Work for Lay-members

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Those who have long known the truth need to seek the Lord most earnestly, that their hearts may be filled with a determination to work for their neighbors. My brethren and sisters, visit those who live near you, and by sympathy and kindness seek to reach their hearts. Be sure to work in a way that will remove prejudice instead of creating it. And remember that those who know the truth for this time, and yet confine their efforts to their own churches, refusing to work for their unconverted neighbors, will be called to account for unfulfilled duties.

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Lend your neighbors some of our smaller books. If their interest is awakened, take some of the larger books. Show them «Christ’s Object Lessons,» tell them its history, and ask them if they do not want a copy. If they already have it, ask them if they do not want to read other books of a similar nature. If possible, secure an opportunity to teach them the truth. Beside all waters the workers are to sow the seeds of truth, not knowing which shall prosper, this or that, but ever walking in humility and trust beside the One who has declared, «Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end.»

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Let every one who has eaten of the bread which came down from heaven labor in all simplicity to teach others what they must do to be saved. Little missionary work is done, and what is the result? The truths that Christ gave are not taught. God’s people are not growing in grace. Many are in an unpleasant, complaining frame of mind. Those who are not doing their duty, who are not helping others to see the importance of the truths for this time, must feel dissatisfied with themselves. Satan takes advantage of this feature in their experience, and leads them to criticise and find fault. If they were busily engaged in seeking to know and do the will of God, they would feel such a burden for perishing souls, such an unrest of mind, that they could not be restrained from fulfilling the commission, «Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,» «teaching them all things whatsoever I have commanded.»

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Even while engaged in their daily employment, God’s people can seek to lead others to Christ. And while doing this, they will have the precious assurance that the Saviour is close beside them. They need not think they are left to their own feeble efforts. Christ will give them words to speak that will refresh and encourage and strengthen poor struggling souls who are in darkness. Their own faith will be strengthened, as they realize that the Redeemer’s promise is being fulfilled. Not only are they a blessing to others, but the work that they do for Christ brings a blessing to themselves.

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There are many who can and should do the work of which I have spoken. My brother, my sister, what are you doing for Christ? Are you seeking to be a blessing to others? Are your lips uttering words of kindness, sympathy, and love? Are you putting forth earnest efforts to win others to the Saviour?

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Fathers and mothers, be on guard. Let your conversation in the home be pleasant and encouraging. Always speak kindly, as if in the presence of Christ. Let there be no fault-finding, no accusing. Words of this kind wound and bruise the soul. It is natural for human beings to speak sharp words. Those who yield to this inclination open the door for the mistakes and errors of others. Their failings are dwelt upon, their deficiencies noted, and words are spoken that cause a lack of confidence in one who is doing his best to fulfill his duty as a laborer together with God. Often the seeds of distrust are sown because one thinks that he ought to have been favored, but was not Mrs. E. G. White. —