The Need of Aggressive Labor

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There are many fields of labor which have not yet been entered; but there is not self-sacrificing help enough to fill the places where the people are all ready to listen to the truth and many to receive it. The new fields must be entered, and many will have to go with the expectation of bearing their own expenses. Some of our ministers feel but little disposition to take upon them the burden of the work of God, and labor with the disinterested benevolence which characterized the life of our Lord.

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God’s ministers should go out, knowing in whom they trust. There is power in Christ and His salvation to make them free men; and unless they are free in Him, they can not build up His church and gather in souls. Those who are not prepared to do this work would better first seek God for themselves until they receive power from on high.

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God is grieved as He sees the lack of self-denial in His servants. Angels stand amazed at this lack of self-denial and perseverance. The life of Christ should be studied more. He is the example. Can the ministers of to-day expect to endure less than the Waldenses and other reformers have endured to carry the truth to those who are lost in deception and sin?

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The proclamation of the last message of mercy is intrusted to God’s ministers, and He is displeased with those who fail to throw their whole energies into this all-important work. All heaven is grieved as it sees the great lack of devotion to the cause of God. It is time that the watchmen on the walls of Zion understand the responsibility and sacredness of their mission. There is a woe upon them if they fail to perform the work which they themselves acknowledge God has given into their hands.

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When they are unfaithful in their work, they endanger the cause of truth, and expose it to the ridicule of the enemy. Souls are everywhere perishing because those who have been appointed as shepherds of the flock are not all laborers together with God. They are neglecting the very work that should be done.

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Why are those set apart for the work of the ministry placed on committees and boards? Why are they called upon to attend so many business meetings at a great distance from their fields of labor? Why are not business matters placed in the hands of business men? The ministers have not been set apart to do this work. The finances of the cause should be properly managed. Managing ability is to be brought into the work. But ministers are set apart for another line of work.

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Ministers are not to be called hither and thither to attend board meetings to decide common business questions. This has been done in the past, but it is not the work in which the Lord wishes them to engage. Let men who have not been set apart to the sacred work of the ministry take the management of financial matters. Too many financial burdens have been placed upon the ministers. When this is done, the great gospel commission is neglected. God looks upon this as a dishonor to His name.

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The Lord’s great vineyard demands from His servants that which it has not yet received,-earnest, persevering labor for souls. The ministry is becoming weak and feeble, and under its tame service the churches also are becoming weak. The ministers have but little to show in the conversion of souls as a result of their labors. These things are depriving God of the glory which belongs to Him. The truth is not carried into the barren places of the earth. God calls for workers who will be producers as well as consumers.

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There is a world to be warned. Ministers should be engaged in earnest work to open new fields, and in personal labor for souls, and not hovering over the churches which have already received great light and many advantages. Sept. 9, 1901. Ellen G. White.