Divine Cooperation: What God Expects Us to Do

God expects us to put forth every possible effort in our own behalf, for He does not propose to do for us the work He has already given us the capacity to performHR July 1, 1872, par. 9+1. While divine power is essential for any success, it is designed to combine with human energy, aspiration, and diligence rather than replace themST August 14, 1884, par. 13+1.

The Principle of Cooperation

God has established a partnership where the human and divine agencies must work in harmonyRH November 4, 1902, par. 15+1. We are called to be laborers together with Him, meaning that while He provides the ultimate efficiency, the responsibility for action rests with us 1 Corinthians 3:9COL 82.2.

• Physical Health: Many people wait for a miracle of healing while neglecting to exercise the muscles and limbs God has given themHR July 1, 1872, par. 9. We must move from principle and obey natural laws, even regardless of our feelings, trusting that God will strengthen our effortsHR July 1, 1872, par. 9.

• Mental Growth: We are not to let others do our thinking for us, as this dwarfs the intellectRH April 16, 1889, par. 3. God requires us to wrestle with deep problems of thought and use our mental faculties to their highest potentialRH April 16, 1889, par. 3+1.

• Daily Tasks: What human power is capable of doing, divine power is not summoned to performDA 535.3. We are to perform our domestic and professional duties with thoroughness and exactness, showing our appreciation for God's gifts through our own industry1MCP 352.3+2.

Spiritual Effort and Victory

Salvation is a gift, yet man has a part to act in the plan of redemption Philippians 2:12-13RH December 7, 1886, par. 2.

• Overcoming Sin: While we cannot cleanse our own hearts, we must choose to submit our wills and put forth a determined effort to subdue and crucify self10MR 332.1+1.

• Prayer and Action: After offering our petitions, we are to answer them ourselves as far as possibleST August 14, 1884, par. 13. Faith is not a substitute for effort; rather, it is a motive for the most earnest, persevering laborST August 14, 1884, par. 13+1.

• Reaching the Lost: God uses human beings as His helping hand to reach others1NL 69.9+1. If we do not exercise the ability He has given us, the work that might have been done will remain unfinished16MR 324.2+1.

The Result of United Effort

When we do our very best, we can then rest the matter in God's hands with perfect confidenceCH 378.2+1. Divine grace is held in reserve for those who demand it through active, trustful dependence6MR 18.1+1. It is through this union of the human and the divine that a symmetrical Christian character is formed and the world is enlightened with the glory of GodCE 51.1+2.

... up to the point of physical strength it is their privilege, because they do not act on their part. God has given us a work to do which he does not propose to do for us. We should move from principle, in harmony with natural law, irrespective of feeling. Many will not ...— HR July 1, 1872, par. 9 (1866)

... be taken away by human hands. Thus Christ would show that humanity is to co-operate with divinity. What human power can do divine power is not summoned to do. God does not dispense with man's aid. He strengthens him, co-operating with him as he uses the...— DA 535.3 (1898)

After we have offered our petitions, we are to answer them ourselves as far as possible, and not wait for God to do for us what we can do for ourselves. The help of God is held in reserve...— ST August 14, 1884, par. 13 (1874)

... human and divine agencies. There is much said concerning the inefficiency of human effort, and yet the Lord does nothing for the salvation of the soul without the co-operation of man. The word of God is clear and distinct on this point, and yet when so much depends upon our co-opera...— RH February 14, 1893, par. 12 (1851)

...must be maintained. Man works because God works in him; all the efficiency and power is of God. Yet God has so arranged that all the responsibility rests with the human instrument. These are the appointed conditions of partnership. Men are required to move among men, doing a divi...— RH November 4, 1902, par. 15 (1851)