EGW Writings1 Corinthians 3

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 19, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 19, 1898, par. 7

But the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. I am sure that the Lord would have us advance. I very much need the fourteen hundred dollars that have been taken from me in the case of Brother Leininger, that I may push the work here. Then my shares in the Healdsburg school is a problem. You know about that. I fully believe that if our churches in California knew of these things, they would not allow me to carry them, and thus be deprived of money with which to help in the cause of God as it advances. The walls of Jericho came down without a human hand being laid upon them, and God can help in building up just as readily as His armies tore down the walls of Jericho. The walls of Jericho, that now seem so formidable, He can lay even with the ground. My soul, wait thou upon the Lord, for He will bring it to pass. I will rest all upon the Lord. But then, I know He does nothing without the co-operation of man. God works, and man works. “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 97, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 97, 1898, par. 16

We shall all stand before the judgment seat of God. This reveals to us that all must render an account to God. Let us be careful not to put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in our brother’s way. Let us read carefully the twelfth chapter of Romans. If the Word is not sufficiently plain here, what could be said to make the church in every place understand? A variety of gifts are to be brought into the building of the temple of the Lord, and yet all are to find their proper place, and grow into an holy temple in the Lord. “Ye are God’s husbandry: ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] We are not to shut ourselves within ourselves. We are required to love one another as brethren, to be kind and courteous.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 13, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 13, 1898, par. 10

To those who have become children of God, Christ says, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] God would make men follow workers with Himself. He would have them use their entrusted powers to impress His character upon all with whom they have any connection. He has given to every man his work, and He will use all who act their part in His great firm to advance His kingdom in this world.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 152, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 152, 1898, par. 14

This matter was so urged upon my mind that I felt that I must bring it before my brethren at the earliest opportunity. Let none of us strive to be first, for if we do this the spirit of self will work until there is no room for the Spirit of God. Our brethren and sisters are to understand that they have a part in the work. Their work is essential, according to their ability. “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] We must give to every man his place, for God has given to every man his work; and if this work is neglected, a complete habitation for God will not be built.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 46, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 46, 1898, par. 7

“Ye are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] “Ye are not your own: for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] Then you will be silently as well as consciously developing a special individual character. As you take the yoke of Christ, and wear it, you will heed His invitation, “Learn of me: for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” [Matthew 11:29.]

13LtMs, Lt 46, 1898, par. 16

If you suppose that you have no sympathy from any human heart, you make a mistake. But even if this were the case you have the deepest, the richest, the most refreshing sympathy in the bosom of the great Shepherd. We have not an high priest who cannot sympathize with us, but One who was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. I want you to understand that if your soul is saved, it will be because you have cooperated with Jesus Christ in His great work of restoring in you the moral image of God. You must work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God that worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure. “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 139, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 139, 1898, par. 79

“Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Christ enlists in His service all who will consent to stand under His authority, all who will wear His yoke and accept the conditions which unite the human with the divine. Those who do this are molded by the influence that through the grace of Christ unites heart to heart, mind to mind, in one complete whole.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 33, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 33, 1898, par. 28

All who will come within the call of Christ, who will receive Him as their personal Saviour, will have eternal life. Herein is love. How can we express it? It is a love so deep, so broad, so full, so free, that it penetrates everywhere. It lifts out of Satan’s circle the poor souls who have been deluded by his hellish deceptions, and places them within reach of the throne of God, encircled by the rainbow of promise. That one soul saved will let his light shine forth upon the world that lieth in darkness. Then shall we not work in Christ’s lines? In connecting finite man with the infinite God, an honor that is beyond expression is conferred upon us. We are “laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 11 [Nos. 851-920]

MR No. 906—An Appeal for Acceptance of the Message of Christ’s Righteousness

11MR 288.2

God wants to put His Spirit upon you, but He cannot do this while you are so full of self. When self dies, you will feel the quickening influence of the Spirit of God. God’s people are enjoined to seek for unity, that they may be framed together into an holy temple for the Lord. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9)....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 125, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 125, 1898, par. 1

I speak to the students in our school. Would it not be well to have a Christian Help Society formed? “Ye are laborers together with God.” If you are to be a part of the Lord’s firm, to co-operate with God, what will you call this society? Its purpose will be expressed in the words of the apostle, “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] You are to be worked by the Holy Spirit. Then let it be your determination in everything you do to minister to Christ, even as He ministers of His goodness and His love to each of you. Be Christlike. The Saviour did not live to please Himself. He went about doing good. Then let no day pass in which you live to please yourself. Open your eyes to see the opportunities you have for being useful in the home life, to make father and mother happy, to relieve them of the burdens you are capable of carrying.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 63, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 63, 1898, par. 4

We do not know what the Lord will certainly do for us if we will come into line. God sees what He can make of man. There are possibilities which our feeble faith does not discern. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] He sees all the now unamiable traits of character in man, and He knows, if men will learn the meekness and lowliness of Christ, He can mold and fashion the combative spirit, the unamiable disposition, and bring every power of the being into working order to advance His kingdom. He longs to refine, elevate, and ennoble the entire life. If man will co-operate in the work, God will bring the apparently rough stones from the quarry into His workshop, and with the axe and hammer and chisel of His Word, prepare them for a place in His building. Through the Holy Spirit’s power He can use the very worst characters, and make them men and women of opportunity.

13LtMs, Lt 63, 1898, par. 9

The Lord says, “I have had my purpose concerning you.” If you will be one with Christ, your unity and close fellowship and love will be an endorsement of the work of Christ in the redemption of humanity. Satan is cunning and full of hatred, toward men and toward God. He would have man hate his fellow man, just as many are doing. The leaven of faultfinding and criticism has entered the church, and works to create cross-purposes, and tangle the work. God declares, “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 108, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 108, 1898, par. 15

God desires that the youth shall become skillful, thorough laborers, wearing Christ’s yoke, lifting His burdens. “Ye are laborers together with God,” He says. [1 Corinthians 3:9.] The children and youth should seek most earnestly to advance in understanding, in mental acquirements; their aim should be in spiritual as well as temporal things, to work upon the plan of addition. “Giving all diligence,” the apostle Peter says, “add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [2 Peter 1:5-8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 195, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 195, 1899, par. 2

The fact that man can please God is a wonderful incentive for us to make the most persevering, intense efforts, efforts which are proportionate to the value of the object which we are seeking to gain. “We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God that worketh in you, to will and to do of his good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.] Enoch walked with God. He was not satisfied with his own companionship. He walked with God. He pleased God. The Lord is not pleased when those who He has created are sinners. We are ever to walk with God and learn of Jesus Christ, who has overcome every temptation wherewith man is beset. He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 40, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 40, 1899, par. 32

All the self-exaltation of man, his high estimate of himself, are not of the least value in God’s sight. If man has that faith which in its simplicity works by love and sanctifies the soul, Christ says to him, Ye are a laborer “together with God; ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Man must be worked by God, builded by God. Material of the first quality must be used in the character building. You know that poor timbers have been put into your building. God has been working to remove these timbers. Do not build yourself after your own model. Let God make you a holy temple for Him. He has loved you. He is proving you. Make no failure.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 1, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 1, 1899, par. 23

Husbands, wives, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God that worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure. But many will not submit to the will of God, be His call ever so clear and loud. Every family has daily improvement to make. “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Men and women must co-operate with God if they would be overcomers, and at last see His face. Christlike virtues must be brought into the character.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 143, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 143, 1899, par. 30

Abuse of the temple of God has brought upon men and women suffering and misery which no human tongue can describe. “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk honestly in the day, not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof.” [Romans 13:12-14.] Those who will open their understanding to comprehend these things will make wonderful reforms in their lives. The apostle writes, “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Those who are perfecting Christian characters will make decided changes in their lives, that they may present themselves to God holy and blameless, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.

14LtMs, Ms 143, 1899, par. 35

We need to weed out from our conversation everything that is harsh and condemnatory. When we have put on Christ in meekness and lowliness of heart, we shall represent Christ in all our dealings with our children. To all who labor in Christ’s lines for the salvation of souls, the Saviour says, “Ye are laborers together with God. Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [Verse 9.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 11 [Nos. 851-920]

MR No. 919—Themes for Meditation

11MR 363.2

What Jesus Has Done For Us—Say to the youth, If you have not given your heart to Jesus, make Him the offering ere the year 1892 shall close. What has Jesus done for you? He has given His precious life for you. If God had not loved you He would have retained Jesus in heaven. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Do not allow the enemy to crowd this out of your mind. It is the most important theme for your meditation. What have I done to show that I appreciate this great love? What have I given to Jesus? The gift that will be a precious and fragrant offering to Him will be yourself. You that have not made your decision to be sons and daughters of God, I beg of you to do this without any delay. Place your will on the side of God’s will. He delights in mercy. “Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger forever, because He delighteth in mercy” (Micah 7:18). Have you decided to become a part of the heritage of the Lord? “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9). Come to Jesus just as you are, weak and sinful, ignorant and unworthy and He will receive you. He says, “A new heart also will I give you” (Ezekiel 36:26).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 120, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 120, 1899, par. 9

Christ came to the world with the invitation, Go, work today in my vineyard. Satan will seek to allure by his temptations, but listen to My voice today. What blessings are here offered to every man, woman, and child. It is the privilege of all to say, “We are laborers together with God, God’s husbandry, God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 189, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 189, 1899, par. 14

We have a most earnest desire that in the effort you are now putting forth you may understand the value of true education. As yet you have but a partial, one sided education. True education is that which will endure unto eternal life. True education is the preparation of the mental, moral, and physical powers for the performance of every duty, pleasant or otherwise, the training of every habit and practice, of heart, mind, and soul for divine service. Then of you it can be said in the heavenly courts, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 5, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 5, 1899, par. 10

He may present to the Lord the portion of his vineyard over which he has been given charge, well-cultivated and beautiful. He is to faithfully plant and sow, ever extending his domains by working new lands. “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Therefore if a man will keep his mind free from the rubbish Satan would pile into it, and lay it open to the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, he will be able to see God. His intellect is well-cultivated, and his character well disciplined. The work done will be like the work described in the forty-third chapter of Isaiah.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 111, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 111, 1899, par. 11

“We are laborers together with God,” the apostle says. [1 Corinthians 3:9.] God is the great worker, and if we place ourselves into working lines, the Lord will fulfill His part. But God does not want you and the Wessels family to invest your means in buildings. Your money is needed in the cause of God. You are not at liberty to tie up your talent in a napkin—in buildings—and bury it where it cannot do service for God. “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building,” he declares. [Verse 9.] He works in us to will and to do of His good pleasure.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 2, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 2, 1899, par. 35

I could write much more of the instruction given; but you have enough to act upon. “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] The cooperation of divine energy and human endeavor will make a success. God will find place in all the aggressive warfare to save the world.

14LtMs, Lt 2, 1899, par. 47

There should be no neglect to aid and support such a work as is called for in this Australia field. We are handling momentous truths, and God would have every one sanctified by the truth which he has accepted. Mutual confidence must be encouraged, “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] We are doing to the utmost of our ability in the line of means and in the line of labor. As far as our school and sanitarium are concerned, they are part of myself.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 9, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 9, 1899, par. 2

The Lord requires that principles be followed which are different from those that have been followed in the past. We who believe in Christ and receive His grace are members of His great firm. “Ye are God’s husbandry: ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Every one engaged in the work of God exerts an influence. The General Conference has had an influence, and this influence would have been increased had it kept to its legitimate work. But its influence became of none effect when it embraced so many interests, thus mingling the sacred and the common. Because of this, the voice of the General Conference lost its sacredness. But by the strictest observance of principles that cannot be corrupted, it may win back what it has lost. The people may then be addressed in the words, What God has cleansed, call not thou common or unclean.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 63, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 63, 1899, par. 33

As reformers we are to reform the medical practice by educating toward the light. Our work is to be done in the full recognition of God. We are to practice the strict principles of mercy and justice. Our work is not to be as a garment put together with basting threads. We must imitate God’s perfection. “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] We are to make the foundation of every building thorough and solid, as for eternity. Nothing must be done carelessly or shabbily. Do not put two timbers where there ought to be three.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 181, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 181, 1899, par. 1

We feel a deep interest in you, but the interest we feel is as nothingness compared with the interest Christ has in you and the love He has for you. “We are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] The Lord Jesus is the great Worker, as well as the Lawgiver. “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God that worketh in you, to will and to do of his good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.] God works and you work. Do not hang down your head as a bulrush, but lift it up, and trust wholly in God. Do not be discouraged, Philip. The Lord will be your helper. If you walk obediently and lawfully, He will be your strength, your front guard and your rearward. Let your swelling, struggling heart break for the longing it has for God, for the living God. Remember that the Lord is the one efficient power and agent in the work of the sanctification of the Spirit.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 20, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 20, 1899, par. 6

My brother, let me tell you that the very thing we all individually need is the love of Christ in the soul. The great and wonderful relationship of God with man should fill us with awe and reverence for God. It should lead us to walk in meekness and lowliness of mind. We need to understand that there is no equality in authority between the parties who are to co-operate. The condescension of the highest powers of heaven to unite as co-workers in the great field opening before us in our world in evangelical enterprises, does not abate one jot or one tittle from His prerogatives as Jehovah. Through the infinite sacrifice of God’s only begotten Son, His gift to the world to pay the ransom for man, we are placed on vantage ground. Through His imputed merits alone can man become as Paul expressed it a laborer together with God. “Ye are God’s husbandry,” he said, “Ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Under the Spirit’s working we are to bear fruit to God’s glory, as the ground when cultivated yields its fruits. “Ye are God’s building.”

14LtMs, Lt 20, 1899, par. 8

God’s glory is to be the motive in everything done on our world by those who have pledged themselves to be laborers together with God. There must be cooperation in everything which is embraced in Christian activity, in the building of meetinghouses for God. This is God’s work, and there are men of His appointment to whom He gives skill and understanding. If they will ask Him, and work in harmony with Him, He will show them how to do His work. In building, as they handle the tools, in every phase of the work let them apply the figure, “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] If men will submit to God’s control, they will become a holy temple unto the Lord.

14LtMs, Lt 20, 1899, par. 19

“We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry. ” The Lord is working, doing soul gardening, striving to bring all the capabilities of man into active working order that fruit shall appear to the glory of God. He presents another representation before us: “Ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] You are working in harmony with God co-operating with Him by placing yourself in right relation with Him that you may know the mind of God, and do as Christ declared He did. The Jews were finding fault with Christ, because He healed the man on the Sabbath day, and were determined to put an end to His life, but Jesus said to them, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” [John 5:17.] This made the Jews all the more angry. “Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he had not only broken the Sabbath, but said God was his Father making himself equal with God.

14LtMs, Lt 20, 1899, par. 20

“Then said Jesus unto them, Verily, verily I say unto you, the Son doeth nothing of himself but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son and showeth him all things that he himself doeth: and he will show him greater works than these that ye may marvel.” [Verses 19, 20.] Wonderful words! Those then who believe the works that Christ did, do the works of the Father. There is to be co-operation with Christ, and the souls He came to save. What shall we say then to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him for us all, how can He [not] freely with Him give us all things? All the power is of God. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 14 [Nos. 1081-1135]

MR No. 1114—The Influence of Evil Business Associates; Practice the Principles of the Word; God is Gracious and Forgiving

14MR 212.2

My brother, improve the opportunity offered you to gain an understanding of the words. “We are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” [1 Corinthians 3:9]. You will then have confidence in the forgiving and pardoning mercy of God’s love, and you will reveal a Christlike zeal for the advancement of His work. True repentance will bring newness of life. An entire change in mind and character will be brought about by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit. The pride and confidence that tempts human beings to rise up in mistaken independence will be expelled from the soul.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 153, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 153, 1899, par. 17

Saith not the Word, “We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building”? [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Shall I not, with my Saviour’s help, build a character for time and for eternity, and promote godliness in myself and in others through the sanctification of the truth?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 182, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 182, 1899, par. 10

I spoke this afternoon to one hundred and fifty people, mostly women, in regard to the training of children. And it seemed after I have talked one hour that I had talked but twenty minutes upon the education and training of children. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Mothers and fathers have a great work to do. The Lord will work with our efforts to accomplish a work for ourselves, that in meeting the divine requirements we can accomplish a work for others. If parents could only see that which God sees in the human agents, and would treat the children as younger members of the Lord’s family, they would feel their great responsibility of teaching them to be true and faithful to God who gave His life for them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 81, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 81, 1899, par. 3

It is not alone to the minister that the talents are given. They are lent to every man as verily as they were lent to the exalted angel in the courts of heaven. Paul speaks to all when he says, “Ye are laborers together with God, ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Christ taught this trust by a parable:

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 140, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 140, 1899, par. 1

Your letter is received. Thank you for responding. All that you say is reasonable, and it is the only course that you can pursue. The Lord will adjust these matters if we will let Him work His own plans. We are laborers together with God. He is the great worker. He works in us to will and to do of His good pleasure. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Bear this in mind; for it is an important statement. Unless the Lord build the house, the labor is vain. O how much need there is of practical, experimental religion in building up the work that is to be done for this time. Let us remember, my brother, that the eye of the Lord is over all his works. He reads as an open book the secrets of every heart. Lean your whole weight upon him. He will be with you always, even to the end of the world.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 146, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 146, 1899, par. 11

The man who loves God will not only offer Him lip service in praise and thanksgiving, but he will bring to the treasury his gifts and offerings that laborers may be sent forth to sow the precious seed. Will you show by your lives that you are seeking precious pearls? “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] God and man combine their efforts in this work.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 94, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 94, 1899, par. 32

When a school is seen to be running into debt, the tuition fee should be raised, and the institution run on more economical lines. Let the school managers try for one year to see what can be done to lessen this debt. Let everything be done with regard to the strictest economy. Each student should deny himself in the expenditure of means and help to lessen the debt on the school. At every step money should be saved, that the school may pay its indebtedness. If this plan is followed, the principles of self-denial can be brought back into the work. The world’s Redeemer understood what poverty meant, and He wants to see His followers working together in sympathy and love to wipe out this debt, that He may say to them, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] May the Lord help those who have departed from the principles of sacrifice to come back to the simplicity of the gospel of Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 57, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 57, 1899, par. 15

The word comes to every believer, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord. Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” [Isaiah 40:3.] Economize in your expenditure of means upon yourself. The first step of self-denial is generally the most difficult, but begin without delay. Your self-denying offerings shall be used in this field to supply workers to give the last message of mercy to a fallen world. There will be in your hearts such a sacred kindling of love for God and zeal for the truth that you will realize indeed the truth of the words, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]

6—To Direct, Not Dictate

9MR 180.1

Let every intelligent soul wonder and adore because of the fact that God has so valued His human agents as to say to them, “Ye are laborers together with God, ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9). In view of this fact, let every workman treat his fellow workman with peculiar delicacy. The cross of Calvary discloses the value of the soul in the sight of God....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 151, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 151, 1899, par. 11

“I will bring the (spiritually) blind by a way that they knew not;” God declared, “I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.” [Verse 16.] A great work is the Lord to do in the earth, and to every man He gives a part. The vineyard is the whole house of Israel. “We are laborers together with God,” the apostle says, “ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 141, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 141, 1899, par. 5

Adam, because he believed Satan’s misrepresentations of God and disobeyed his Creator, was not permitted to work in the garden of Eden. But through the mercy of Christ the call is made to men, “Go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] You are My purchased heritage. You are called away from the disloyalty of the world to build up a character in obedience to My word. You are accepted as laborers together with God. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] “You hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. ... But God, who is rich in mercy, for the great love wherewith he hath loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace are ye saved,) and hath raised us up together, and hath made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

14LtMs, Ms 141, 1899, par. 7

“Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Our characters are built up by obedience to the Word of God. The Lord’s plan for character building is to be carried out in the way he has specified. “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you,” He says, “Through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 192, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 192, 1899, par. 6

The Lord will reveal Himself to His people who believe on and fear His name. He would have the transforming energies of the Holy Spirit be a living testimony to the world. “We are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:9. The Lord works for the building up of characters that shall be symmetrical, after the divine Pattern.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 251, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 251, 1899, par. 4

“Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] God will work out every piece of timber that is unworthy of the structure. He will accept every faculty of soul and mind and strength if men will submit to be co-workers with Him. He is the great and unseen Worker. Man is the humble, seen actor, but he must sink himself in God; else he will not work after God’s similitude.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 170, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 170, 1899, par. 16

The God of nature is perpetually at work. His infinite power works unseen, but manifestations appear in the effects which the work produces. The same God who guides the planets works in the fruit orchard and in the vegetable garden. He never made a thorn, a thistle, or a tare. These are Satan’s work, the result of degeneration, introduced by him among the precious things. It is through God’s immediate agency that every bud bursts into blossom. When He was in the world in the form of humanity, Christ said, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” [John 5:17.] So when the students employ their time and strength in agricultural work, in heaven it is said of them, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 159, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 159, 1899, par. 3

Every opportunity of working as Christ worked is to be carefully improved. The physician should talk of the works of healing wrought by Christ, of His tenderness and love. He should believe that Jesus is His companion, close by his side. “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] But we lose the most precious opportunities by neglecting to speak a word in season. Too often a precious talent which ought to produce a thousandfold is left unused. If the golden privilege is not watched for, it will pass; something stood in the way of that physician doing his appointed work as a minister of righteousness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 168, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 168, 1899, par. 11

Every opportunity of working as Christ worked should be carefully improved. The physician should talk of the works of healing wrought by Christ, of His tenderness and love. He should believe that Jesus is his companion, close by his side. “We are laborers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9. Never should the physician neglect to direct the minds of his patients to Christ. If he has the Saviour abiding in his own heart, his thoughts will ever be directed to the great Healer of soul and body. He will lead the minds of sufferers to Him who can restore, who when on earth restored the sick to health, and healed the soul as well as the body, saying, “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.” Mark 2:5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 156, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 156, 1899, par. 8

This is the experience all must obtain if they would be laborers together with God. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] All who will be worked by the Holy Spirit will form characters after the similitude of Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 66, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 66, 1899, par. 8

In the heavenly courts we are called “laborers together with God.” “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building,” the word of Inspiration declares. [1 Corinthians 3:9.] When you wed heart and hand to Jesus, you become an heir of God and a joint-heir with Christ. God loves you with the same love that He loves His only begotten Son. You are given a life insurance policy. “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you,” the apostle Peter writes. [2 Peter 1:2.] On what condition? you ask. On the condition that you work on the plan of addition. Set your God-given talents of intellect at work.

14LtMs, Lt 66, 1899, par. 10

Do not suppose that you can unite yourself with the amusement-loving and self-indulgent, the gay and pleasure-loving, and resist temptation. But if you are seeking a knowledge of God, whom you realize has called you to no cheap character building, remembering always the words, “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” [1 Corinthians 3:9], the companionship of Christ takes you right away from the company of those lacking in virtue and nobility, and places you in a life-giving atmosphere, because you are seeking with all your powers to glorify God. Man works and God works, and the promise is, You shall be a partaker of His divine nature, because you have escaped the corrupting influences of the world.

14LtMs, Lt 66, 1899, par. 18

“Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Take care, Henry, take care. You are now building on the sand. The storm and tempest will beat upon your house, making of it a complete wreck, unless you turn square about, refusing to associate with those who will lead your feet in false paths. If you go on as you have been going, all your castle-building will prove vain and treacherous.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]

MR No. 770—Expensive Theatrical Evangelistic Displays

9MR 388.1

In our effort to proclaim the truth, God’s glory is ever to be kept in view. We are to worship Him in spirit and truth and in the beauty of holiness. We are to appear before Him cleansed and purified, so that He can teach us the meaning of the words, “We are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9)....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 73, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 73, 1899, par. 3

We are God’s great building. Every stroke, every stone put into the building, is only a part of the whole. Every worker is himself to become just what God designs he should be in building his own life with pure, noble, upright deeds, that at the end he may be a symmetrical structure, a fair temple, honored by God and man. God must be in this work. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Through you He has worked, and will work, to <do> honor <to His name> by trusting to you <these> great responsibilities. “We are laborers together with God,” and God would use you and me and each individual who engages in His service. Each is to stand upon his watchtower and listen attentively to that which the Spirit has to say to him, for every word and act leaves an impress not only on our characters, but upon the characters of others engaged in the work.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 85, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 85, 1899, par. 8

The great price heaven has paid for our redemption should give us exalted views of what we, united with Christ, may accomplish in doing the same work that Christ did in our world. “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. Therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” [1 John 3:1.] “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] What value this places upon man. In order for us to co-operate with God, we must work in Christ’s lines. By assuming human nature, the Lord Jesus gave all humanity the lesson that it is a living connection with Him that constitutes us valuable in God’s sight. Men and women have been granted another trial. They have been placed where through a connection with Christ they may learn of Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 8, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 8, 1899, par. 16

Experienced men are needed for the work in this country, men who are not narrow in their measurement, but broadminded, with quick, perceptive faculties, who can discern a thought and catch its meaning without a week’s time in which to think it over. Those who are laying the foundation for God’s building are addressed in the words, “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] The agencies of God are many! But all those who are willing to work according to God’s plan are included in the words, “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” God’s servants are to move so that no spiritual gift shall be lost. Their will is to be held in abeyance, and when God’s time comes, the rod will blossom. What form the work will take no one can know, but God’s servants are to be minutemen, able to understand the ways and will of their Leader.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 209, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 209, 1899, par. 18

We are either standing under the bloodstained banner of Prince Emmanuel or under the black banner of Satan. Whom will we choose? Truth as it is in Jesus will distinguish us from worldly policies. Have we not a strength from above? Need we plan how we can bind ourselves up with worldly confederacies? The Lord does not require of finite men the work which God must do. He asks that each shall do his appointed work. “We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Man is not to work the Holy Spirit; the Holy Spirit is to work man. The Word made heaven and earth and all things that are therein; and the Word will do its cleansing work with human beings, sanctifying them through Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 4, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 4, 1899, par. 22

The word of the Lord came to me again last night. I had written some plain things, and I was troubled. I could not sleep. It seemed so hard for me to present the things I had traced with my pen. I was not reconciled. I felt that I ought not to be compelled to say what I had said, that my motives would be misinterpreted. If those who are accomplishing large things in the health work in America have not spiritual discernment to take in our situation, which has been laid before them over and over again, how would they interpret the statements I had recently sent to America? I could not sleep till long after midnight. Then I was instructed again. One of great dignity said, “We are laborers together with God. Ye (as a people) are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Again it was urged upon me that in our helpless embarrassment the Lord had laid out lines of relief, has presented a solution of our difficulties, and I was to send to America the words I had written, with many other like words.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 8, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 8, 1899, par. 2

We read in the Word, “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] If you could only begin to feel one hundredth part of the burden I feel as I read these words, you would have no trouble in the school here. If you could only realize that you are probationers, that the God of heaven takes those who have been rebels against His government, and says, You may be laborers together with me, you would this day consecrate yourselves wholly to Him. You may be in living connection with Jesus Christ. You may be channels of light.

14LtMs, Ms 8, 1899, par. 5

At the very beginning of this term of school, it is your privilege to understand the meaning of the words, “We are laborers together with God.” “Ye are God’s husbandry.” Think of it! He is seeking to work the mind, just as you work the land. He is trying to sow seed that will bear fruit to His glory. “Ye are God’s building.” [Verse 9.] But God does not build without any care for you. He says to each one of you, “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30.] Where do we find rest. In meekness and lowliness. In submitting to God as a dutiful child submits to his father.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]

MR No. 1381—The Evil of Selfishness; Harmony Possible Through Prayer and Focusing on the Cross of Christ

19MR 143.1

If Satan can keep the human agent intoxicated with worldly ambition and worldly plans, he is well pleased. We deprive ourselves of the greatest blessings by failing to cooperate with our Redeemer in seeking to raise the fallen race, by failing to be God’s helping hand in the restoration of humanity. “We are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” [1 Corinthians 3:9]. He has made every sacrifice in our behalf, and shall we not make sacrifices to show our appreciation of the heavenly Gift?—Letter 97, 1901.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 92, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 92, 1899, par. 3

Industry is a talent. God has given to men and women a body, and members which compose the body. The head, the hands, the feet, the eyes, the ears, the heart, and every organ, are parts of the living machinery. “We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Education does not consist in using the brain alone. The hands must act their part in the education. Physical employment is a part of the education essential for every student. Education is lacking in an important line if the students are not taught how to exercise their muscles in useful labor.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 30, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 30, 1899, par. 2

I know that you must feel very lonely. I have passed over the ground, and the Lord alone gave me relief from my loneliness, and bade me rest in His love. “We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Then we must co-operate with God in doing His service. Our work is aggressive. The task appointed us is to sow the precious seeds of truth wherever God signifies that it is our duty to labor. God will give the increase. We shall garner just the harvest we have sown. The grace of God is given us to impart, and you have known the blessed experience of help for every time of need. We must impart as faithful stewards, according to the capabilities entrusted to us, that our talents may increase. Then at our Lord’s coming we may restore unto Him His own with usury. We must work on in faith and hope and courage in the Lord. We must not distrust God. We are not to have a doubt of success. We are to press forward and upward.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 41, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 41, 1899, par. 3

Let all who read these words be true to the requirements of Christ our Saviour, whose lips spoke these words for the benefit of all who live upon the earth. The Lord Jesus made a most wonderful sacrifice in our behalf. He clothed His divinity with humanity and came to our world to give all His followers an example of the work they are to do. All have the privilege of co-operating with Him. We are individually in possession of talents which we may use to accomplish good. “We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Who will now co-operate with God—built up by God, founded upon Christ, and enlightened by the Holy Spirit? Thus building for God, good works will appear.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 16a, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 16a, 1899, par. 12

The apostle Paul declares, “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] The material for the building is plainly specified in the words, “Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [2 Peter 1:5-8.] Here we are shown how we may co-operate with God. Man is to work constantly upon the plan of addition, while God works on the plan of multiplication. Thus man grows in spirituality, until he presents to the world, to angels, and to men such perfection of character that in the heavenly courts the words are spoken, “Ye are complete in him.” [Colossians 2:10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 33, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 33, 1899, par. 15

Do not think we are hardhearted, for we are not. We receive you very thankfully if you are soundly converted, but do not take charge of the flock as a shepherd until you are under the supervision of the true Shepherd, learning of Him that you may impart to others. We want you to dig deep and lay your foundation sure. We want you to have a soul-experience, and stand on the solid Rock. I have written this, not because I would hold you off, but because I want you to make sure how ye are building. “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 11, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 11, 1899, par. 11

Christ says to us, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30.] We are ever to learn of Christ. Yoked up with Him in perfect restraint, we are to stay in the learner’s position our whole life long, and then we are indeed “laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] We can be profitable teachers only as we daily learn Christ’s meekness and lowliness of heart. There is to be no halting in Christ’s school, no dwarfed experience. We are to receive that we may give. Constantly we are to learn more and more of the divine attributes.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 10, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 10, 1899, par. 22

“Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] The spiritual powers God has given man are to be exercised. Sin, reigning in the mortal body, has kept man working at cross-purposes with God, but the man who accepts Christ has consecrated his highest powers to God for the benefit of his fellow men. The Holy Spirit was given to call into exercise the higher powers entrusted to man, and he who yields himself to the control of His Spirit lays hold of Christ with the living grasp of an earnest, definite faith, an intensity of love that nothing can quench. His life is bound up with Christ. His religion is not made up of selfishness and covetousness. His study is, Where does the kingdom of God need building up most? Is it not where God’s stewards are struggling the hardest to establish the work on a solid basis, that they may receive to impart?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 62, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 62, 1899, par. 5

I tell you these things that you may see how we are situated. We would be glad to receive your help in any of these enterprises. Will you help us build our hospital? We shall be glad to receive any donations you may feel free to give. We are drawing from every resource possible, but the people here are in great poverty, and they can do but little. I am doing to the best of my ability, and yet there is much to be done. May the Lord bless you and enable you to co-operate with Him in advancing His work. He says, “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] The Lord expects us all to do our best, and when we do this, He will help us. May the Lord help you, my sister, and make your heart willing to consecrate your talents of influence and money to help the work along. By doing this you will lay up treasure against the time to come, that you may lay hold on eternal life.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 1 [Nos. 19-96]

MR No. 79—Excerpts From E. G. White Letter for an Article in Junior Guide

1MR 345.2

The work of cultivating the heart is profitable at all times and in all places. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9). We may learn a lesson from the work of the farmer in cultivating the field. He must cooperate with God. His part is to prepare the ground, and plant the seed, at the right time and in the right way. God gives the seed life. He sends the sunshine and the showers, and the seed springs up, “first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear” (Mark 4:28). If the farmer fails to do his part, if the human agent does not cooperate with divine agencies, the sun may shine, the dew and the showers may fall upon the soil, but there will be no harvest. And though the work of planting had been done, unless God sent the sunshine and the dew and the rain, the seed would never, never spring up and grow.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 198, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 198, 1899, par. 24

Every human being must know and have increased intelligence of the home he lives in. The laws governing the human machinery must be sacredly and respectfully regarded. The instruction [has been] given upon guarding every part of the human machinery. In our educational system we must make the Word of God the foundation of all education. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 139, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 139, 1900, par. 26

We are laid under the most solemn obligations, to furnish in Christians missions a grand illustration of the principles of the kingdom of God. The church is to be active in its working as an organized body to diffuse the influence of the cross of Christ, working for those nigh and afar off. Under God all who will eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God will be registered in the courts above, “Laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry: ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Controlled by the great Designer, they reveal what human beings can be when they wear the yoke of Christ, learning His meekness and lowliness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 18, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 18, 1900, par. 4

You have made plans and [have] much work before you to do. Remember that our hope and crown of rejoicing is the enlargement of the kingdom of God. Christ is the great Worker. Human beings are to be yoked up with Him. Man may frame yokes for his own neck and for the necks of others, and all may draw to the utmost of their physical, mental, and spiritual power, and yet find themselves tired out without having accomplished anything. Human power cannot do the work to be done. Christ says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Yet He says to human agents, “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Will He indeed accept human agents and unite them with His divine instrumentalities? He will. He will co-operate with the human beings who surrender themselves up to Him. He can use them to the glory of His name.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 24, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 24, 1900, par. 8

O, how my soul has thirsted for the pennies and shillings and pounds which have slipped through the fingers of those who do not realize how much they have spent for self and pride. Christ is hungering and thirsting for the money that men and women and children are thoughtlessly spending for self-gratification. If they denied their inclinations, this money might be used to do a most precious work for Christ. He says to all, old and young, “We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

15LtMs, Lt 24, 1900, par. 10

How many who have access to money waste it in selfish indulgence, which undermines the health God would have sacredly preserved. The Lord desires every talent He has given to young and old to be improved and increased. Each true member of the family of believers may become part of God’s temple. “Ye are God’s building.” [Verse 9.] Each one, quickened by the Holy Spirit, may be a stone in the building.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 93, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 93, 1900, par. 18

It is painful to our Lord to see the dwarfed religious life of those who claim to be Christians because they do not properly represent Him to the world. He would have His Holy Spirit breathed upon all who ask for it in faith. He is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him than parents are to give good gifts unto their children. Do we realize that a consecrated life has a telling influence upon many souls in our world? Life hid with Christ in God means much, and we are responsible for every hour of our life which has been granted us to form characters for the future life and to respond to the declaration, “We are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] We are working for time and for eternity. “Write, Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, they do rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” [Revelation 14:13.] Then glory will come back to God through the living influence of church members who have been doers of the commandments of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 124, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 124, 1900, par. 12

The Lord God of heaven gave His only begotten Son to live a life of shame, humiliation, and reproach in order that man should have a probation in which his character might be molded after the divine model, that the heavenly universe shall say of him, “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 21, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 21, 1900, par. 30

God has manifested His love to men by making them partakers with Himself in the work of salvation. All to whom the heavenly inspiration has come are put in trust with the gospel. “We are laborers together with God,” called to represent Him as ambassadors of love. [1 Corinthians 3:9.] We are to cooperate with the work of the delegates of heaven. And to us is committed a work which even the angels cannot do. Men must be the channel to communicate with men.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 85, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 85, 1900, par. 18

God gives His servants wisdom to bring out and connect with the army of workers new elements, men who will be able to act as God’s representatives, men who can receive truth from on high to impart to those who in turn will give it to others. Thus all the work will be done after the divine similitude. “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 29, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 29, 1900, par. 7

Our happiness and salvation depend upon eating the bread of life; that is, obeying the words and doing the works of Christ, advancing righteousness and restraining unrighteousness. Nothing can give such self-reliance, such courage, such an increase of talents and ability, as a true estimate of the requirements of God’s law. Nothing will give us such firmness and confidence, such an appreciation of talents bestowed upon us, as a realization that we are “laborers together with God” [1 Corinthians 3:9], and that we must have respect unto all of His commandments.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 38, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 38, 1900, par. 13

Christ made sacrifices at every step, sacrifices that none of His followers can ever make because they have never occupied the position Christ occupied. He was the most exalted being in the heavenly courts. But He laid aside all His glory, and came to this earth to suffer for sinners. If we meet with hardships in our work, let us look to Him who is the Author and Finisher of our faith. Then we shall not fail nor be discouraged. We shall endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. Remember what He says of all true believers, “We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 98, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 98, 1900, par. 46

The elevated character of the work of God is to be maintained. The Lord desires His chosen, elect people to stand superior in this Theocracy, shining amid the moral darkness of a hollow, insincere formalism. The children of God are not to pull one another to pieces. The work must be carried forward in Christ’s lines. He has left us an example of humility and unselfishness. He is our Pattern, and He says, “He that will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” [Mark 8:34.] Let all remember the words, “We are laborers together with God, ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] You are not wise enough to work by yourself. He has made you His steward in trust, to prove and try you, even as He did ancient Israel. He will not have His army composed of undisciplined, unsanctified, erratic solders, who would misrepresent His order and purity.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 68, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 68, 1900, par. 18

“Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] The perfection of Christian character is a living testimony that God lives and that His power is working miracles upon His self-denying, consecrated followers. Those who love one another as Christ has loved them bear a living testimony that unseen agencies are working upon human hearts, bringing them into conformity to the divine Word. It is the design of God that in the unity of the testimony of those who believe in Jesus Christ, the gospel should be expressed before the world. It is His purpose that those upon whom He has bestowed the gift of His own Son should co-operate with Him in saving others.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 5, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 5, 1900, par. 4

When man fell, God commenced to work to defeat the plans of Satan. God works in man. “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] In the beginning the Lord enjoined upon man the cultivation of the earth. This work was made much harder because of the transgression of the law of God. By transgressing man worked against his own present and eternal good. The earth was cursed because through disobedience man gave Satan opportunity to sow in the human heart the seeds of evil. The ground that in the beginning produced only good began to produce tares, and their growth called for continual warfare. The cultivation of the soil is a school in which man may learn spiritual lessons. As he cultivates the soil, man is to see reflected as in a mirror the work of God upon the human soul.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 25, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 25, 1900, par. 16

Our sanitarium is to be established in harmony with God’s appointment. Those who act a part in connection with this institution are to be themselves buildings for the Lord. Writing by the Holy Spirit the apostle declares, “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] God requires symmetry of character. His workers are ever to remember that self is to be hid in God. They are not to look to the men of the world for their strength, supposing that to gain a crumb of praise from them is something worth relating, even though those who give this praise are trampling God’s commandments under their feet. When the great men of the world speak a word in toleration of the Author of Christianity, what they say is repeated as though worthy of being immortalized. But words are cheap. They cost nothing. The Lord is honored only by those who love and obey His commandments.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 32, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 32, 1900, par. 10

God calls for all who claim to have received Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour to educate themselves by precept and example to obey the words of Christ. “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” [Mark 8:34.] “We are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 39, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 39, 1900, par. 15

When Christ was on this earth He was a diligent worker. Learn lessons from Him as you work, and when you rest from your labor tell one another what your experience has been in gaining a knowledge of God. “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 177, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 177, 1900, par. 26

I was instructed that in answer to many prayers the Lord has opened the way for the school at College View to do its work, and that He would help and bless them, if they would seek to bless others, and to impart the light of present truth. “Ye are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Was God working with those who sought to deprive the school of the few resources that it had? Was envy and covetousness to be suffered to cripple and harness and impede the work God would have done in the school, because of the overbearing and oppressive course of Dr. Kellogg?

Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]

MR No. 806—Stephen Belden and Norfolk Island

10MR 133.2

Give your own selves to the Lord. Let your Christian life affirm in all your work, temporal and religious, that you are working by the will of God, making His word your rule of daily life and practice, putting every fibre of selfishness away. You need not fail nor be discouraged. Sow the seeds of truth wherever you have an opportunity. God will water your own souls just as far and as long as you in Christ shall water others. Do all that you possibly can for the promotion of the truth. Do not get into strife, but with Christ in the heart you may contend for the faith in all meekness, and assurance, and love. Freely you have received, freely give. Let it not be said that the laborers in Norfolk Island have no more religion than those of other denominations. We must, as workers together with God, come out of the frosty atmosphere in which our spirits will be inclined to live and breathe. No traditionary sentiments must cling to and impede our movements. There are souls to be saved. Ye are “labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9). Our faith must be cultivated daily, and increase and grow, and we must understand what it means to endure, seeing Him who is invisible.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 88, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 88, 1900, par. 17

All, from the oldest to the youngest, need to be taught of God. We may be taught by man to see the truth clearly, but God alone can teach the heart to receive the truth savingly, which is to receive the words of eternal life into good and honest hearts. The Lord is waiting patiently to instruct every willing soul who will be taught. The fault is not with the willing Instructor, the greatest Teacher the world ever knew, but it is with the learner who holds to his own impressions and ideas, and will not give up his human theories and come in humility to be taught. He will not allow his conscience and his heart to be educated, disciplined, and trained—worked as the husbandman works the earth, and as the architect constructs the building. “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Everyone needs to be worked, molded and fashioned after the divine similitude.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 33, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 33, 1901, par. 5

Physicians who cultivate a sense of the presence of God will impress their patients with the influence of truth. As they show that they truly believe the words, “I know that my Redeemer lives to make intercession for me, and that because He lives, I shall live also,” the influence of this is felt. [Job 19:25; Hebrews 7:25.] Physicians little know the power they will have in the sickroom if they recognize the presence of God. Their words will be of such a character that impressions for good will be made upon minds. God desires the sanitariums which are established to be a power for good. Let those who are connected with them remember the words, “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Let the Christian, represented by the building, open every window heavenward, welcoming the bright, heavenly rays of the Sun of Righteousness. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” [Psalm 111:10.] Living and working under the constant impression, “Lo, God is here,” brings a hallowed influence, which the Spirit is ever impressing on heart and mind.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 97, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 97, 1901, par. 7

If Satan can keep the human agent intoxicated with worldly ambition and worldly plans, he is well pleased. We deprive ourselves of the greatest blessings by failing to co-operate with our Redeemer in seeking to raise the fallen race, by failing to be God’s helping hand in the restoration of humanity. “We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] He has made every sacrifice in our behalf, and shall we not make sacrifices to show our appreciation of the heavenly gift?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 141, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 141, 1901, par. 13

I am instructed to tell you, my brother, to seek to save the men of wealth. Tell them to lay up their treasure beside the throne of God by employing their talents in devising means and opening ways for the salvation of souls ready to perish, that their names may be written in the Lamb’s book of life. “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] The Lord desires the men He has been proving and testing by entrusting them with the talent of intellect and the talent of means, to lay up their treasure in heaven by returning to the Lord their substance, enabling His workers to do good, to advance His glory. If they do this, they will receive a crown of life, which will never perish.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 196, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 196, 1901, par. 9

“We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Can you imagine Christ showing the spirit that you have at times shown? Why do you allow yourself to show such a spirit? Unless you are constantly on the watch, you will degenerate instead of becoming more Christlike, more kind, pitiful, noble, and generous. If you cannot handle your work in a way that does justice to every one, I beseech you not to ruin your religious experience and your influence by remaining where you are. If the task is too large for you to do, and at the same time control your spirit and your words, for Christ’s sake make some decided change. Do not attempt to manage your own way. Thus you hurt and humiliate yourself and those that God desires to see advancing as His servants. God wants you to reveal an altogether different character. A true-hearted Christian, in the position that you occupy, would be a most powerful argument in favor of the gospel. Unless you can manifest more kindness, unless you can be considerate of the feelings of those who are working in the food factory, it will be better for you and for those connected with you for you to change your position. You can speak kindly; but you do not. You can be as true as steel to principle in every business transaction; but you are not. Let not your record be, “Weighed in the balances, and found wanting.” [Daniel 5:27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 180, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 180, 1901, par. 5

We are not to conform to the ways of worldlings. No worldly policy must come into our efforts to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, knowing that it is God that must work in us to will and to do of His good pleasure. “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” [Romans 12:3.] All that we have in gifts and capabilities, in speech, in thought and action, is from God. We do not create it. It is the gift of God. We must understand, also, that there is with each of us an individuality—a character to work out after the divine similitude. “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] You must cooperate, then, with God in the work of husbandry and building of your characters: there must be a turning away from things as dear to the human, carnal nature as the right eye, the right arm. If these cause stumbling, cut them off.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 186, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 186, 1901, par. 1

There are times when things do not work as brightly and cheerfully as we could wish because difficulties stand in the way of rapid advancement; but we hope, brethren and sisters, that you will all be encouraged to take a thorough interest in the establishment of the school at Berrien Springs, and aid it by the sale of Christ’s Object Lessons, and in other ways. Let the sale of Christ’s Object Lessons be taken hold of interestedly in our large cities and in the smaller settlements. Brethren, wake up! The good hand of the Lord has been with our people in the selection of a good place to locate the school. This place corresponds to the representation given me as to where the school should be located. It is away from the cities, and there is an abundance of land for agricultural purposes, and room so that houses will not need to be built one close to another. There is plenty of ground where students shall be educated to cultivate the land. “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 96, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 96, 1901, par. 11

I know that God will be with His people. He is the great Worker. We must be true and faithful, as the right hand of God. “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Let there be no murmuring, no faultfinding, no jealousy. Christ’s prayer for His disciples was that they might be one, even as He is one with the Father. “The glory which thou gavest me,” He said, “I have given them, that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” [John 17:22, 23.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 104, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 104, 1901, par. 10

Human beings are privileged to live in co-operation with heavenly powers. “We are laborers together with God,” says the apostle. [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Those who enter heartily into this work of co-operation place themselves in a direct line with light and strength and power and excellence. Among the redeemed there will be none who has not co-operated with God in working out their own salvation. God does not work alone for our salvation. He works with us to will and to do of His good pleasure.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 91, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 91, 1901, par. 37

There should be in your hearts a burning desire to be united with Christ, that you may be “laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] He is working with you as with a building, forming within you a character after the divine similitude. Let your character-building be in accordance with the beautiful pattern revealed to men in the life of Christ.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 12—Asking to Give

COL 146.2

Our part is to pray and believe. Watch unto prayer. Watch, and co-operate with the prayer-hearing God. Bear in mind that “we are labourers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9. Speak and act in harmony with your prayers. It will make an infinite difference with you whether trial shall prove your faith to be genuine, or show that your prayers are only a form.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]

MR No. 815—Evangelizing Big Cities From Outposts

10MR 236.2

Christ came to our world to show how man should live in order to secure eternal life. The infinite sacrifice made by our heavenly Father in giving His Son to our world is a lesson we do not fully comprehend. Our minds need to be refined, purified, and sanctified in order that we may take in the mysteries of godliness. The price to be paid for our redemption brought the Commander of the heavenly host from the royal courts. He who was sinless, the perfection of heaven, came to our world in human likeness to reach humanity. When He came, He ranked Himself among the poor and suffering ones that He might become acquainted with fallen humanity and uplift them by restoring the moral image of God in them. The great price heaven has paid for our redemption should give us exalted views of what we, united with Christ, may accomplish in doing the same work that Christ did in our world. “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not” (1 John 3:1). “We are labourers together with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9). What value this places upon man! In order for us to cooperate with God, we must work in Christ’s lines. By assuming human nature the Lord Jesus gave all humanity the lesson that it is a living connection with Him that constitutes us valuable in God’s sight. Men and women have been granted another trial as probationers. They have been placed where through a connection with Christ they may learn of Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 195, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 195, 1901, par. 7

Christ is our example, our inspiration, our exceeding great reward. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] God is the Master-builder, but man has a part to act. He is to co-operate with God. “We are laborers together with God.” [Verse 9.] Never forget the words, “together with God.” “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.] The miracle-working power of Christ’s grace is revealed in the creation in man of a new heart, a higher life, a holy enthusiasm. God says, “A new heart also will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] Is not this renewal of man the greatest miracle that can be performed? What cannot the human agent do who by faith takes hold of divine power? He loves the Lord Jesus with his whole heart, and Christ becomes his wisdom, his righteousness, his sanctification, and his redemption.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 191, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 191, 1901, par. 7

Yielding willingly to the evidence of truth, and walking in the light that shines in our pathway, we receive still greater light. Through the power of the manifestation of divine glory, we constantly advance in spiritual understanding. Christ’s knowledge of truth was direct, positive, without a shadow. The closer the acquaintance a man has with Jesus Christ, the more careful he will be to treat his fellow men respectfully, tenderly, courteously, righteously. He has learned of Christ, and he follows His example in word and action. By faith he is united with Christ. “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 62, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 62, 1901, par. 2

Peter is addressing those of “like precious faith.” [Verse 1.] Just as soon as those he is addressing take heed to this instruction, they will have the diligence which will lead them to carry to the world the light of the knowledge of the gospel. Christ wants every one of us to be co-laborers with Him. He says, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Therefore the knowledge of Him is of great consequence to us. Is it His will that each Sabbath we shall sit here and listen to the preaching of His Word without doing anything to impart the light to others? Is it for this that you have the Word of God? No, no; the Lord has given His people the light of truth that the knowledge of Christ may be carried to every part of the world. Upon those who receive the gift of God’s grace is placed the responsibility of seeking to save their fellow beings.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 50, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 50, 1901, par. 2

“We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Let us remember that all we have is lent to us by God, to be used in His service. Did men and women remember this more faithfully, the selfishness which exists in so many hearts would be uprooted. But men refuse to give themselves to God. They act as though they had not been bought by Him with the blood of His only begotten Son. They forget that they are indebted to Him for every breath they breathe, for sunshine and shower, for every dollar they possess. They use His money in building houses and adding acre to acre, solely for self-gratification. A just God will call them to account for misapplying His means, robbing His needy children of the necessaries of life in order to gratify their expensive tastes.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 96, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 96, 1901, par. 21

From all the vocations of life, useful spiritual lessons may be learned. Those who till the soil may, while they work, study the meaning of the words, “Ye are God’s husbandry.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] In the human heart the seeds of truth are to be sown, that the life may bear the beautiful fruit of the Spirit. God’s impress on the mind is to mold it into graceful symmetry. The crude energies, both physical and mental, are to be trained for the Master’s service.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 128, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 128, 1901, par. 17

It is when we realize that we must individually form a character for the future life that we comprehend that a true religious life necessitates growth in grace. When the heart is illuminated by the Sun of Righteousness, we shall see the necessity of taking ourselves in hand. We shall weed from the garden of the heart the evils that make the character defective. We shall deal sternly with self. With the closest introspection we shall make a careful examination of our temperament and our weaknesses of character. We should deal with our perverse dispositions decidedly and bravely, so that we shall not dishonor God. We need not carry the defects of early life into the manhood and womanhood of our Christian experience. We should leave childish things behind. “Ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] He is working upon you. And in order to grow in grace and attain perfection of character, you must co-operate with Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 127, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 127, 1901, par. 5

From house-building precious spiritual lessons may be learned. “Ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] The Lord desires His people to teach their children the importance of bringing good timbers into their character-building, to teach them that what is worth doing at all is worth doing well.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 24, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 24, 1901, par. 34

God says, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” [Philippians 2:12.] This work needs to be done by the members of the Healdsburg church. When their spiritual discernment is revived, they will fear and tremble as they see that they were standing on the brink of perdition, ready to perish. For years I have seen their danger, and I pray that the Lord will open their eyes before it is everlastingly too late. Do thorough work in purifying the soul; “for it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” [Verse 13.] “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]

MR No. 1012—Qualifications of Parents and Teachers; a Call to Leave Battle Creek

13MR 93.1

“Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” [1 Corinthians 3:9]. Fathers and mothers, you are to build up in this life characters which will help you to fit your children for the future, immortal life, which will help them to form such characters that you will not be ashamed to see them, as parents, taking the charge of their own children, and transferring to them your own attributes.

13MR 98.2

Nature is our lesson book. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” [1 Corinthians 3:9]. The Lord has not laid out His lines that you should be in uncertainty. The building up of so much that is in Battle Creek the Lord will surely counterwork, if His voice is not heeded, by bringing around circumstances that will pull them down.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 21, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 21, 1901, par. 33

None is too young to enter the service of God, to form a character after the divine similitude. Let all remember the words, “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Those who claim to be serving Christ are to co-operate with the Master Builder in their character-building. Only thus can they build up a structure which by its symmetry and loveliness represents divinity.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 65, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 65, 1901, par. 19

Christ desires to use every student here as His agent. He says, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] You are to co-operate with the One who gave His life for you. “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God that worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.] What rich blessing from above this school will have if the teachers and students will consecrate themselves, heart, mind, soul, and strength to God’s service, as His helping hand. His helping hand—this is what you may be. If you will yield yourselves into His keeping, He will lead you safely, enabling you to make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 56, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 56, 1901, par. 10

God says to those who profess to believe in Him, “Go forth into all parts of the world, and diffuse the light of my truth, that men and women may be led to Christ.” Let us awaken to our duty, and do all that we can to help forward the Lord’s work. Let superficial excuses be blown to the four winds. Let decided action commence on the part of all who can help. Let them co-operate with the angels sent from the heavenly courts to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation. Forget not the words, “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] No longer grieve the Spirit of God by delaying. Let volunteers undertake the work in Nashville, an important part of God’s vineyard. Let these laborers, by earnest, persevering work, annex new territory.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 116, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 116, 1902, par. 7

In this life we are following on to know the Lord. We are to do just what He did during His ministry. We are in the world to improve every opportunity to help those in need of help. We are here to relieve the necessities, spiritual and physical, of the high and the low, the rich and the poor. When we are ever ready to do this, “we are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] God is building with us, and we ourselves are building in connection with Him. We are not to expect some great reward in this life. Our reward is with Christ. We are to look to Him, following His example. In order that we may work for Him intelligently, we must study the record of His work while on this earth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 97, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 97, 1902, par. 3

From the light that has been given me, the medical missionary work and the gospel ministry are never to be divorced. They are to be bound together as one work. Christ is the head of the body—the Church, and we are to work unitedly with Him. Referring to our relation to Him, the apostle says, “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 125a, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 125a, 1902, par. 2

Students, you are here to obtain an education that will help you to stand by the side of Christ in unselfish service. This is the highest education that you can possibly obtain. The Word of God declares, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.] As you stand firm for God, filled with courage and perseverance, constantly revealing self-denial, angels from heaven will come into this school. They will keep guard over you. Your health will be precious in God’s sight, because you keep His commandments.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 163, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 163, 1902, par. 10

My brother, improve the opportunity offered you to gain an understanding of the words, “Ye are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] You will then have confidence in the forgiving and pardoning mercy of God’s love, and you will reveal a Christlike zeal for the advancement of His work. True repentance will bring newness of life. An entire change in mind and character will be brought about by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit. The pride and confidence that tempts human beings to rise up in mistaken independence will be expelled from the soul.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 130, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 130, 1902, par. 22

We can walk as Christ walked only when we abide in Him. We can do medical missionary work in a Christlike manner only when we are one with Him; only when we wear His yoke. To those who bear His yoke He promises rest. He urges all to come to Him with their burdens. “Learn of Me,” He pleads; “for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30.] Yoked up with Christ, we receive spiritual life and power; for then we are “laborers together with God,” and of us as church members it can be said, “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Through sanctified co-operation with Christ, every one of us can form a life character that will be accepted in the heavenly kingdom. Thus we can co-operate with God in answering the prayer, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.” [Matthew 6:10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 87, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 87, 1902, par. 50

“How much owest thou unto my lord?” [Verse 5.] In order to produce the fruits of the earth, you must co-operate with Him. True, you can sow the seed; but it is God who sends the sunshine and the showers to cause the seed to spring up and grow, “first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.” [Mark 4:28.] Thus it is in cultivating the fruits of righteousness in the heart. We must co-operate with God. Paul says, “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Even in working for our temporal sustenance we are working for God’s glory. And He has instructed us to work also for the salvation of the soul. “Work out your own salvation,” He says, “with fear and trembling; for it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 203, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 203, 1902, par. 13

Christ is close at hand. “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] The way to the throne of grace is open. Christ will teach every one who asks for wisdom how to accomplish his work with exactitude, so that it will be in harmony with the work placed in other hands.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 229, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 65

Now, God wants every professed Christian to put on the armor of righteousness. He wants you to stand with that armor on, and He wants you to be laborers. He wants your words to be of that character to invite; and to win souls, that they will come to Jesus Christ; be laborers together with God. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Now God is building the temple in you, and you are to unite with Him, to cooperate with God, to protect this building, this temple, that it shall be made perfect, that He can work in and dwell in us, and that He can give us a supply of grace and sufficiency, that we can sing all day long in our homes.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 61, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 61, 1902, par. 19

The Lord desires His followers to exercise great care in dealing with one another. They are to lift up, to restore, to heal. But there is to be in the church no neglect of proper discipline. The members are to regard themselves as pupils in a school, learning how to perfect a character worthy of their high calling. All are to strive earnestly to keep themselves in a condition of spiritual health, that they may be workers together with God. And let them never forget the word “together.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 27, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 27, 1902, par. 13

The young men attending our schools should be taught how to build houses plainly and inexpensively, yet substantially. They are to be taught that God will not accept any haphazard, slipshod work. From whatever work they do—building, sowing, planting, or reaping, they are to learn the lesson, “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] They are to learn that which will prepare them to act their part in teaching others trades. Some are to learn one trade, some another. Some are specially adapted for the work of printing. Such can be prepared to connect with the publishing work.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 30, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 30, 1902, par. 10

Christ’s words are full and complete. Just believe them, taking the Lord at His word. He is speaking to you. Cast your helpless soul upon Him. He is ready to receive you, and to pardon every transgression, every sin. Believe, believe in His mercy and His readiness to receive you. Looking unto Jesus continually, you will learn how to come to Him by faith. “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.] “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 42, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 42, 1902, par. 2

“We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Lay hold of His work with clean hands, a pure heart, and holy, consecrated endeavor. Press forward to gain the triumphs of the cross of Christ. Are you not striving for a crown of immortality, for a life that measures with the life of God? O put your whole heart into the work. Let nothing cause your zeal to flag. Amidst trials and perplexities, hear His voice saying to you, “Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me, and he shall make peace with me.” [Isaiah 27:5.] True humility never hinders the Lord’s servants from undertaking the most arduous and responsible service, if the Lord requires it of them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 138, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 138, 1902, par. 7

The Lord is doing a great work in the earth. With intense interest He is examining every man’s fitness of character to associate with the sinless angels and with the redeemed family in heaven. Not one of the ransomed host will be disposed to begin a rebellion similar to the one that Satan began before the creation of our race. The Lord gives men and women probationary time in which to acquaint themselves with His terms of salvation. They are given opportunity to unite with Him, as “laborers together with God,” to mold their characters after the similitude of the Divine. [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Thus they heed His words of counsel, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.] They profit by the words of warning: “Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.” [Luke 21:34, 35.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 49, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 49, 1902, par. 30

In our efforts to proclaim the truth, God’s glory is ever to be kept in view. We are to worship Him in spirit and truth and in the beauty of holiness. We are to appear before Him cleansed and purified, so that He can teach us the meaning of the words, “We are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 125, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 125, 1902, par. 7

What are you here for? Is it to obtain an education that will help you to stand by the side of Christ in unselfish service? This is the highest education that you can possibly obtain. The Word of God declares, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.] As you stand firm for God, filled with courage and perseverance, constantly revealing self-denial, angels from heaven will come into this school. They will keep guard over you. Your health will be precious in God’s sight because you keep His commandments.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 57, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 57, 1902, par. 14

I am so thankful that Christ came in poverty. No one can say, “He knows nothing about the trials and hardships of poverty.” Although He knew that He was the Majesty of heaven and the Redeemer of the lost race, He worked for many years at the carpenter’s trade. From childhood He did His part toward sustaining a family living in poverty. And in His daily work He taught lessons in regard to the perfecting of character. In every detail of the work connected with the construction of buildings—in every stroke He made, in every piece He prepared and joined to other pieces—He showed the care and exactness with which character should be built. It is He who inspired Paul to declare, “Ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

17LtMs, Ms 57, 1902, par. 38

Parents are under obligation to train their children from infancy as missionaries for God. And how far-reaching is this work! Parents, begin a work in your own home. Humble yourself before God; pray for His Spirit to come into your heart. Cultivate home religion. Learn how to deal with human minds. Never let a degrading, rough, or impure word escape your lips. Never indulge in jesting and joking. Bring into the home life heaven’s purity and light and love. Thus you will co-operate with Christ. A Christian cannot do otherwise than co-operate with the great Master-worker. Paul declares, “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 48, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 48, 1902, par. 13

I hope that no one who can engage in this work will excuse himself and so lose the blessing that there is in it. This work is the means that the Lord has ordained for uniting the hearts of His people to one another by the same link that unites them to Himself. “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] These words seem so appropriate to the work now being done.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 230, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 230, 1902, par. 28

We have a world lying in wickedness; we have a world to save; and we ask you, How are you working? Are you cooperating with God? “Ye are laborers,” saith the Word, “together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Have you linked right up with the Master? Has appetite and passion and all the enchantments of dress, the taste for dress, come in and cut off your connection with your heavenly Father? We do not ask you to be careless in dress. We ask you to dress simply, to dress your children simply, and to teach them how they can obtain the robe of Christ’s righteousness that is without a spot or without a stain upon it.

17LtMs, Ms 230, 1902, par. 55

Christ said, Unless ye become as this little child, you can never see the kingdom of heaven. Now we want to be just as little children, to help one another to help all who are around us. There is sick and suffering everywhere, and we want to help suffering humanity. We need to restore, if possible, the moral image of God in man. “Ye are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 6a, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 6a, 1902, par. 20

“We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Lay hold of His work with clean hands, a pure heart, and holy, consecrated endeavor. Press forward to gain the triumphs of the cross. Are you not striving for a crown of immortality, for a life that measures with the life of God? Oh, put your whole heart into the work! Let nothing cause your zeal to flag.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 29, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 29, 1902, par. 18

On Sabbath morning I spoke to the church in Vicksburg, and He in whom I trust seemed to stand at my right hand to help me. I was much pleased with the meeting house. It is neat and tasteful. Wherever I go, I try to give the light the Lord has given me regarding the building of meeting houses. No haphazard work is to be done in their erection. However small they may be, they are to be object lessons of neatness and thoroughness. All that is done in the cause of God is to be done with exactness. Our buildings are to represent the character building that should be carried forward by everyone. We are working before God and the inhabitants of the universe. Let us do no halfhearted, slipshod work. “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Our work should impress those newly converted to the truth that we are laborers together with God.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]

MR No. 1573—Counsel Together and Lean Wholly on God

21MR 338.6

The needy are close by us, the suffering are in our very borders. We must try to help them. By the grace of Christ, the sealed fountains of earnest Christlike work are to be unsealed. In the strength of Him who has all strength we are to work as never before. The time of need and necessity shows our sure need of a present, all-powerful Lord Jehovah, in whom is everlasting strength, in whose power we may work. “We are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” [1 Corinthians 3:9].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 145, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 145, 1902, par. 19

There are but two classes in the world demanding of us our deepest interest and consideration in connection with the medical missionary work that Christ in His life has taught us to do—those who are sinners, in need of a Saviour, yet not realizing their need; and those who are in every line of God’s service are reaching forward. Whatever their rank, their capabilities, their entrusted talents, this latter class are “laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Regenerated by the grace of Christ, they are God’s faithful workers, by their influence regenerating others through the grace given them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 77, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 77, 1902, par. 42

To those who desire to make their calling and election sure, and to obtain this eternal life insurance policy, we would say, Remember that you are “laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] God is watching intently to see what kind of timbers parents and children put into their character building.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 70, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 70, 1902, par. 14

I have not strength to write more now. I write this because I wish you to begin to consider. May the Lord’s will be done in and through and by you. “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] I will write more as soon as I can.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 56, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 56, 1902, par. 3

I hope that no one who can engage in this work will excuse himself, and so lose the blessing that there is in it. This is the means the Lord has ordained for uniting the hearts of His people to one another by the same link that unites them to Himself as His co-workers. “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] These words seem so appropriate to the work now being done.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 17, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 17, 1902, par. 16

The truth is to be taught line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. The knowledge of God’s Word, and the best manner of communicating it, is to be regarded of first importance. All our teaching in spiritual lines is to be after the manner of Christ’s teaching. Crowd into your teaching all the affirmative truths you possibly can. Pastors, teachers, evangelists, are to be workers together with God. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] One is not to depend upon another; every one is to become acquainted with God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 96, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 96, 1902, par. 30

The work of God is advanced more rapidly when His workers are in unity. In unity there is a life, a power, that can be obtained in no other way. United with one another, working together in harmony, we shall indeed be “laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 100, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 100, 1902, par. 11

We want the knowledge of our Saviour. Is it not best for every one of us to begin to teach our children to be polite in the home and polite to God? Is not this the work that as “laborers together with God” [1 Corinthians 3:9] it is our bounden duty to do?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 45, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 45, 1902, par. 3

There is work for all to do. United with the great Master-worker, we are to seek and save the lost. “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] This union means power and grace. Christ says, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] His grace in the heart will make men wise in winning souls.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 19, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 19, 1902, par. 14

“We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Ever remember that all your capabilities, all your possessions, are the Lord’s, to be used and improved in His service. Remember that all the means you have is given you by God. Use it to glorify His holy name. Use it wisely and economically, because it is a sacred trust. I ask those who have been entrusted with the Lord’s money to work unselfishly for the Master. Do not tie up your money in estates or banks when there is such need that it be put in circulation to advance the Lord’s work. Remember that your money is yours only on trust. Strive to realize the responsibility resting on you. Great light has been given us. Let us work to the utmost of our ability to give this light to others by giving of our means to send workers into new fields. Thus we advance God’s work in our world. He who is truly converted will feel it a privilege to give of his means to send the truth to the dark places of the earth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 21, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 21, 1902, par. 16

“We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Lay hold of His work with clean hands, a pure heart, and holy, consecrated endeavor. Press forward to gain the triumphs of the cross of Christ. Are you not striving for a crown of immortality, for a life that measures with the life of God? Oh, put your whole heart into the work. Let nothing cause your zeal to flag.

Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1

Chapter 15—Emotional Factors

1MCP 124.4

I tell you in the fear of God: I know what you may be if your will is placed on the side of God. “We are laborers together with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9). You may be doing your work for time and eternity in such a manner that it will stand the test of the judgment. Will you try? Will you now turn square about? You are the object of Christ’s love and intercession. Will you now surrender to God and help those who are placed as sentinels to guard the interests of His work, instead of causing them grief and discouragement?—Testimonies for the Church 5:515, 516 (1889).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 4, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 4, 1902, par. 14

“Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] By the partnership of God and man, the work of warning the world is to be carried forward to completion. With fear and trembling every man is to work out his own salvation, knowing that God is working in him to will and to do of His good pleasure. It is God’s good pleasure, not man’s; for man is easily turned to the corrupted standard of the world. In order to be successful in the service of God, man must be guided by the Holy Spirit. Christ declares, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] And the one who refuses to unite with Christ, the one who exchanges the pure principles of heaven for the corrupting principles of the world, thus searing his conscience, would better be separated from the work that is to represent in this world God’s justice, mercy, truth, and holiness. I am instructed to say: Unless our ministers and directors believe and practice the Word of God, they will never see the King in His beauty. God’s law is the standard of character. He has no other standard for any one. Obedience to this law is the condition of salvation. Upon obedience depends our present and future happiness. Godliness is profitable for all things. It is the fruit of a repentance that needs not to be repented of. The evidence of its worth is in itself and is demonstrated by good works.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 168, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 168, 1902, par. 33

Day by day we are building characters, and we are building for eternity. God desires us in our lives to give the people of the world an example of what they should be and can be through obedience to the gospel of Christ. Let us place ourselves in God’s hands, to be dealt with as He sees best. “Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] If we build in co-operation with Him, the structure that we rear will day by day grow more beautiful and more symmetrical under the hand of the Master-builder, and through all eternity it will endure.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 240, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 240, 1902, par. 7

There was no dearth of light at the General Conference. Light was flashing all around them, but they kept their hearts locked. All needed to confess to the truth and be converted. If [only] the leading men had acted under a sense of their responsibility, not only for their own souls’ benefit but [because] self-examination is a duty due to fellow members of the human family as doing God service. “Ye are laborers together with God” [1 Corinthians 3:9],—that word “together” means everything—to help Christ in doing the very same work He did upon the earth, as He stood at the head of humanity to represent to all the fallen universe and to unfallen worlds, that fallen man can, through perfect obedience to His law, receive that grace from Christ and become partakers of His divine attributes, that through His example ever followed, he will be a laborer together with his Lord. He is ever aiming to obtain the excellence of Christ, and by beholding His preciousness and His courtesy his own Christian example is representing Christ. He makes others to apprehend Him by his pleasant, gracious words of love, because these traits of character are the representation of our Lord, our King, our Creator, our Redeemer, and the Lamb of God who taketh away our sins. In the conscious joy of being an overcomer through Him who hath loved us and given Himself for us, he will not stop at a glimpse of Christ but, by beholding Christ he is getting larger and more distinct views of His glory, and he becomes changed into His divine image from glory to glory.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 247, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 247, 1903, par. 1

I cannot rest. Your opportunities and your perils are repeatedly presented to me. I call upon you to seek the Lord, to be reconverted, and to come into line. The Lord is not dependent upon any human agency; but He has chosen men to carry forward His work of soul-saving. The co-operation of divine and human agencies has ever been His plan. He works through human instrumentalities, but it is only by co-operating with Him that men can gain real success. However great a man’s talents or self-confidence, he can do nothing apart from God. “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] If men will allow themselves to be out of harmony with Bible truth, if they will allow the enemy to come in to deceive the people of God with his sophistries, the Lord’s rebuke will rest upon them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 16, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 16, 1903, par. 2

The Word declares, “Ye are God’s husbandry.” But can He work upon our hearts unless we are willing to be worked? “Ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] He is willing to build up in each one of us a symmetrical character—a character after the divine similitude. But He must have our co-operation.

18LtMs, Ms 16, 1903, par. 20

We acknowledge before Thee that we have not honored Thy name as we should. We acknowledge before Thee that we need to be broken in heart. We desire just now to be reconverted; we desire just now to realize what Christ is to us, and what we are and can be to Him as His co-workers—“laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 298, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 298, 1903, par. 3

I have spoken this morning to a few students, about thirty. I tried to tell them a few things of what constitutes true education. The words were such as to lead them to think and act as responsible moral agents. Romans 12. God will never fail. He will act His part; and if the human agent will, in humble meekness, act his part appointed him of God, he will be a “laborer together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] The weak human agency is to submit to the divine, yet act his part. “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” lest you shall not act becomingly in co-operation with the divine helper. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 46, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 46, 1903, par. 11

The Christian is first a babe in Christ. Then he becomes a child. Constantly he is to make an advancement proportionate to the opportunities and privileges granted him. Ever he is to remember that he is not his own, that he has been bought with a price, and that he must make the best use possible of the talents entrusted to him. Even in the infancy of his spiritual understanding the student is to do his best, making steady advancement toward the higher, holier life. He is to realize that Christ is co-operating with him. He is to know that he is a laborer together with God. He is to notice the way in which God works, and then strive to attain to the possibilities held out before him, saying, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” [Philippians 4:13.] He is never to become self-inflated, but is to “count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord.” [Philippians 3:8.] He is to accept for the companionship of the Master-worker who will plan and devise for him. As he walks in the Saviour’s companionship, his faith will increase. Over and over again he is to repeat the words, “Ye are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 130, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 130, 1903, par. 4

The work of cultivating the heart is profitable at all times and in all places. “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] We may learn a lesson from the work of the farmer in cultivating the field. He must co-operate with God. His part is to prepare the ground and plant the seed at the right time and in the right way. God gives the seed life. He sends the sunshine and the showers, and the seed springs up, “first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.” [Mark 4:28.] If the farmer fails to do his part, if the human agent does not co-operate with divine agencies, the sun may shine, the dew and the showers may fall upon the soil, but there will be no harvest. And though the work of planting had been done, unless God sent the sunshine and the dew and the rain, the seed would never, never spring up and grow.

18LtMs, Lt 130, 1903, par. 6

“Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] The human agent is to watch unto prayer, seeking counsel from God. As we ask Him for His grace, we are to show that we believe that He will hear us. If we trust Him, He will give us His helping power, His grace, and His Holy Spirit.

Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2

Chapter 39—Harmonious Action of the Whole Personality Necessary

2MCP 377.2

Lower Propensities to Be Under Control—“We are laborers together with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9). Man is to work out his own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God that worketh in him both to will and to do of His good pleasure. God gives man physical and mental powers. None are needless. Not one is to be misused or abused. The lower propensities are to be kept under control of the higher powers.—Letter 139, 1898.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 54, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 54, 1903, par. 25

Every man and every woman in our ranks, whether a parent or not, ought to be intensely interested in the work of educating our youth for active service in the Lord’s vineyard. We cannot afford to allow our children to drift away into the world and to fall under the control of the enemy. Let us come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty. Let us do all in our power to make the Fernando school a blessing to our youth. Teachers and students, you can do much to bring this about by wearing the yoke of Christ, daily learning of Him His meekness and lowliness. Those who are not directly connected with the school can help to make it a blessing by giving it their hearty support. Thus we shall all be “laborers together with God” [1 Corinthians 3:9], and receive the reward of the faithful, even an entrance into the school above.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 67, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 67, 1903, par. 13

Paul declares, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] It is God that gives success to human endeavor. Without His blessing, our efforts amount to naught. We are simply channels through whom God’s blessings flow to our fellow beings. From every one in whose heart Christ is an abiding Presence will go forth a power that will influence others to accept the Saviour as their Redeemer.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 99, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 99, 1903, par. 3

The talent of knowledge, sanctified and put to use in the Master’s service, is never lost. A self-sacrificing effort to do good will be crowned with success. “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] God will co-operate with the human worker. To Him is to be given the praise and the glory for what we are able to accomplish. “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.]

18LtMs, Ms 99, 1903, par. 6

The students are to be taught to help those who need encouragement. As they seek to help others, they themselves will “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,” and their efficiency will be increased. [2 Peter 3:18.] “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] You will fulfil the purpose of God for you only as you increase in knowledge and return to God in earnest service the gifts you have received from Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 145, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 145, 1903, par. 3

I am trying to devise ways and means to advance the Lord’s work. I have a strong hope that we shall indeed be “laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 143, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 143, 1903, par. 4

Union brings strength; disunion, weakness. United with one another, working together in harmony for the salvation of men, we shall indeed be “laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Those who refuse to work in harmony greatly dishonor God. The enemy of their souls delights to see them working at cross purposes with one another. Such ones need to cultivate brotherly love and tenderness of heart. If they could draw aside the curtain veiling the future, and see the result of their disunion, they would surely be led to repent.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 266, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 266, 1903, par. 23

You are God’s husbandry, God’s building. You are to be laborers together with Him. Will you not remember that word “together”? [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Keeping it ever in mind sanctifies the soul. You come far short of appreciating the advantages that are for those who are called and chosen. Will you not walk worthy of the high honor that God will place upon you if you are faithful? You must walk humbly before Him. Put away all abruptness of speech and action.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 39, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 39, 1903, par. 9

Everywhere divine grace is to make itself felt. In places that are now spiritual deserts, there will be found those of whom the servants of the Lord can say, “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2

Chapter 76—Decision and the Will

2MCP 694.3

The Link That Binds With Divine Energy—We are laborers together with God. This is the Lord’s own wise arrangement. The cooperation of the human will and endeavor with divine energy is the link that binds men up with one another and with God. The apostle says, “We are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9). Man is to work with the facilities God has given him. “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,” He says. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12, 13).—Manuscript 113, 1898.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 110, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 110, 1903, par. 23

Our great Teacher has left us a perfect example of self-denial and self-sacrifice. “Consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” [Verse 3.] To every man God has given his work—God’s work, and man’s work. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] We are carefully to consider whether we are doing the work God would have us do in His service. In the case of many of us, much of life has already pasted away. Have we done all that we might have done to save souls ready to perish? Day after day is passing into eternity. Are we improving the opportunities that come to us to speak words that will lead others to take an interest in their own salvation? Are we making straight paths for our feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way? God calls upon us to watch for souls, as they that must give an account.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 22, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 22, 1903, par. 28

I have given you the instruction that has been presented to me. I felt constrained to speak those words this morning. I beg of you, for Christ’s sake, to remember the words, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Alone, you can do no good thing. Let the Spirit of God guide and control you, and you will be rich in thoughts and suggestions. You will know how to plan and work intelligently. “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [Verse 9.] Then act as if you were.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 190, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 190, 1903, par. 20

If we work the works of God, let me tell you, we shall have to cooperate with Jesus Christ. He says, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] But, claiming Jesus Christ as our Saviour, we know just what our work is. “Ye are laborers together.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Oh, how I want to underscore the “together” every time I write this. The “together” means everything to us. Why? “Ye are not your own, you are bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 188, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 188, 1903, par. 49

Now, God wants us to work right with Him. “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] You are to just work right with the Master in regard to your own building and fitting and joining, all that would weaken and enfeeble any organ. We have none too much brain, anyhow; we have not got too much capability anyhow. We are weak mortals, but we can improve every capability, because we can cling to Him that will bring to us the living grace like the leaves of the tree of life, that we shall realize a healing power in our bodies, in our minds; a strengthening capability, that we can glorify God. That is what we want, every one of us; and I want to be where I can magnify His name, that I can glorify Him. May the Lord strengthen us.

18LtMs, Ms 188, 1903, par. 51

I beseech you, for Christ’s sake, that you will to the very best of your ability, be under the supervision of God. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] And may the Lord help every one of us that we may be fitting up that we may live through the ceaseless ages of eternity, and for that I am striving. For that I am willing to work in any place. I want everybody to come. I want to meet you there. We want to see you that are praising God, your faces in the kingdom of glory, and we want to see your faces lighted up with His glory, as you shall see His face. It is promised that we shall see His face, and that is what we want.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 77, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 77, 1903, par. 24

The life of a true Christian is one continuous round of service. “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Every day brings to the one in God’s service duties proportionate to his powers. His usefulness increases as, under the guidance of a supreme power, he performs these duties. The fulfilment of one duty makes us better prepared to take up another. Those who have a true sense of what is to be done will place themselves in the direct light of the Word of God, in union with His other working forces. Every day, clothed with the whole armor, he will go forth into the battle. With prayer and watchfulness and perseverance, he will labor, determined that the close of his life work shall not find him unprepared, not having done all that he could for the salvation of perishing souls.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 10, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 10, 1903, par. 7

By the cords of tender love and sympathy the Lord has linked all men to Himself. Of us He says, Ye “are laborers together with God. Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] This relationship we should recognize. If we are bound up with Christ, we shall constantly manifest Christlike sympathy and forbearance toward those who are striving with all their God-given ability to bear their burdens, even as we endeavor to bear our appointed burdens.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 149, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 149, 1903, par. 7

Union brings strength; disunion weakness. United with one another, working together in harmony for the salvation of men, we shall indeed be “laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Those who refuse to work in harmony greatly dishonor God. The enemy of souls delights to see them working at cross purposes with one another. Such ones need to cultivate brotherly love and tenderness of heart. If they could draw aside the curtain veiling the future, and see the result of their disunion, they would surely be led to repent.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 236, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 236, 1903, par. 1

I have a deep interest for your welfare. The Lord has something for you to do. He would have young converts, after they have given themselves to Him, take hold of His work, trusting in His promise, “Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out.” [John 6:37.] You are to be His witness. He calls upon every member of the human family to co-operate with Him. “Ye are laborers together with God,” He says to His disciples. [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 21, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 21, 1903, par. 30

“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Do you fear lest by your spirit and your words you shall offend God? “It is God that worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.] “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] The sanctuary, built by the church in the wilderness, according to the directions given to Moses in the mount, was an object lesson of what their characters should be in simplicity, in beauty, in harmony. Part fitted perfectly to part.

18LtMs, Ms 21, 1903, par. 32

We are to labor in perfect unity with God and with one another. “Ye are God’s building.” [Verse 9.] Christ is the foundation upon which we are to build. What are we bringing to the foundation? Are we bringing that which is represented in the Word of God as wood, hay, and stubble—a careless deportment, unchristlike words and actions—or that which is represented as gold, silver, and precious stones—a Christian character, words and acts that God can approve?

Our Father Cares

Tender, Loving, Compassionate, May 3

OFC 135.4

Jesus calls us to Himself not simply to refresh us with His grace and presence for a few hours, and then to send us forth from His light to walk apart from Him in sadness and gloom. No, no. He tells us that we must abide with Him and He with us. Wherever His work is to be done He is present—tender, loving, and compassionate. He has prepared for you and me an abiding dwelling place in Himself. He is our refuge. Our experience should broaden and deepen. Jesus has opened up all the divine fullness of His inexpressible love, and He declares to you, Ye “are labourers together with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9). O what meaning these words have—“Abide in me” (John 15:4), “Take my yoke upon you” (Matthew 11:29). Will we take it? for the promise is, “Ye shall find rest unto your souls.” There is rest, complete rest in abiding in Christ.3That I May Know Him, 45.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 142, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 142, 1903, par. 9

“We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] But there are so many who will not consecrate themselves to His work. They are not willing to be husbandmen and carpenters for the Lord. They are not willing to sow the seeds of truth in the human heart, or to teach those newly won to the truth how to build for time and for eternity.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 27, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 27, 1903, par. 11

Let us never forget that God has every day some “better thing” for us. [Hebrews 11:40.] He will help us if we will help ourselves; but “we are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] O how this assurance has cheered my heart in time of difficulty and perplexity!

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 130, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 130, 1903, par. 39

“Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.] If you have become weak in spiritual power by following a course of your own choosing and looking at the mistakes of others, resolve that you will now make a decided change. You do Christ a great dishonor by looking at the sins that you suppose others are committing, while you yourself are not following in His footsteps. God is pitiful and full of tender mercy. Rise in the strength of Christ to your God-given manhood. You gain nothing when you attempt to excuse your defects by pointing to the defects of others. Since you can see the faults of some one else so plainly, does it lessen your guilt for you to copy these faults? Why should you blind your eyes and weaken your mental, moral, and spiritual powers because some one else is doing wrong?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 11, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 11, 1903, par. 22

Let us co-operate with God. The Word says: Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God that worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure. [Philippians 2:12, 13.] “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] He wants to co-operate with you in cleansing the heart of all evil. He says that if we obey Him, He will make us a holy nation, a royal priesthood, and will give us the victory over our enemies. Why then do we not trust God, instead of putting our trust in men? Every one is accountable to God. No man has the right to try to control another man’s judgment.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 67, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 67, 1903, par. 1

The work committed to us by the Lord will advance rapidly only when we labor in unity. In unity there is a life, a power, that cannot be obtained without it. United with one another, working together in harmony for the salvation of men, we shall indeed be “laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 51, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 51, 1903, par. 12

Through the power imparted to us by Christ, we may be “laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] For our example, He lived a life filled with grace and sympathy. He united with others in labor, ever treating them with kindness and courtesy. Then should not His followers guard carefully the spirit they manifest toward their fellow laborers? Should they not remember that by cherishing a bitter spirit and speaking harsh words, they co-operate with Satan to make the temptations of others harder to resist?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 182, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 182, 1903, par. 18

Miserable delusions today are practiced and exalted. There is a large number of workers who have a religious name without spiritual breath from God, without Christ, striving to be workers together with God. There are so many who drop out the “together” and work wholly in self. [1 Corinthians 3:9.] They do not arm themselves with the same mind that was in Christ. Self, self, self is exhibited in such a marked degree that self becomes their constant companion. Their works taste so strongly of the dish that they themselves become disgusted with the contemplation, and there is a cheap, religious experience that is of no real virtue in their inward life. In genuine experience there must be the humble walking with God, the eye single to the glory of God. It is a farce without this.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 204, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 204, 1903, par. 13

Nashville needs help just now, and Washington and Berrien Springs. Let all who can, place the work upon a higher ground, growing larger and larger bases. Those farmers tilling the soil can reason from cause to effect. Their seed must be put in in season. In order to be successful there is pruning to be done, pruning of the orchards, and every tree bearing fruit is to be cared for in its season. “Ye are God’s husbandry,” others are God’s building, but all, harmonious in action, are to be planting the seeds of truth in men’s hearts. [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Ministers of the Word [are] to speak a word in season. “Go, ye therefore into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,” “teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:20.] Let the farmers, the carpenters, [and] the men who have various kinds of business be diligent and acquire in order to improve your talents to impart, to be used in wisdom to the glory of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 151, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 151, 1904, par. 17

Let every soul of us consider that we are in partnership with Jesus Christ if we ever see the heavenly courts. Let every one of us lay right hold of the power of the Infinite One, so that we will be overcomers; we will connect with Christ. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Consider that—laborers together, together, take away that “together,” and what are you? Where is your strength? You may have all your ambitious plans, and you may design and determine a course of action that God has nothing to do with. You shut away God from your counsel, He cannot give you strength. What He wants is a humble, contrite people that God can be with, so that He can work in their behalf, that we can secure that life which measures with the life of God. That is what we want. If we lose heaven, we lose everything. But I will read a little further.

Our Father Cares

Essentials of Salvation, September 10

OFC 265.4

Christ’s knowledge of truth was direct, positive, without a shadow. The closer the acquaintance a man has with Jesus Christ, the more careful he will be to treat his fellow men respectfully, courteously, righteously. He has learned of Christ, and he follows His example in word and action. By faith he is united with Christ. “We are labourers together with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9)....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 5, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 5, 1904, par. 8

Let those who are sick do all in their power, by correct practice in eating, drinking, and dressing, and by taking judicious exercise, to secure recovery of health. Let the patients who come to our sanitariums be taught to co-operate with God in seeking health. “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] God made nerve and muscle in order that they might be used. It is the inaction of the human machinery that brings suffering and disease.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 114, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 114, 1904, par. 4

We desire that in all that is done, the Lord’s name shall be glorified and His cause advanced. Never was there a time when wise generalship was so much needed as at the present time. Human prejudice is not of God. To be guided by impulse is very dangerous. Human impulse is a poor commodity and can not take the place of sanctified reason. The Lord Jesus is looking upon every soul with intense interest. He has declared that the spiritual character of His church is to be carefully maintained. The church is in the world and is to do a work for the world, but the doors of the church are not to be opened to worldliness. “Every plant which My heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up.” [Matthew 15:13.] The church must be strictly guarded. Its sacred character must be demonstrated to the world. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 116, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 18

“We are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Are you forming your character building after the divine similitude? If you fail to perfect your own characters, others will pattern after your imperfections.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 86, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 86, 1904, par. 18

Caution should be exercised not to bring an unnecessary burden of debt upon the institution. Stand in the light and in freedom, without a yoke upon your necks. Come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty. Satanic agencies are constantly seeking to discourage and destroy those who will listen to the counsel of the enemy. Keep close to the Word of God; for it is spirit and life. Then the Lord will be able to say to you, “Ye are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 63, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 63, 1904, par. 18

“We are laborers together with God.” Let us not forget that Word “together.” “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] If God is working with us, qualifying us to be laborers together with Him, shall we not dismiss our unbelief, and show unwavering faith? Let us no longer act on the negative side, but on the affirmative side.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 123, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 123, 1904, par. 29

You are carefully to guard the powers of the mind. Your thoughts are to be kept under the control of the Holy Spirit. You are never to forget the words, “We are laborers together with God. Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] It is your work to advance toward perfection, making constant improvement, until at last you are pronounced worthy to receive immortal life. And even then the work of progression will not cease, but will continue throughout eternity.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 108, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 108, 1904, par. 16

Jesus “hath called us to glory and virtue.” [2 Peter 1:3.] He desires us to come into a position more glorious than that which we have hitherto occupied. He desires us to catch the rays of divine light that come from Himself and, by beholding, to become changed into His likeness. Let us refuse to serve Satan by talking doubt. He is ever seeking to implant doubt in the minds of men and women. Let us guard against cherishing unbelief or expressing it to others. By talking of Christ Jesus and of His matchless love, we shall impart that which has been imparted by Him to us, and in this way we shall become “laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 142, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 142, 1904, par. 12

I arose this morning with my heart filled with gratitude and praise to His holy name. I am refreshed with sleep, and I am so grateful to my heavenly Father. I feel that expression in words is a very poor return. I must express appreciation for His love by imparting His blessings to others wherever I am. I am to represent the great missionary Worker. He expects love and obedience from all who claim to be His children. “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]