OUR WORK by L. A. Fero

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Thursday, February 19, 1880.

FromThe Review and Herald, Vol. 55, No. 8

OUR WORK.

By L. A. Fero

BY L. A. FERO.

[An essay read before the Wellsville (N. Y.) V. M. Society, and sent, by vote, for publication in the REVIEW.]

The work before those who are living in the closing moments of probation, is of vast importance and magnitude. The last note of warning must be given to the world, the honest must be sought out, and precious souls must be saved. God in his infinite wisdom has so arranged it that all may have a part in this work. None, however small their talents, can be excused. We are placed here, not so much for ourselves as to benefit others. The golden moments are fast passing, the fields are widening and spreading around us; and are we ready to engage in this work with that earnestness that should characterize every effort to advance the cause of God? We are apt to judge of the importance of any work by the zeal with which we see people engage in it. Do we, by the earnest efforts we put forth for the salvation of those around us, show that it is with us the all-important work?

Our Lord has no idlers in his vineyard; and although we may feel our own insufficiency, we should shrink from no responsibility, for He who has placed these responsibilities upon us will give us strength for their fulfillment. We have much to encourage and aid us in our missionary work; but we need to educate and discipline our minds, that we may be fitted to engage in it in the best manner possible. “Nothing is worth much to us which has not labor and toil as its price. Nothing is worth possessing or offering to others that costs us nothing.” Success in this work may cost us some self-denial, a loss of ease and pleasure; but what are we that we should count anything a cross or burden which God requires at our hands? We can show our love for him by doing cheerfully what he requires. If we do really love him, it will be easy for us to engage in any work, however humble, which he has called us to do, and all duties will not only be possible but pleasant. Animated by this love, we can do, endure, or suffer what would be impossible to our natures without it. If our love for God is as deep and strong as it should be, we can say with faithful Paul, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Are we prepared for this work, for the sacrifices it involves? Can we sit idly down, with folded hands, when precious souls are perishing all around us for lack of knowledge? Methinks angels of God gaze at us in sadness, as they see our indifference. When we feel like shrinking from duty, let us reflect on the sacrifice that has been made for us, that we are bought with a price, even the precious blood of our Saviour, who was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities. Let us bring to our minds the scene on Calvary, where the dying lover of souls suffered for you and me. Love for us sent him on his mission of suffering, and what return have we made? Every neglected duty is a sin against him.

Ought we not to bestir ourselves, and seek for opportunities of usefulness in his cause in whatever way we can, whether it be in visiting the sick, caring for the needy, or in distributing those silent messengers that we have ready to our hand? Let none of us stand idly waiting, saying, “There is nothing that I can do.” He who has called us will fit us for our work. But let us be found often visiting our closets; for here alone shall we receive the strength we need. He who has a pitying regard for the humblest of his children, who feels for every sorrow, and has an ear open to every prayer, will send his Spirit into our hearts, and give us wisdom to direct us.

Oh, the love of God! How amazing, that while his arm is “underneath and around the world,” we each, as we need, share his care and tenderness; and if we feel his approbation and support, although we may be deserted by the world or forsaken by friends, we can, with our eyes fixed on Heaven, move steadily forward. If, through our self-denying, persevering efforts, we can see but one soul saved, how great will be our rejoicing. And when at last the redeemed shall come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy, may it be ours to present golden sheaves to our Master, and sit at his feet, “peace-crowned” for evermore.

Wellsville, N. Y., Feb. 11.