2 Using talents already possessed brings more grace and increased ability, while refusing plainly opened doors of usefulness cripples missionary enterprises and hinders the work.RH Nov 26, 1914+2 Those who know truth are accountable for how they use received light and must not live indifferent while others perish for lack of knowledge, but be awakened, be trained through experience in seeking to save others, move forward steadily to warn the world and bring others the light of truth, go to new fields where godly example can lead others into the work, and prepare for the great day rather than spend time on selfish purposes or ease.16MR 343.1–3+1

Each person's assigned work is measured and suited to ability, preparation, powers and opportunities, with greater trusts bringing greater responsibility.CT 518.1–2+2 God entrusts work and resources according to what has been given, accepts service according to means and strength rather than what is lacking, and rewards faithful improvement while punishing abuse or neglect.ST Oct 22, 1894+1 Those with greater abilities bear greater responsibilities, while those with few talents or humble circumstances are not expected to do what their limits prevent, yet small gifts faithfully used are accepted and no limited ability excuses inaction.ST Oct 22, 1894+1 Faithfully carrying out the duty matters whether or not it involves leadership, exercising abilities develops greater efficiency and prepares for greater responsibility, and every act of loyalty and faith is crowned with favor.CT 518.1–2+2

All do not have the same work or line of labor, but everyone is to act a part under divine influence, with people differing in abilities and suited to different lines of service.Ms 91, 1903, par. 14+2 In God's work physical and mental labor are both essential and one kind of service is not to be treated as more necessary than another.STB 807.3+2 Stern, taxing labor involving disagreeable strain and requiring skill and tact draws upon physical powers just as other duties draw upon mental powers, so no line is to be drawn between mental and physical work.SSP 32.3+1 Everything connected with God's cause is to bear the stamp of strict justice, mercy and love, and workers are not to be held to the work by wages nor secured for trust positions by higher pay, but to covenant by sacrifice and labor for love of souls.CH 306.1–3+1

Diversity of workers is needed because minds differ and do not comprehend alike, so truth is presented more clearly by several together than by one alone and no one mind presents the whole truth.Ms 87, 1907, par. 15–16+2 Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul and the other witnesses of the Saviour's earthly life illustrate this, for the gospels differ yet blend in one harmonious whole, one writer bringing in points another does not, with some truths appealing more strongly to one class and some points seeming more important to some than to others.Ms 87, 1907, par. 15–16 God has many servants whom He leads and teaches with wisdom and knowledge, and those who would be successful teachers of the gospel must be learners together with those they teach.Lt 97, 1902, par. 1

For those who enter the ministry the appointed work is special: to give themselves to prayer and to the speaking of the Word, using every faculty to proclaim the gospel.Ms 127, 1902, par. 14–15 That work does not include becoming engrossed with business matters, settling little difficulties in the various churches, or being wearied by long committee meetings at night.Ms 127, 1902, par. 14–15+1 Such diversions leave no time to commune with God and have fellowship with the Spirit and unfit the minister to keep the best spiritual frame of mind.Ms 127, 1902, par. 14–15 Ministers must keep time to examine themselves, to meditate and pray, and to seek the Holy Spirit in order to present truth aright, uniting prayer with work as Christ spent night after night wholly in prayer, and their work should be respected rather than diverted to other enterprises that would leave appointed missions without means.Ms 127, 1902, par. 14–15+1

Education, practice and wise placement prepare each person to meet emergencies and grow able to bear responsibility, and people should be placed in kinds of work they are fitted to do since assigning work without regard to differences can lead to failure.STB 501.2+2 Teachers and ministers must stay wide awake to find the talents in different individuals and put each talent to its very best use, making the best use of physical and mental capabilities.Lt 25, 1902, par. 7–8 This includes practical self-supporting labor in schools established away from the cities where plenty of land can be obtained, so students can help support themselves while learning the valuable lessons taught by cultivating the soil, with various other industries connected with the schools, and with hygienic restaurants and small sanitariums established in different places.Lt 25, 1902, par. 7–8 God trains workers through changes and duties they might not choose, preparing them for more acceptable and useful service, and willing submission brings grace and strength to perform those duties helpfully, with true happiness found in service rather than a useless selfish life.RH May 2, 1907

Taking up the manufacture and sale of health foods when assigned more decidedly spiritual work such as ministerial labor and preparing books for the press is inconsistent with that calling and disqualifies for it.Lt 22, 1902, par. 18–20 That added burden brings overstrained nerves, weakness of judgment, nervous hurry, trials and criticisms one is ill-prepared to meet, and no one should covet more responsibilities than can be carried while keeping the love of Christ dwelling in the heart and the soul fresh in grace.Lt 22, 1902, par. 18–20 Other lines belong to others who have ability for them and can be blessed in them with strict economy, and only if the Lord Himself bids a man take up another work will He sustain him in it.Lt 22, 1902, par. 18–20 By contrast, the work of making good food and sharing health-reform knowledge is a proper assignment for others, through which light is reflected, others are served with patience and kindness, and prejudice against truth is countered.Lt 348, 1908, par. 7–10+1

Service in a publishing house or a Tract and Missionary Society is appointed work where a worker should not leave a post if the absence would create a vacancy and confusion.Ms 43, 1898, par. 20–21 God's call must be carefully distinguished from personal inclination, and God-given ability and judgment are talents to be improved and returned to Him in faithful service.Ms 43, 1898, par. 20–21 The medical missionary work appointed to Dr. Kellogg was to represent to the world the gospel ministry, not to enter the worst dens of iniquity in the large cities.4MR 416.5 Physicians have enough to do in the work appointed them and are not required to take on every task, since accepting too many responsibilities can weaken both worker and institution.20MR 252.2–4

W. C. White's appointed work was chiefly that of an organizer, not a financier, though he was given financial responsibilities, serving others self-denyingly and taking on difficult work for the good of the cause.Lt 57, 1898, par. 9–11 Sharp is to bear responsibilities alongside others, but is not to be made a leader or burdened with too many duties.Ms 172, 1899, par. 6 Brother Rice is stepping beyond the work appointed him and cannot see the outcome of the work he has taken up.Lt 4, 1893, par. 1+1 McCoy's duty is his responsibilities to his people and loved ones on the island, even though he would prefer to remain at the conference.Lt 52, 1894, par. 1

The man in Merced is not to leave his work to others while choosing to do no part, but to remain there, use influence to witness for truth and righteousness, observe the Sabbath as an example, and help prepare people for earth's final events.Lt 184, 1907, par. 2–4 The Oakland believers are urged each to take up assigned work faithfully in sharing truth and seeking salvation, pledging earnest united effort with the whole congregation standing faithfully together.RH Nov 29, 1906+1 Now is the opportune time to work that city so that much good may be accomplished.Lt 288, 1906, par. 27

As Creator and original owner of all things, God has placed every human being in the world as His steward to do work He appoints, supplying talents and facilities fitted to each one's capabilities for the greatest good to self and others and the greatest honor to God.ED 137.3–138.1+2 Wealth, position, intellect, means, influence, station, faculties and powers are sacred loans belonging to God and entrusted for a time, not to be used arbitrarily but to be wisely improved in the assigned work.ST Nov 28, 1911+2 This stewardship obligation rests on every person whether recognized or not and covers the whole sphere of human activity, and recognition of God's ownership is the foundation of business integrity and true success.ED 137.3–138.1 Christ came to serve His household and its interests, then returned to heaven and left His followers in charge of His house and work until He returns, each one given a trust to watch, wait, prepare, and faithfully carry out lest His sudden return find them sleeping.8T 37.2+1 God will not be man's substitute to do it, so every power must now be consecrated, self surrendered, and the very best done with single eye to His glory in cooperation with divine agencies, letting every ray shine in good works to enlighten the ignorant without delay under the divine Leader.SPBC 129.1–3

Those redeemed are redeemed for service and made laborers together with God, for life's purpose is to minister to God and to others after Christ's example in cooperation with Christ for the salvation of souls.5T 182.1+2 A servant's name itself implies work, and every person is to use and improve the powers given for His glory, putting the building up of His kingdom before personal ease or convenience.5T 182.1+1 Such unselfish effort to help and bless others keeps the worker near Him in dependence and faith and fosters growth in grace and knowledge of the truth, binding people to Christ, to God, and to one another in their appointed place and particular work.5T 182.1+1 Human effort must thus cooperate with God's work in the soul, so that when a young person is converted he is to be put to work in the vineyard according to ability rather than left idle.FE 217.2+1 Those given resources and influence who care for the cause recognize the call and take responsibility for advancing the work where needed.5T 564.2

Capabilities entrusted by the Lord increase in usefulness when exercised in His service, keeping physical, mental, and spiritual powers in action, and comprehending this assignment brings blessing.Lt 25, 1902, par. 9+1 The task is measured according to ability with no injustice in distribution, to be done faithfully and willingly, and exercising abilities develops greater efficiency and prepares for greater responsibility and increase.Lt 25, 1902, par. 9+2 The Lord tests by small present duties; taking hold of them with a willing heart and doing them well brings increase of what is entrusted and greater responsibilities, while turning from them with contempt leaves a person with nothing more.RH Mar 12, 1872+1 Talents are sacred trusts to be used and returned with corresponding gain, not wasted, squandered, or neglected, and faithfulness in large or small responsibilities proves wise stewardship and fitness to receive the true riches of everlasting life.2T 250.1+2 God accepts service according to means and strength, not according to what is not possessed, so reward corresponds to faithful improvement and punishment to abuse or neglect.ST Oct 22, 1894

Each servant will personally give an account of the use of what was entrusted, with work examined at the Master's return and in the judgment according to deeds, determining future destiny.ST Oct 22, 1894+2 Intellect, wealth, reason, every faculty and every gift of grace are to bless others beginning with the household and to bring glory to God, and persistent refusal to use them leads to loss and separation from God, while faithful use increases their fruit.ST Possessing qualifications and opportunities is not enough, for neglected duties, wasted time, and unused talents bring accountability.ASCOP 20.2–21.1 God does not demand the same amount from all but expects returns in proportion to trust, accepting even one talent used to the best account.2T 667.1–2 Since He will return to settle accounts and any probation may end suddenly in death, each must remain prepared to meet Him in peace.Lt 110, 1900, par. 14 Ministers and people must settle an account for planting truth in new places, entering the whitening field, and laboring for the cities, and unless more is done than has been done for those scarcely touched cities there will be a heavy account for terrible neglect.8T 35.1–2 Living only for self brings corresponding loss.ST Oct 22, 1894

Faithful performance of duty suited to ability is not left unrewarded, for loyalty and faith receive God's favor, approval, commendation, and special tokens of favor while awaiting His return.5T 395.4+2 Gifts and abilities belong to Him for service rather than for boasting.RH Jul 31, 1900 Lowly service is not to be despised beside power to speak on Bible subjects, for the Lord needs kind laborers and every sincere gift is accepted whether pounds or only mites, since He loves a cheerful giver and all who keep in touch with Christ can speak a timely word.Lt 175, 1904, par. 10 Fidelity rather than size is valued.5T 395.4+1

True happiness is found only in a life of unselfish, consecrated service in doing the appointed work under a wise plan met with hearty cooperation, while a useless, selfish life brings misery and dissatisfaction with self and others.Ms 79, 1903, par. 1–2+2 True workers gladly use their highest gifts even in the lowliest service, seeing and performing the duties God points out.Ms 79, 1903, par. 1–2+1 God trains workers through changes and duties they would not choose, and willing submission brings grace and strength to perform them helpfully in preparation for more acceptable and useful service.RH May 2, 1907 Activity is essential to happiness from creation, when Adam and Eve were given the garden to tend in exercise of every faculty.Ms 185, 1898, par. 35–36 Faithfulness in using mind and body to honor God as steward brings rich blessings from above.Lt 128, 1901, par. 21–22

Having work is not a temporary burden ending in idleness in heaven, and talents given are to be used rightly in carrying it out by diligent, well-trained effort.Lt 13, 1901, par. 9–10+1

The absent householder may return at evening, at midnight, at cockcrowing, or in the morning, and because no one knows when that time will be, every servant is charged to take heed, to watch and to pray, lest coming suddenly he find them sleeping, and that charge is spoken to all.Ms 35, 1906, par. 15–23+1 Keeping awake now is required, for the present time demands wakefulness and constant watchfulness with prayer, and to sleep at one's post is highly dangerous.Ms 35, 1906, par. 15–23+1

Watchfulness means guarding every avenue of the soul against Satan, resisting his suggestions and deceptions and attacks, refusing passion and selfish thoughts and evil suspicions that injure the church, keeping the will subject to God and relying on grace and the Spirit.Lt 47, 1894, par. 38–39+2 It means watching the leader's movements, obeying his orders, keeping the spiritual lamps burning, remaining interested and active and alert at the assigned post and doing the exact work entrusted, while also seeking opportunities to do good.ST Aug 6, 1885+2 Christians left in charge of the household and its work while Christ is absent in heaven are stewards of His interests who must watch, wait, prepare and remain faithful, lest He return suddenly and find them sleeping.Lt 5, 1903, par. 15–18+1

Waiting and watching is not inactivity or idle waiting, but working faithfully at one's post while expecting the return, serving the Master, helping to build up fellow believers, sharing the truth and carrying out the commission to preach the gospel to all people.Ms 10, 1886, par. 1–4+2 Each servant has a particular personal work, and no one is excused from both working and watching, for neglecting them leaves the church without vitality and power, while faithfulness includes responsibility for winning people to Christ and for their well-being and salvation.ST Aug 6, 1885+2 Abilities and opportunities are sacred trusts to be diligently used rather than merely possessed, the work will be examined, and neglected duties, wasted time and unused talents bring accountability, so each must fulfill what is entrusted while watching for the Master's return.ASCOP 20.2–21.1+1

Readiness is not to be postponed until the coming seems near, for knowing the Master's will makes faithful living and walking with God continually the duty for every day, with attention fixed on His glory, whatever the expected date.Lt 110, 1900, par. 14+1 Since He will return to settle accounts with His servants and any person's probation may end suddenly in death, each must remain prepared to meet Him in peace.Lt 110, 1900, par. 14+1 The work given is to form a character without fault in the sight of God and of Christ for the future destiny, with Christ cooperating with all who wear His yoke and learn His meekness and lowliness, and faithfulness in that work decides the sentence when judgment sits and the books are opened and every man is judged and rewarded according to deeds.Lt 317a, 1905, par. 9+1

The assigned work is presenting the light of truth and the remedy for sin to a sin-sick world perishing in iniquity and ignorance. Ms 164, 1904, par. 13+4 God has given to every person his own individual work in saving a world that grows worse and worse, making each personally accountable to Him for that work, an accountability to praise Him for. Ms 164, 1904, par. 13+1 The gospel work does not depend principally on the minister, for every soul professing Christ, whatever his calling, is to take an active, earnest, disinterested part in advancing the kingdom with the chief aim of winning souls by making Christ known. 6T 427.1–2+1 Consecrated canvassers carry that last warning message as they explain the word and bring light to those in the darkness of error. AAC 3.1

The work committed to the church is diffusing light and bearing the message of God's love, not condemning or denouncing but drawing with Christ, beseeching men to be reconciled to God, encouraging souls and attracting them to the Saviour. 6T 427.1–2 Those who know the truth must be awakened, educated, and trained to become workers, gaining experimental knowledge by laboring for others and by godly example leading others to unite with them. 16MR 343.1–3+1 To live beneath privileges in indolence, indifference, and sleep while others perish is failure of appointed duty, and in the judgment each will be called to account for how the light given was used. ST May 17, 1883+1 Withholding the service of heart and life, influence, time, money, and effort robs God of the glory that should flow to Him through the conversion of souls. 6T 427.1–2 Satan means to hinder this saving work on the right hand and on the left by setting everything possible in operation to call attention away from individual duty. Ms 164, 1904, par. 13

Believers are to move forward steadily and prepare for the great day of the Lord rather than spend time on selfish purposes or ease. ST May 17, 1883 Those who understand the Scriptures are to carry the message to places where it has not reached and share what God has given them, warning the towns and cities around and entering new fields to warn and save souls perishing for lack of knowledge. RH Jan 28, 1902+2 That work includes planting the seeds of truth in new places and entering the whitening harvest field. Lt 136, 1902, par. 13–15+1 The church is expected to discipline and fit its members for enlightening the world, and no one is excused because he is uneducated, for God has a work for each to do. RH Dec 21, 1916

Light entrusted must be used amid moral darkness rather than settling near institutions merely for personal convenience. FE 494.5–6+1 Church members in every place are called to dedicate themselves to the Lord and carry the truth from house to house to people who need the bread of life, from pulpit to home through publications and Bible readings. HMW 25.2+2 They are to ask God to send workers to bring souls to salvation while themselves dedicating and carrying truth to those who need it. HMW 25.2+2 This sending includes large cities still unworked and unworked territory, especially for those trained in medical missionary lines. Ms 145, 1907, par. 4–5

The light received must be shared with others or it will be lost in darkness and leave the holder in peril. Ms 44, 1895, par. 8 Each worker serving God has a part in communicating light and truth, using God-given powers in the mission of the gospel and helping carry the message beyond his own neighborhood. STB 488.2+2 Those who receive great light and precious opportunities are accountable to God and must remain faithful to the sacred trust and represent Christ as the light of the world. 16MR 343.1–3+2 They are stewards accountable for returning what is entrusted to them. Ms 26, 1896, par. 27–28

God will give to each person the wisdom necessary to perform his own appointed work. Lt 274, 1906, par. 1 Each must study carefully and prayerfully to know what that work is, and study the Word to learn how best to introduce truth where it has not yet been carried. Ms 145, 1907, par. 4–5 Jesus knows the needs of His children and will qualify those He appoints to do the work, with earnest seasons of prayer for the Holy Spirit's guidance needed so workers may be directed to the best places and churches aroused to take up whatever line they see needs doing. Ms 145, 1907, par. 4–5 All heaven is interested in saving souls, and angels wait for the cooperation of human workers and will go before every worker who takes up giving the knowledge of God's Word to the world. Ms 145, 1907, par. 4–5

Mark 13:34 assigns to every person a specific work and sphere of responsibility, calling all to awake to that trust and to discover their duty by asking God what they should do.7T 58.3+2 Each can live a life of usefulness by learning all that can be learned and then blessing others by sharing knowledge of truth, doing what fits individual ability and willingly helping to bear burdens.7T 58.3+1 This service reaches people of every social class, including those harmed by intemperance and those in positions of influence, with no one to be overlooked, and it calls for using every influence, time, strength, money and effort.CH 220.3–221.1 Servants are to cooperate with Christ's plan, use their gifts faithfully even in lowly service, and perform the duties God assigns, for true happiness is found in unselfish service and not in a useless, selfish life.8MR 422.1–2 People are linked to one another and to God through such service, and their individual efforts are to work together as a complete whole in doing good.Ms 56, 1899, par. 20

Each soul is responsible for working out righteousness through Christ's grace while maintaining a living connection with the Father and the Son.STB 456.4–457.1 The Lord entrusts people with powers and goods as stewards, and these gifts are to be put to use in His service, with the work beginning in the heart and then extending outward to make a person an efficient worker for Him.Lt 133, 1897, par. 16–17 As Creator He is the original owner of all things, every human being is His steward supplied with talents and facilities and placed in the world to do work appointed by Him, and this stewardship obligation rests on every person and covers the whole sphere of human activity whether it is recognized or not.ED 137.3–138.1 The verse means every man is given his own work, the work his capabilities fit him for, the work that will bring the greatest good to himself and to his fellow men and the greatest honor to God, and recognition of God's ownership is the foundation of business integrity and true success.ED 137.3–138.1 All are to work diligently in their daily callings according to ability, carrying religion into what they do and directing efforts toward honoring Christ and building His kingdom, not to glorify self but to glorify God with devotion, ability, and entrusted means.RH Oct 26, 1911+1

When a person gives the whole self to Christ, every kind of work — business, ministry, or a trade — becomes sacred service under Christ's supervision, with each discovering what the Master requires and carrying it out in cooperation with other workers.Lt 107, 1900, par. 13–14 Christ as Master has given to every person a gift and a specific work and keeps His eye upon each worker, so all are responsible and must give an account, and there is blessing in laboring for souls with that accountability.Ms 159, 1904, par. 11–12 Angels wait to minister His grace and give the Spirit needed for this work to all with open hearts, but those buried in the world with money-making and harvest planning neglect family prayer and knowing their sons and daughters, and they make mistakes and lose much because they do not take firm hold of Christ's hand to be led and taught and guided in whatever business they are engaged.Ms 159, 1904, par. 11–12 To every man is given his work and each has a place in the eternal plan of heaven, which means fathers and mothers must overcome their own lawlessness and untidy habits, bring truth into character building, and give truth the first place in everything at any sacrifice.Lt 108, 1898, par. 15–17 In the home this requires parents to find something for their children to do, to make boys and girls feel part of the home firm, to keep the premises cleansed from every unpleasant sight, and to give this instruction for physical health and spiritual soundness, walking in the measure of faith given by God, relying on God for help, putting faith into exercise, and letting light shine.Lt 108, 1898, par. 15–17

Each person who belongs to God can honor Him and be a blessing where they are, including through faithful service in their own home, and no one is to remain idle or merely receive preaching but should use every influence to win souls, including through the example and influence of family life and by carrying the message to neighbors.Ms 40a, 1904, par. 3+1 Working in harmony with God in this way makes the church a force for good.Ms 130, 1909, par. 28–32 The great Teacher gives each person work in His vineyard, and those entrusted with responsibilities are to meet difficulties with prayer and consult Him, rather than acting as boastful, self-reliant people, so they can serve faithfully and distinguish right from wrong.Lt 124, 1896, par. 14 Those engaged in His special service are given grace and power when they ask for it, and each person should seek the Lord for light and conviction about duty and then follow what He directs, for the Holy Spirit gives impressions about how to advance.Lt 77, 1899, par. 2–3+1 The Lord does not intend workers to depend on a human leader to assign or direct it; students may receive advice, but they should seek counsel from the Lord, who alone is their counselor.21MR 52.4–53.2

Church members are to engage in humble work for God in communicating light and truth, seeking the Lord in prayer and opening the heart to the Light of Life, rather than only being told of evils and reproved.Ms 95, 1907, par. 12 God has given to every man his work, requiring every man to learn of Jesus Christ the great Teacher, to pray much, to be Christlike and not merely profess Christianity, to receive light from the Sun of righteousness because light is closely joined to life and without that light there is no life, and to know the truth of the Word because without knowing it no one can live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God, and presenting this necessity brings the work to a higher standard.Lt 181, 1905, par. 1

Different tasks belong to one united work under Christ the Head, with varied talents, abilities and duties faithfully and thoroughly done toward a common purpose.STB 185.2–4+2 Those bought by His blood are put under the guardianship of His grace, each given his own work in the church when brought into fellowship, to be done as a mind under God's controlling influence, moving in Christ's light and clothed in His righteousness with mercy as the foundation, while Jesus Himself holds the reins to bring peace and comfort and hope.RCOC 46.3 Each servant receives a distinct responsibility according to ability, and different responsibilities together serve the whole work of God.Lt 86a, 1893, par. 2–6+3 Every member has work to do and must not remain inactive, but use and develop God-given abilities by diligent practice to serve effectively and benefit others, with all service united in drawing people to Christ under divine power, each dependent on the others while retaining a distinct role.Ms 83, 1899, par. 7+2

Each is to attend faithfully to his own lot, place and duty rather than criticize the work entrusted to others.RH May 25, 1905 Each is to carry out the work entrusted to him faithfully rather than take over another's work or take on burdens appointed for others and complain.Lt 86a, 1893, par. 2–6+1 Each person should attend to the work given and follow Christ rather than investigate another person's work.Ms 78, 1903, par. 12 No one should neglect his God-given work by devoting mind, tongue and influence to discourage another laborer of God's appointment and try to break up a good work, for to do this is to fight against God, since the work is the Lord's and the call to ministry is received from no human being.Lt 208, 1902, par. 53 Those unwilling to take up the work God appoints, who take up a work beyond their capability, prove unskilful workmen.Ms 108, 1903, par. 6

No man or council of men is to make little of another's entrusted qualifications, weigh another's talents in the balances of human judgment, merge another's individuality into his own, urge any man to make another man his steward, or interpose to take another's work out of God's hands into finite hands, for the work and its accountability are individual and cannot be transferred, and each is to be fashioned by God's hand and fitted to do the work God gave him.SPBC 183.1–2 Every man is responsible to God for that work, and He has not appointed any man to rule over his fellows, nor are His children to be placed under human jurisdiction or bound by human bonds, yokes and agreements.Lt 76, 1902, par. 13–15 Christ is Priest over His own house, Advocate and propitiation who atoned by shedding His blood, and as King He has received from His Father all power in heaven and in earth, under whom all strive to do the work Christ did as God's husbandry and God's building under the divine theocracy without being lorded over by fellow men.Lt 76, 1902, par. 13–15 No human mind is to be trammeled, harnessed and driven by human hands, and no one mind is capable of planning and devising for all branches of work embracing thousands of people.RCOC 46.3+1

Each is not to depend on conference leaders to think for him or carry all burdens and perplexities, but to seek God's guidance about how to work and which task best suits him.Ms 11, 1883, par. 3+1 This personal responsibility does not permit independent teaching of new theories, for workers are to remain in harmony with the truth and with one another, seek counsel and cooperate, while looking to God rather than depending on human leaders for permission at every step.5T 463.1 Each person is to discover duty by asking God what to do, fulfilling a part in the shared work of serving others and doing good, linked to one another and to God through service so individual efforts work together as a complete whole.Ms 56, 1899, par. 20 Doing the assigned work requires a consecrated mind and heart ready to receive the impressions of the Holy Spirit and to advance in harmony with the Lord's will, not putting human plans and preferences in place of God's plans which hinders His work, nor saying or doing anything to discourage Christlike effort, but being zealous to increase ability to labor.Lt 167, 1904, par. 13

God will not be man's substitute to do the assigned work, so every power and ability must be consecrated now, dying to self and surrendering to do it, following Jesus without asking where or what reward, leading to the light and letting every ray shine in good works to enlighten the ignorant, acting without delay under the divine Leader as an active soldier in divine armor with divine power working with the human to break worldly enchantments, doing his very best with an eye single to God's glory which God will accept, since light and grace convert only as man cooperates with divine agencies while selfishness, ease and indistinct witness bring curse.SPBC 129.1–3 The work is given as diversities of gifts and moral and spiritual capital entrusted to each to appreciate and trade upon in best service to the Master's glory according to ability, with no one accountable for talents never had and none to complain of smallness of gifts, for a talent well used gains other talents and the man with a few pence serving faithfully is judged as faithful as one who improved pounds.SPBC 183.1–2 Each must study carefully and prayerfully to know his appointed work and study the Word to learn how best to introduce truth where it has not been carried, especially in large unworked cities, with earnest prayer for the Holy Spirit's guidance to the best places to plant truth, since Jesus knows the needs of His children and will qualify those He appoints, churches must arouse to take up whatever line needs doing, and angels wait to cooperate and go before every worker giving God's Word while all heaven is interested in saving souls.Ms 145, 1907, par. 4–5

No one man is the whole sufficiency, and no one should exalt supposed capabilities or seek a strikingly developed identity by doing alone what should be divided and shared with brethren after consultation, but with humble hearts unify and advise and counsel with brethren who can help in his own appointed sphere where he can do a good work.Lt 403, 1904, par. 2 Ministers and other laborers must not depend on the mind of certain leading workers to define duties, and a conference president's individual judgment is not to be the judgment of all, for high position brings no new power, capability or Christian virtues, and God gives every person some talent and individual judgment to use and improve, which use increases capability to serve, with individual and church each having responsibilities of their own to be prayerfully considered.Lt 340, 1907, par. 1–2 Work done genuinely and thoroughly bears God's approval, while sham or defective work has no value in His sight.STB 587.2 Each is to do his best wherever he is, spreading the work without humanly imposed limits or barriers, with God empowering the work in Christ's way and setting heavenly agencies in motion to prepare the way for those who sow and reap.RCOC 50.3–4

The duty is to carry out the work conscientiously and without weariness rather than speculate about success, with each accountable for the duty before him and not excused for neglecting it, exercising mental and spiritual powers and after doing his best leaving results with God.Ms 24b, 1894, par. 2 God entrusts different talents, means and influence to be used for His work where and when needed, not all concentrated in one institution or branch, so faithful servants attend to needs beyond their own interests and use judgment to advance the wider work.Lt 34a, 1886, par. 30–31 Each is responsible to use those gifts according to ability and as God directs rather than surrendering stewardship to others, for God's work has many branches and needs requiring servants to look beyond the one branch they serve and invest where the cause needs support.Lt 34, 1886, par. 26–31 Each has a work entrusted by God the great Designer to be carried out under His direction rather than undertaking enterprises He has not planned, in his own place to fill under Christ's authority for God's approval, with no one to assume he must carry every responsibility or manage all of God's institutions.STB 235.4–236.2+2