MISSIONARY WORK by Alice K. Hersum

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · March 11, 1880

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 11

MISSIONARY WORK.

By Alice K. Hersum

BY ALICE K. HERSUM.

The life of Christ well illustrates missionary labor. Those who have the spirit of Christ will have the missionary spirit, and will love to do all they can to help those around them. One marked peculiarity of Christ was his self-denial and benevolence. He came not to seek his own; he went about doing good. If we have an opportunity of doing something in his cause, how eagerly should we seize it, and how earnestly should we labor to be co-workers with him.

In order to be happy, we must seek to possess that character which Christ exhibited. He left the riches and glory of Heaven, and became poor that we might be made rich. He went from place to place, a homeless wanderer. He was acquainted with sorrow and grief, and was more destitute than the birds of the air and the foxes of the desert; for he had not where to lay his head.

With his example before us, we sometimes murmur when called upon to give up a little of our earthly treasure for his sake, or to labor in the work of saving souls for whom he gave his precious life. Oh, what ingratitude! When we appreciate the blessings of redemption, we shall feel that we can joyfully afford to make any and every sacrifice for the love of Christ. Every sacrifice made for his dear sake enriches the giver, and every suffering and privation endured for him, increases our final joy in Heaven. Oh, may the Lord help us to realize more fully the times in which we live, and to be more earnest in our efforts in the missionary work.

Allen's Corner, Me.