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Watch, Pray, Work, October 23
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night
cometh, when no man can work.
John 9:4
.
Could the ledger of Heaven be opened before us, we would be greatly
astonished at the large proportion of professing Christians who really
contribute nothing toward the upbuilding of Christ’s kingdom, who put
forth no efforts for the salvation of souls. Such are slothful servants. Many
who are satisfied not to do much good, flatter themselves that they are
doing no harm so long as they do not oppose the earnest, active workers.
But this class are doing much harm by their example....
The slothful servant was not condemned for what he had done, but for
what he had not done. There is no more dangerous enemy to the cause of
God than an indolent Christian. An open profaner does less harm, for he
deceives no one; he appears what he is, a brier, a thorn. The do-nothings
are the greatest hindrance. Those who will not bear burdens, who shun all
disagreeable responsibilities, are the first to be taken in Satan’s snare, the
first to lend their influence to a wrong course.
Watch, pray, work—these are the Christian’s watchwords. Let none
excuse themselves from labor for the salvation of souls. Let none deceive
themselves into the belief that nothing is required of them. No less is
required of any than was expected of the man with one talent.
There is work to be done for Christ in our families, in our neighbor-
hoods, everywhere. By kindness to the poor, the sick, or the bereaved, we
may obtain an influence over them, so that divine truth may find access to
their hearts. Opportunities for usefulness are on every hand. All who are
imbued with the spirit of Christ will show themselves to be fruit-bearing
branches of the living Vine....
It is ours to make the record which we desire to meet hereafter. Would
we have its pages filled with the history of earnest work for God and
humanity? Let us follow in the footsteps of Him who declared, “I must
work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh,
when no man can work.”
John 9:4
.
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