EGW WritingsMatthew 25

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 25—Talents

COL 325.1

Christ on the Mount of Olives had spoken to His disciples of His second advent to the world. He had specified certain signs that were to show when His coming was near, and had bidden His disciples watch and be ready. Again He repeated the warning, “Watch therefore; for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” Then He showed what it means to watch for His coming. The time is to be spent, not in idle waiting, but in diligent working. This lesson He taught in the parable of the talents.

COL 325.2

“The kingdom of heaven,” He said, “is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.”

COL 325.3

The man traveling into a far country represents Christ, who, when speaking this parable, was soon to depart from this earth to heaven. The “bondservants” (R.V.), or slaves, of the parable, represent the followers of Christ. We are not our own. We have been “bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:20), not “with corruptible things, as silver and gold, ... but with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18, 19); “that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:15).

COL 326.1

All men have been bought with this infinite price. By pouring the whole treasury of heaven into this world, by giving us in Christ all heaven, God has purchased the will, the affections, the mind, the soul, of every human being. Whether believers or unbelievers, all men are the Lord’s property. All are called to do service for Him, and for the manner in which they have met this claim, all will be required to render an account at the great judgment day.

COL 326.2

But the claims of God are not recognized by all. It is those who profess to have accepted Christ’s service who in the parable are represented as His own servants.

COL 326.3

Christ’s followers have been redeemed for service. Our Lord teaches that the true object of life is ministry. Christ Himself was a worker, and to all His followers He gives the law of service—service to God and to their fellow men. Here Christ has presented to the world a higher conception of life than they had ever known. By living to minister for others, man is brought into connection with Christ. The law of service becomes the connecting link which binds us to God and to our fellow men.

COL 326.4

To His servants Christ commits “His goods”—something to be put to use for Him. He gives “to every man his work.” Each has his place in the eternal plan of heaven. Each is to work in co-operation with Christ for the salvation of souls. Not more surely is the place prepared for us in the heavenly mansions than is the special place designated on earth where we are to work for God.

COL 328.1

The promise of the Spirit is not appreciated as it should be. Its fulfillment is not realized as it might be. It is the absence of the Spirit that makes the gospel ministry so powerless. Learning, talents, eloquence, every natural or acquired endowment, may be possessed; but without the presence of the Spirit of God, no heart will be touched, no sinner be won to Christ. On the other hand, if they are connected with Christ, if the gifts of the Spirit are theirs, the poorest and most ignorant of His disciples will have a power that will tell upon hearts. God makes them the channel for the outworking of the highest influence in the universe.

COL 328.2

The special gifts of the Spirit are not the only talents represented in the parable. It includes all gifts and endowments, whether original or acquired, natural or spiritual. All are to be employed in Christ’s service. In becoming His disciples, we surrender ourselves to Him with all that we are and have. These gifts He returns to us purified and ennobled, to be used for His glory in blessing our fellow men.

COL 329.1

In the parable he that had “received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents; and likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.”

COL 329.2

The talents, however few, are to be put to use. The question that most concerns us is not, How much have I received? but, What am I doing with that which I have? The development of all our powers is the first duty we owe to God and to our fellow men. No one who is not growing daily in capability and usefulness is fulfilling the purpose of life. In making a profession of faith in Christ we pledge ourselves to become all that it is possible for us to be as workers for the Master, and we should cultivate every faculty to the highest degree of perfection, that we may do the greatest amount of good of which we are capable.

COL 330.1

The Lord has a great work to be done, and He will bequeath the most in the future life to those who do the most faithful, willing service in the present life. The Lord chooses His own agents, and each day under different circumstances He gives them a trial in His plan of operation. In each true-hearted endeavor to work out His plan, He chooses His agents not because they are perfect but because, through a connection with Him, they may gain perfection.

COL 330.2

God will accept only those who are determined to aim high. He places every human agent under obligation to do his best. Moral perfection is required of all. Never should we lower the standard of righteousness in order to accommodate inherited or cultivated tendencies to wrong-doing. We need to understand that imperfection of character is sin. All righteous attributes of character dwell in God as a perfect, harmonious whole, and every one who receives Christ as a personal Saviour is privileged to possess these attributes.

COL 330.3

And those who would be workers together with God must strive for perfection of every organ of the body and quality of the mind. True education is the preparation of the physical, mental, and moral powers for the performance of every duty; it is the training of body, mind, and soul for divine service. This is the education that will endure unto eternal life.

COL 331.1

But Christ has given us no assurance that to attain perfection of character is an easy matter. A noble, all-round character is not inherited. It does not come to us by accident. A noble character is earned by individual effort through the merits and grace of Christ. God gives the talents, the powers of the mind; we form the character. It is formed by hard, stern battles with self. Conflict after conflict must be waged against hereditary tendencies. We shall have to criticize ourselves closely, and allow not one unfavorable trait to remain uncorrected.

COL 331.2

Let no one say, I cannot remedy my defects of character. If you come to this decision, you will certainly fail of obtaining everlasting life. The impossibility lies in your own will. If you will not, then you can not overcome. The real difficulty arises from the corruption of an unsanctified heart, and an unwillingness to submit to the control of God.

COL 331.3

Many whom God has qualified to do excellent work accomplish very little, because they attempt little. Thousands pass through life as if they had no definite object for which to live, no standard to reach. Such will obtain a reward proportionate to their works.

COL 331.4

Remember that you will never reach a higher standard than you yourself set. Then set your mark high, and step by step, even though it be by painful effort, by self-denial and sacrifice, ascend the whole length of the ladder of progress. Let nothing hinder you. Fate has not woven its meshes about any human being so firmly that he need remain helpless and in uncertainty. Opposing circumstances should create a firm determination to overcome them. The breaking down of one barrier will give greater ability and courage to go forward. Press with determination in the right direction, and circumstances will be your helpers, not your hindrances.

COL 332.1

Be ambitious, for the Master’s glory, to cultivate every grace of character. In every phase of your character building you are to please God. This you may do; for Enoch pleased Him though living in a degenerate age. And there are Enochs in this our day.

COL 332.3

A character formed according to the divine likeness is the only treasure that we can take from this world to the next. Those who are under the instruction of Christ in this world will take every divine attainment with them to the heavenly mansions. And in heaven we are continually to improve. How important, then, is the development of character in this life.

COL 332.4

The heavenly intelligences will work with the human agent who seeks with determined faith that perfection of character which will reach out to perfection in action. To everyone engaged in this work Christ says, I am at your right hand to help you.

COL 333.1

As the will of man co-operates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to be done at His command may be accomplished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings.

COL 333.2

God requires the training of the mental faculties. He designs that His servants shall possess more intelligence and clearer discernment than the worldling, and He is displeased with those who are too careless or too indolent to become efficient, well-informed workers. The Lord bids us love Him with all the heart, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and with all the mind. This lays upon us the obligation of developing the intellect to its fullest capacity, that with all the mind we may know and love our Creator.

COL 333.3

If placed under the control of His Spirit, the more thoroughly the intellect is cultivated, the more effectively it can be used in the service of God. The uneducated man who is consecrated to God and who longs to bless others can be, and is, used by the Lord in His service. But those who, with the same spirit of consecration, have had the benefit of a thorough education, can do a much more extensive work for Christ. They stand on vantage ground.

COL 333.4

The Lord desires us to obtain all the education possible, with the object in view of imparting our knowledge to others. None can know where or how they may be called to labor or to speak for God. Our heavenly Father alone sees what He can make of men. There are before us possibilities which our feeble faith does not discern. Our minds should be so trained that if necessary we can present the truths of His word before the highest earthly authorities in such a way as to glorify His name. We should not let slip even one opportunity of qualifying ourselves intellectually to work for God.

COL 334.1

Let the youth who need an education set to work with a determination to obtain it. Do not wait for an opening; make one for yourselves. Take hold in any small way that presents itself. Practice economy. Do not spend your means for the gratification of appetite, or in pleasure seeking. Be determined to become as useful and efficient as God calls you to be. Be thorough and faithful in whatever you undertake. Procure every advantage within your reach for strengthening the intellect. Let the study of books be combined with useful manual labor, and by faithful endeavor, watchfulness, and prayer secure the wisdom that is from above. This will give you an all-round education. Thus you may rise in character, and gain an influence over other minds, enabling you to lead them in the path of uprightness and holiness.

COL 334.2

Far more might be accomplished in the work of self-education if we were awake to our own opportunities and privileges. True education means more than the colleges can give. While the study of the sciences is not to be neglected, there is a higher training to be obtained through a vital connection with God. Let every student take his Bible and place himself in communion with the great Teacher. Let the mind be trained and disciplined to wrestle with hard problems in the search for divine truth.

COL 334.3

Those who hunger for knowledge that they may bless their fellow men will themselves receive blessing from God. Through the study of His word their mental powers will be aroused to earnest activity. There will be an expansion and development of the faculties, and the mind will acquire power and efficiency.

COL 335.1

Self-discipline must be practiced by everyone who would be a worker for God. This will accomplish more than eloquence or the most brilliant talents. An ordinary mind, well disciplined, will accomplish more and higher work than will the most highly educated mind and the greatest talents without self-control.

COL 335.2

The power of speech is a talent that should be diligently cultivated. Of all the gifts we have received from God, none is capable of being a greater blessing than this. With the voice we convince and persuade, with it we offer prayer and praise to God, and with it we tell others of the Redeemer’s love. How important, then, that it be so trained as to be most effective for good.

COL 335.3

The culture and right use of the voice are greatly neglected, even by persons of intelligence and Christian activity. There are many who read or speak in so low or so rapid a manner that they cannot be readily understood. Some have a thick, indistinct utterance; others speak in a high key, in sharp, shrill tones, that are painful to the hearers. Texts, hymns, and the reports and other papers presented before public assemblies are sometimes read in such a way that they are not understood and often so that their force and impressiveness are destroyed.

COL 335.4

This is an evil that can and should be corrected. On this point the Bible gives instruction. Of the Levites who read the Scriptures to the people in the days of Ezra, it is said, “They read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.” Nehemiah 8:8.

COL 335.5

By diligent effort all may acquire the power to read intelligibly, and to speak in a full, clear, round tone, in a distinct and impressive manner. By doing this we may greatly increase our efficiency as workers for Christ.

COL 336.1

Every Christian is called to make known to others the unsearchable riches of Christ; therefore he should seek for perfection in speech. He should present the word of God in a way that will commend it to the hearers. God does not design that His human channels shall be uncouth. It is not His will that man shall belittle or degrade the heavenly current that flows through him to the world.

COL 336.2

We should look to Jesus, the perfect pattern; we should pray for the aid of the Holy Spirit, and in His strength we should seek to train every organ for perfect work.

COL 336.3

Especially is this true of those who are called to public service. Every minister and every teacher should bear in mind that he is giving to the people a message that involves eternal interests. The truth spoken will judge them in the great day of final reckoning. And with some souls the manner of the one delivering the message will determine its reception or rejection. Then let the word be so spoken that it will appeal to the understanding and impress the heart. Slowly, distinctly, and solemnly should it be spoken, yet with all the earnestness which its importance demands.

COL 336.4

The right culture and use of the power of speech has to do with every line of Christian work; it enters into the home life, and into all our intercourse with one another. We should accustom ourselves to speak in pleasant tones, to use pure and correct language, and words that are kind and courteous. Sweet, kind words are as dew and gentle showers to the soul. The Scripture says of Christ that grace was poured into His lips that He might “know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary.” Psalm 45:2; Isaiah 50:4. And the Lord bids us, “Let your speech be alway with grace” (Colossians 4:6) “that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).

COL 337.1

In seeking to correct or reform others we should be careful of our words. They will be a savor of life unto life or of death unto death. In giving reproof or counsel, many indulge in sharp, severe speech, words not adapted to heal the wounded soul. By these ill-advised expressions the spirit is chafed, and often the erring ones are stirred to rebellion. All who would advocate the principles of truth need to receive the heavenly oil of love. Under all circumstances reproof should be spoken in love. Then our words will reform but not exasperate. Christ by His Holy Spirit will supply the force and the power. This is His work.

COL 337.2

Not one word is to be spoken unadvisedly. No evil speaking, no frivolous talk, no fretful repining or impure suggestion, will escape the lips of him who is following Christ. The apostle Paul, writing by the Holy Spirit, says, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth.” Ephesians 4:29. A corrupt communication does not mean only words that are vile. It means any expression contrary to holy principles and pure and undefiled religion. It includes impure hints and covert insinuations of evil. Unless instantly resisted, these lead to great sin.

COL 337.3

Upon every family, upon every individual Christian, is laid the duty of barring the way against corrupt speech. When in the company of those who indulge in foolish talk, it is our duty to change the subject of conversation if possible. By the help of the grace of God we should quietly drop words or introduce a subject that will turn the conversation into a profitable channel.

COL 337.4

It is the work of parents to train their children to proper habits of speech. The very best school for this culture is the home life. From the earliest years the children should be taught to speak respectfully and lovingly to their parents and to one another. They should be taught that only words of gentleness, truth, and purity must pass their lips. Let the parents themselves be daily learners in the school of Christ. Then by precept and example they can teach their children the use of “sound speech, that cannot be condemned.” Titus 2:8. This is one of the greatest and most responsible of their duties.

COL 338.1

As followers of Christ we should make our words such as to be a help and an encouragement to one another in the Christian life. Far more than we do, we need to speak of the precious chapters in our experience. We should speak of the mercy and loving-kindness of God, of the matchless depths of the Saviour’s love. Our words should be words of praise and thanksgiving. If the mind and heart are full of the love of God, this will be revealed in the conversation. It will not be a difficult matter to impart that which enters into our spiritual life. Great thoughts, noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth, unselfish purposes, yearnings for piety and holiness, will bear fruit in words that reveal the character of the heart treasure. When Christ is thus revealed in our speech, it will have power in winning souls to Him.

COL 338.2

We should speak of Christ to those who know Him not. We should do as Christ did. Wherever He was, in the synagogue, by the wayside, in the boat thrust out a little from the land, at the Pharisee’s feast or the table of the publican, He spoke to men of the things pertaining to the higher life. The things of nature, the events of daily life, were bound up by Him with the words of truth. The hearts of His hearers were drawn to Him; for He had healed their sick, had comforted their sorrowing ones, and had taken their children in His arms and blessed them. When He opened His lips to speak, their attention was riveted upon Him, and every word was to some soul a savor of life unto life.

COL 339.1

So it should be with us. Wherever we are, we should watch for opportunities of speaking to others of the Saviour. If we follow Christ’s example in doing good, hearts will open to us as they did to Him. Not abruptly, but with tact born of divine love, we can tell them of Him who is the “Chiefest among ten thousand” and the One “altogether lovely.” Song of Solomon 5:10, 16. This is the very highest work in which we can employ the talent of speech. It was given to us that we might present Christ as the sin-pardoning Saviour.

COL 339.2

The life of Christ was an ever-widening, shoreless influence, an influence that bound Him to God and to the whole human family. Through Christ, God has invested man with an influence that makes it impossible for him to live to himself. Individually we are connected with our fellow men, a part of God’s great whole, and we stand under mutual obligations. No man can be independent of his fellow men; for the well-being of each affects others. It is God’s purpose that each shall feel himself necessary to others’ welfare, and seek to promote their happiness.

COL 339.3

Every soul is surrounded by an atmosphere of its own—an atmosphere, it may be, charged with the life-giving power of faith, courage, and hope, and sweet with the fragrance of love. Or it may be heavy and chill with the gloom of discontent and selfishness, or poisonous with the deadly taint of cherished sin. By the atmosphere surrounding us, every person with whom we come in contact is consciously or unconsciously affected.

COL 339.4

This is a responsibility from which we cannot free ourselves. Our words, our acts, our dress, our deportment, even the expression of the countenance, has an influence. Upon the impression thus made there hang results for good or evil which no man can measure. Every impulse thus imparted is seed sown which will produce its harvest. It is a link in the long chain of human events, extending we know not whither. If by our example we aid others in the development of good principles, we give them power to do good. In their turn they exert the same influence upon others, and they upon still others. Thus by our unconscious influence thousands may be blessed.

COL 340.1

Throw a pebble into the lake, and a wave is formed, and another and another; and as they increase, the circle widens, until it reaches the very shore. So with our influence. Beyond our knowledge or control it tells upon others in blessing or in cursing.

COL 340.2

Character is power. The silent witness of a true, unselfish, godly life carries an almost irresistible influence. By revealing in our own life the character of Christ we co-operate with Him in the work of saving souls. It is only by revealing in our life His character that we can co-operate with Him. And the wider the sphere of our influence, the more good we may do. When those who profess to serve God follow Christ’s example, practicing the principles of the law in their daily life; when every act bears witness that they love God supremely and their neighbor as themselves, then will the church have power to move the world.

COL 340.3

But never should it be forgotten that influence is no less a power for evil. To lose one’s own soul is a terrible thing; but to cause the loss of other souls is still more terrible. That our influence should be a savor of death unto death is a fearful thought; yet this is possible. Many who profess to gather with Christ are scattering from Him. This is why the church is so weak. Many indulge freely in criticism and accusing. By giving expression to suspicion, jealousy, and discontent, they yield themselves as instruments to Satan. Before they realize what they are doing, the adversary has through them accomplished his purpose. The impression of evil has been made, the shadow has been cast, the arrows of Satan have found their mark. Distrust, unbelief, and downright infidelity have fastened upon those who otherwise might have accepted Christ. Meanwhile the workers for Satan look complacently upon those whom they have driven to skepticism, and who are now hardened against reproof and entreaty. They flatter themselves that in comparison with these souls they are virtuous and righteous. They do not realize that these sad wrecks of character are the work of their own unbridled tongues and rebellious hearts. It is through their influence that these tempted ones have fallen.

COL 341.1

So frivolity, selfish indulgence, and careless indifference on the part of professed Christians are turning away many souls from the path of life. Many there are who will fear to meet at the bar of God the results of their influence.

COL 341.2

It is only through the grace of God that we can make a right use of this endowment. There is nothing in us of ourselves by which we can influence others for good. If we realize our helplessness and our need of divine power, we shall not trust to ourselves. We know not what results a day, an hour, or a moment may determine, and never should we begin the day without committing our ways to our heavenly Father. His angels are appointed to watch over us, and if we put ourselves under their guardianship, then in every time of danger they will be at our right hand. When unconsciously we are in danger of exerting a wrong influence, the angels will be by our side, prompting us to a better course, choosing our words for us, and influencing our actions. Thus our influence may be a silent, unconscious, but mighty power in drawing others to Christ and the heavenly world.

COL 342.1

Our time belongs to God. Every moment is His, and we are under the most solemn obligation to improve it to His glory. Of no talent He has given will He require a more strict account than of our time.

COL 342.2

The value of time is beyond computation. Christ regarded every moment as precious, and it is thus that we should regard it. Life is too short to be trifled away. We have but a few days of probation in which to prepare for eternity. We have no time to waste, no time to devote to selfish pleasure, no time for the indulgence of sin. It is now that we are to form characters for the future, immortal life. It is now that we are to prepare for the searching judgment.

COL 342.3

The human family have scarcely begun to live when they begin to die, and the world’s incessant labor ends in nothingness unless a true knowledge in regard to eternal life is gained. The man who appreciates time as his working day will fit himself for a mansion and for a life that is immortal. It is well that he was born.

COL 342.4

We are admonished to redeem the time. But time squandered can never be recovered. We cannot call back even one moment. The only way in which we can redeem our time is by making the most of that which remains, by being co-workers with God in His great plan of redemption.

COL 342.5

In him who does this, a transformation of character takes place. He becomes a son of God, a member of the royal family, a child of the heavenly King. He is fitted to be the companion of the angels.

COL 343.1

Now is our time to labor for the salvation of our fellow men. There are some who think that if they give money to the cause of Christ, this is all they are required to do; the precious time in which they might do personal service for Him passes unimproved. But it is the privilege and duty of all who have health and strength to render to God active service. All are to labor in winning souls to Christ. Donations of money cannot take the place of this.

COL 343.2

Every moment is freighted with eternal consequences. We are to stand as minute men, ready for service at a moment’s notice. The opportunity that is now ours to speak to some needy soul the word of life may never offer again. God may say to that one, “This night thy soul shall be required of thee,” and through our neglect he may not be ready. (Luke 12:20.) In the great judgment day, how shall we render our account to God?

COL 343.3

Life is too solemn to be absorbed in temporal and earthly matters, in a treadmill of care and anxiety for the things that are but an atom in comparison with the things of eternal interest. Yet God has called us to serve Him in the temporal affairs of life. Diligence in this work is as much a part of true religion as is devotion. The Bible gives no indorsement to idleness. It is the greatest curse that afflicts our world. Every man and woman who is truly converted will be a diligent worker.

COL 343.4

Upon the right improvement of our time depends our success in acquiring knowledge and mental culture. The cultivation of the intellect need not be prevented by poverty, humble origin, or unfavorable surroundings. Only let the moments be treasured. A few moments here and a few there, that might be frittered away in aimless talk; the morning hours so often wasted in bed; the time spent in traveling on trams or railway cars, or waiting at the station; the moments of waiting for meals, waiting for those who are tardy in keeping an appointment—if a book were kept at hand, and these fragments of time were improved in study, reading, or careful thought, what might not be accomplished. A resolute purpose, persistent industry, and careful economy of time, will enable men to acquire knowledge and mental discipline which will qualify them for almost any position of influence and usefulness.

COL 344.1

It is the duty of every Christian to acquire habits of order, thoroughness, and dispatch. There is no excuse for slow bungling at work of any character. When one is always at work and the work is never done, it is because mind and heart are not put into the labor. The one who is slow and who works at a disadvantage should realize that these are faults to be corrected. He needs to exercise his mind in planning how to use the time so as to secure the best results. By tact and method, some will accomplish as much in five hours as others do in ten. Some who are engaged in domestic labor are always at work not because they have so much to do but because they do not plan so as to save time. By their slow, dilatory ways they make much work out of very little. But all who will, may overcome these fussy, lingering habits. In their work let them have a definite aim. Decide how long a time is required for a given task, and then bend every effort toward accomplishing the work in the given time. The exercise of the will power will make the hands move deftly.

COL 344.2

Through lack of determination to take themselves in hand and reform, persons can become stereotyped in a wrong course of action; or by cultivating their powers they may acquire ability to do the very best of service. Then they will find themselves in demand anywhere and everywhere. They will be appreciated for all that they are worth.

COL 345.1

By many children and youth, time is wasted that might be spent in carrying home burdens, and thus showing a loving interest in father and mother. The youth might take upon their strong young shoulders many responsibilities which someone must bear.

COL 345.2

The life of Christ from His earliest years was a life of earnest activity. He lived not to please Himself. He was the Son of the infinite God, yet He worked at the carpenter’s trade with His father Joseph. His trade was significant. He had come into the world as the character builder, and as such all His work was perfect. Into all His secular labor He brought the same perfection as into the characters He was transforming by His divine power. He is our pattern.

COL 345.3

Parents should teach their children the value and right use of time. Teach them that to do something which will honor God and bless humanity is worth striving for. Even in their early years they can be missionaries for God.

COL 345.4

Parents cannot commit a greater sin than to allow their children to have nothing to do. The children soon learn to love idleness, and they grow up shiftless, useless men and women. When they are old enough to earn their living, and find employment, they work in a lazy, droning way, yet expect to be paid as much as if they were faithful. There is a world-wide difference between this class of workers and those who realize that they must be faithful stewards.

COL 345.5

Indolent, careless habits indulged in secular work will be brought into the religious life and will unfit one to do any efficient service for God. Many who through diligent labor might have been a blessing to the world, have been ruined through idleness. Lack of employment and of steadfast purpose opens the door to a thousand temptations. Evil companions and vicious habits deprave mind and soul, and the result is ruin for this life and for the life to come.

COL 346.1

Whatever the line of work in which we engage, the word of God teaches us to be “not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might,” “knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance; for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Romans 12:11; Ecclesiastes 9:10; Colossians 3:24.

COL 346.2

Health is a blessing of which few appreciate the value; yet upon it the efficiency of our mental and physical powers largely depends. Our impulses and passions have their seat in the body, and it must be kept in the best condition physically and under the most spiritual influences in order that our talents may be put to the highest use.

COL 346.3

Anything that lessens physical strength enfeebles the mind and makes it less capable of discriminating between right and wrong. We become less capable of choosing the good and have less strength of will to do that which we know to be right.

COL 346.4

The misuse of our physical powers shortens the period of time in which our lives can be used for the glory of God. And it unfits us to accomplish the work God has given us to do. By allowing ourselves to form wrong habits, by keeping late hours, by gratifying appetite at the expense of health, we lay the foundation for feebleness. By neglecting physical exercise, by overworking mind or body, we unbalance the nervous system. Those who thus shorten their lives and unfit themselves for service by disregarding nature’s laws, are guilty of robbery toward God. And they are robbing their fellow men also. The opportunity of blessing others, the very work for which God sent them into the world, has by their own course of action been cut short. And they have unfitted themselves to do even that which in a briefer period of time they might have accomplished. The Lord holds us guilty when by our injurious habits we thus deprive the world of good.

COL 347.1

Transgression of physical law is transgression of the moral law; for God is as truly the author of physical laws as He is the author of the moral law. His law is written with His own finger upon every nerve, every muscle, every faculty, which has been entrusted to man. And every misuse of any part of our organism is a violation of that law.

COL 348.1

All should have an intelligent knowledge of the human frame that they may keep their bodies in the condition necessary to do the work of the Lord. The physical life is to be carefully preserved and developed that through humanity the divine nature may be revealed in its fullness. The relation of the physical organism to the spiritual life is one of the most important branches of education. It should receive careful attention in the home and in the school. All need to become acquainted with their physical structure and the laws that control natural life. He who remains in willing ignorance of the laws of his physical being and who violates them through ignorance is sinning against God. All should place themselves in the best possible relation to life and health. Our habits should be brought under the control of a mind that is itself under the control of God.

COL 348.3

We are to love God, not only with all the heart, mind, and soul, but with all the strength. This covers the full, intelligent use of the physical powers.

COL 348.4

Christ was a true worker in temporal as well as in spiritual things, and into all His work He brought a determination to do His Father’s will. The things of heaven and earth are more closely connected and are more directly under the supervision of Christ than many realize. It was Christ who planned the arrangement for the first earthly tabernacle. He gave every specification in regard to the building of Solomon’s temple. The One who in His earthly life worked as a carpenter in the village of Nazareth was the heavenly architect who marked out the plan for the sacred building where His name was to be honored.

COL 349.1

It was Christ who gave to the builders of the tabernacle wisdom to execute the most skillful and beautiful workmanship. He said, “See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship.... And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee.” Exodus 31:2-6.

COL 349.2

God desires that His workers in every line shall look to Him as the Giver of all they possess. All right inventions and improvements have their source in Him who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working. The skillful touch of the physician’s hand, his power over nerve and muscle, his knowledge of the delicate organism of the body, is the wisdom of divine power, to be used in behalf of the suffering. The skill with which the carpenter uses the hammer, the strength with which the blacksmith makes the anvil ring, comes from God. He has entrusted men with talents, and He expects them to look to Him for counsel. Whatever we do, in whatever department of the work we are placed, He desires to control our minds that we may do perfect work.

COL 349.3

Religion and business are not two separate things; they are one. Bible religion is to be interwoven with all we do or say. Divine and human agencies are to combine in temporal as well as in spiritual achievements. They are to be united in all human pursuits, in mechanical and agricultural labors, in mercantile and scientific enterprises. There must be co-operation in everything embraced in Christian activity.

COL 350.1

God has proclaimed the principles on which alone this co-operation is possible. His glory must be the motive of all who are laborers together with Him. All our work is to be done from love to God and in accordance with His will.

COL 350.2

It is just as essential to do the will of God when erecting a building as when taking part in a religious service. And if the workers have brought the right principles into their own character making, then in the erection of every building they will grow in grace and knowledge.

COL 350.3

But God will not accept the greatest talents or the most splendid service unless self is laid upon the altar, a living, consuming sacrifice. The root must be holy, else there can be no fruit acceptable to God.

COL 350.4

The Lord made Daniel and Joseph shrewd managers. He could work through them because they did not live to please their own inclination but to please God.

COL 350.5

The case of Daniel has a lesson for us. It reveals the fact that a businessman is not necessarily a sharp, policy man. He can be instructed by God at every step. Daniel, while prime minister of the kingdom of Babylon, was a prophet of God, receiving the light of heavenly inspiration. Worldly, ambitious statesmen are represented in the word of God as the grass that groweth up and as the flower of the grass that fadeth. Yet the Lord desires to have in His service intelligent men, men qualified for various lines of work. There is need of businessmen who will weave the grand principles of truth into all their transactions. And their talents should be perfected by most thorough study and training. If men in any line of work need to improve their opportunities to become wise and efficient, it is those who are using their ability in building up the kingdom of God in our world. Of Daniel we learn that in all his business transactions, when subjected to the closest scrutiny, not one fault or error could be found. He was a sample of what every businessman may be. His history shows what may be accomplished by one who consecrates the strength of brain and bone and muscle, of heart and life, to the service of God.

COL 351.1

God also entrusts men with means. He gives them power to get wealth. He waters the earth with the dews of heaven and with the showers of refreshing rain. He gives the sunlight, which warms the earth, awakening to life the things of nature and causing them to flourish and bear fruit. And He asks for a return of His own.

COL 351.2

Our money has not been given us that we might honor and glorify ourselves. As faithful stewards we are to use it for the honor and glory of God. Some think that only a portion of their means is the Lord’s. When they have set apart a portion for religious and charitable purposes, they regard the remainder as their own, to be used as they see fit. But in this they mistake. All we possess is the Lord’s, and we are accountable to Him for the use we make of it. In the use of every penny, it will be seen whether we love God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves.

COL 351.3

Money has great value, because it can do great good. In the hands of God’s children it is food for the hungry, drink for the thirsty, and clothing for the naked. It is a defense for the oppressed, and a means of help to the sick. But money is of no more value than sand, only as it is put to use in providing for the necessities of life, in blessing others, and advancing the cause of Christ.

COL 352.3

The more means we expend in display and self-indulgence, the less we can have to feed the hungry and clothe the naked. Every penny used unnecessarily deprives the spender of a precious opportunity of doing good. It is robbing God of the honor and glory which should flow back to Him through the improvement of His entrusted talents.

COL 352.4

Kindly affections, generous impulses, and a quick apprehension of spiritual things are precious talents, and lay their possessor under a weighty responsibility. All are to be used in God’s service. But here many err. Satisfied with the possession of these qualities, they fail to bring them into active service for others. They flatter themselves that if they had opportunity, if circumstances were favorable, they would do a great and good work. But they are awaiting the opportunity. They despise the narrowness of the poor niggard who grudges even a pittance to the needy. They see that he is living for self, and that he is responsible for his misused talents. With much complacency they draw the contrast between themselves and such narrow-minded ones, feeling that their own condition is much more favorable than that of their mean-souled neighbors. But they are deceiving themselves. The mere possession of unused qualities only increases their responsibility. Those who possess large affections are under obligation to God to bestow them, not merely on their friends, but on all who need their help. Social advantages are talents, and are to be used for the benefit of all within reach of our influence. The love that gives kindness to only a few is not love, but selfishness. It will not in any way work for the good of souls or the glory of God. Those who thus leave their Master’s talents unimproved are even more guilty than are the ones for whom they feel such contempt. To them it will be said, Ye knew your Master’s will, but did it not.

COL 353.1

Talents used are talents multiplied. Success is not the result of chance or of destiny; it is the outworking of God’s own providence, the reward of faith and discretion, of virtue and persevering effort. The Lord desires us to use every gift we have; and if we do this, we shall have greater gifts to use. He does not supernaturally endow us with the qualifications we lack; but while we use that which we have, He will work with us to increase and strengthen every faculty. By every wholehearted, earnest sacrifice for the Master’s service our powers will increase. While we yield ourselves as instruments for the Holy Spirit’s working, the grace of God works in us to deny old inclinations, to overcome powerful propensities, and to form new habits. As we cherish and obey the promptings of the Spirit, our hearts are enlarged to receive more and more of His power, and to do more and better work. Dormant energies are aroused, and palsied faculties receive new life.

COL 354.1

The humble worker who obediently responds to the call of God may be sure of receiving divine assistance. To accept so great and holy a responsibility is itself elevating to the character. It calls into action the highest mental and spiritual powers, and strengthens and purifies the mind and heart. Through faith in the power of God, it is wonderful how strong a weak man may become, how decided his efforts, how prolific of great results. He who begins with a little knowledge, in a humble way, and tells what he knows, while seeking diligently for further knowledge, will find the whole heavenly treasure awaiting his demand. The more he seeks to impart light, the more light he will receive. The more one tries to explain the word of God to others, with a love for souls, the plainer it becomes to himself. The more we use our knowledge and exercise our powers, the more knowledge and power we shall have.

COL 354.2

Every effort made for Christ will react in blessing upon ourselves. If we use our means for His glory, He will give us more. As we seek to win others to Christ, bearing the burden of souls in our prayers, our own hearts will throb with the quickening influence of God’s grace; our own affections will glow with more divine fervor; our whole Christian life will be more of a reality, more earnest, more prayerful.

COL 354.3

The value of man is estimated in heaven according to the capacity of the heart to know God. This knowledge is the spring from which flows all power. God created man that every faculty might be the faculty of the divine mind; and He is ever seeking to bring the human mind into association with the divine. He offers us the privilege of co-operation with Christ in revealing His grace to the world, that we may receive increased knowledge of heavenly things.

COL 355.1

Looking unto Jesus we obtain brighter and more distinct views of God, and by beholding we become changed. Goodness, love for our fellow men, becomes our natural instinct. We develop a character which is the counterpart of the divine character. Growing into His likeness, we enlarge our capacity for knowing God. More and more we enter into fellowship with the heavenly world, and we have continually increasing power to receive the riches of the knowledge and wisdom of eternity.

COL 355.2

The man who received the one talent “went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.”

COL 355.3

It was the one with the smallest gift who left his talent unimproved. In this is given a warning to all who feel that the smallness of their endowments excuses them from service for Christ. If they could do some great thing, how gladly would they undertake it; but because they can serve only in little things, they think themselves justified in doing nothing. In this they err. The Lord in His distribution of gifts is testing character. The man who neglected to improve his talent proved himself an unfaithful servant. Had he received five talents, he would have buried them as he buried the one. His misuse of the one talent showed that he despised the gifts of heaven.

COL 356.1

“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” Luke 16:10. The importance of the little things is often underrated because they are small; but they supply much of the actual discipline of life. There are really no nonessentials in the Christian’s life. Our character building will be full of peril while we underrate the importance of the little things.

COL 356.2

“He that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” By unfaithfulness in even the smallest duties, man robs his Maker of the service which is His due. This unfaithfulness reacts upon himself. He fails of gaining the grace, the power, the force of character, which may be received through an unreserved surrender to God. Living apart from Christ he is subject to Satan’s temptations, and he makes mistakes in his work for the Master. Because he is not guided by right principles in little things, he fails to obey God in the great matters which he regards as his special work. The defects cherished in dealing with life’s minor details pass into more important affairs. He acts on the principles to which he has accustomed himself. Thus actions repeated form habits, habits form character, and by the character our destiny for time and for eternity is decided.

COL 356.3

Only by faithfulness in the little things can the soul be trained to act with fidelity under larger responsibilities. God brought Daniel and his fellows into connection with the great men of Babylon, that these heathen men might become acquainted with the principles of true religion. In the midst of a nation of idolaters, Daniel was to represent the character of God. How did he become fitted for a position of so great trust and honor? It was his faithfulness in the little things that gave complexion to his whole life. He honored God in the smallest duties, and the Lord co-operated with him. To Daniel and his companions God gave “knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” Daniel 1:17.

COL 357.1

As God called Daniel to witness for Him in Babylon, so He calls us to be His witnesses in the world today. In the smallest as well as the largest affairs of life He desires us to reveal to men the principles of His kingdom.

COL 357.2

Christ in His life on earth taught the lesson of careful attention to the little things. The great work of redemption weighed continually upon His soul. As He was teaching and healing, all the energies of mind and body were taxed to the utmost; yet He noticed the most simple things in life and in nature. His most instructive lessons were those in which by the simple things of nature He illustrated the great truths of the kingdom of God. He did not overlook the necessities of the humblest of His servants. His ear heard every cry of need. He was awake to the touch of the afflicted woman in the crowd; the very slightest touch of faith brought a response. When He raised from the dead the daughter of Jairus, He reminded her parents that she must have something to eat. When by His own mighty power He rose from the tomb, He did not disdain to fold and put carefully in the proper place the graveclothes in which He had been laid away.

COL 358.1

The work to which as Christians we are called is to co-operate with Christ for the salvation of souls. This work we have entered into covenant with Him to do. To neglect the work is to prove disloyal to Christ. But in order to accomplish this work we must follow His example of faithful, conscientious attention to the little things. This is the secret of success in every line of Christian effort and influence.

COL 358.2

The Lord desires His people to reach the highest round of the ladder that they may glorify Him by possessing the ability He is willing to bestow. Through the grace of God every provision has been made for us to reveal that we act upon better plans than those upon which the world acts. We are to show a superiority in intellect, in understanding, in skill and knowledge, because we believe in God and in His power to work upon human hearts.

COL 358.3

But those who have not a large endowment of gifts need not become discouraged. Let them use what they have, faithfully guarding every weak point in their characters, seeking by divine grace to make it strong. Into every action of life we are to weave faithfulness and loyalty, cultivating the attributes that will enable us to accomplish the work.

COL 358.4

Habits of negligence should be resolutely overcome. Many think it a sufficient excuse for the grossest errors to plead forgetfulness. But do they not, as well as others, possess intellectual faculties? Then they should discipline their minds to be retentive. It is a sin to forget, a sin to be negligent. If you form a habit of negligence, you may neglect your own soul’s salvation and at last find that you are unready for the kingdom of God.

COL 359.1

Great truths must be brought into little things. Practical religion is to be carried into the lowly duties of daily life. The greatest qualification for any man is to obey implicitly the word of the Lord.

COL 359.2

Because they are not connected with some directly religious work, many feel that their lives are useless; that they are doing nothing for the advancement of God’s kingdom. But this is a mistake. If their work is that which someone must do, they should not accuse themselves of uselessness in the great household of God. The humblest duties are not to be ignored. Any honest work is a blessing, and faithfulness in it may prove a training for higher trusts.

COL 359.3

However lowly, any work done for God with a full surrender of self is as acceptable to Him as the highest service. No offering is small that is given with true-heartedness and gladness of soul.

COL 359.4

Wherever we may be, Christ bids us take up the duty that presents itself. If this is in the home, take hold willingly and earnestly to make home a pleasant place. If you are a mother, train your children for Christ. This is as verily a work for God as is that of the minister in the pulpit. If your duty is in the kitchen, seek to be a perfect cook. Prepare food that will be healthful, nourishing, and appetizing. And as you employ the best ingredients in preparing food remember that you are to give your mind the best thoughts. If it is your work to till the soil or to engage in any other trade or occupation, make a success of the present duty. Put your mind on what you are doing. In all your work represent Christ. Do as He would do in your place.

COL 360.1

However small your talent, God has a place for it. That one talent, wisely used, will accomplish its appointed work. By faithfulness in little duties, we are to work on the plan of addition, and God will work for us on the plan of multiplication. These littles will become the most precious influences in His work.

COL 360.2

Let a living faith run like threads of gold through the performance of even the smallest duties. Then all the daily work will promote Christian growth. There will be a continual looking unto Jesus. Love for Him will give vital force to everything that is undertaken. Thus through the right use of our talents, we may link ourselves by a golden chain to the higher world. This is true sanctification; for sanctification consists in the cheerful performance of daily duties in perfect obedience to the will of God.

COL 360.3

But many Christians are waiting for some great work to be brought to them. Because they cannot find a place large enough to satisfy their ambition, they fail to perform faithfully the common duties of life. These seem to them uninteresting. Day by day they let slip opportunities for showing their faithfulness to God. While they are waiting for some great work, life passes away, its purposes unfulfilled, its work unaccomplished.

COL 360.4

“After a long time the Lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.” When the Lord takes account of His servants, the return from every talent will be scrutinized. The work done reveals the character of the worker.

COL 360.5

Those who have received the five and the two talents return to the Lord the entrusted gifts with their increase. In doing this they claim no merit for themselves. Their talents are those that have been delivered to them; they have gained other talents, but there could have been no gain without the deposit. They see that they have done only their duty. The capital was the Lord’s; the improvement is His. Had not the Saviour bestowed upon them His love and grace, they would have been bankrupt for eternity.

COL 361.1

But when the Master receives the talents, He approves and rewards the workers as though the merit were all their own. His countenance is full of joy and satisfaction. He is filled with delight that He can bestow blessings upon them. For every service and every sacrifice He requites them, not because it is a debt He owes, but because His heart is overflowing with love and tenderness.

COL 361.2

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant,” He says; “thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

COL 361.3

It is the faithfulness, the loyalty to God, the loving service, that wins the divine approval. Every impulse of the Holy Spirit leading men to goodness and to God, is noted in the books of heaven, and in the day of God the workers through whom He has wrought will be commended.

COL 361.4

They will enter into the joy of the Lord as they see in His kingdom those who have been redeemed through their instrumentality. And they are privileged to participate in His work there, because they have gained a fitness for it by participation in His work here. What we shall be in heaven is the reflection of what we are now in character and holy service. Christ said of Himself, “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” Matthew 20:28. This, His work on earth, is His work in heaven. And our reward for working with Christ in this world is the greater power and wider privilege of working with Him in the world to come.

COL 362.1

“Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strewed; and I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth; lo, there thou hast that is thine.”

COL 362.2

Thus men excuse their neglect of God’s gifts. They look upon God as severe and tyrannical, as watching to spy out their mistakes and visit them with judgments. They charge Him with demanding what He has never given, with reaping where He has not sown.

COL 362.3

There are many who in their hearts charge God with being a hard master because He claims their possessions and their service. But we can bring to God nothing that is not already His. “All things come of Thee,” said King David; “and of Thine own have we given Thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14. All things are God’s, not only by creation, but by redemption. All the blessings of this life and of the life to come are delivered to us stamped with the cross of Calvary. Therefore the charge that God is a hard master, reaping where He has not sown, is false.

COL 362.4

The master does not deny the charge of the wicked servant, unjust as it is; but taking him on his own ground he shows that his conduct is without excuse. Ways and means had been provided whereby the talent might have been improved to the owner’s profit. “Thou oughtest,” he said, “to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.”

COL 362.5

Our heavenly Father requires no more nor less than He has given us ability to do. He lays upon His servants no burdens that they are not able to bear. “He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust.” Psalm 103:14. All that He claims from us we through divine grace can render.

COL 362.6

“Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” Luke 12:48. We shall individually be held responsible for doing one jot less than we have ability to do. The Lord measures with exactness every possibility for service. The unused capabilities are as much brought into account as are those that are improved. For all that we might become through the right use of our talents God holds us responsible. We shall be judged according to what we ought to have done, but did not accomplish because we did not use our powers to glorify God. Even if we do not lose our souls, we shall realize in eternity the result of our unused talents. For all the knowledge and ability that we might have gained and did not, there will be an eternal loss.

COL 363.1

But when we give ourselves wholly to God and in our work follow His directions, He makes Himself responsible for its accomplishment. He would not have us conjecture as to the success of our honest endeavors. Not once should we even think of failure. We are to co-operate with One who knows no failure.

COL 363.2

We should not talk of our own weakness and inability. This is a manifest distrust of God, a denial of His word. When we murmur because of our burdens, or refuse the responsibilities He calls upon us to bear, we are virtually saying that He is a hard master, that He requires what He has not given us power to do.

COL 363.3

The spirit of the slothful servant we are often fain to call humility. But true humility is widely different. To be clothed with humility does not mean that we are to be dwarfs in intellect, deficient in aspiration, and cowardly in our lives, shunning burdens lest we fail to carry them successfully. Real humility fulfills God’s purposes by depending upon His strength.

COL 363.4

God works by whom He will. He sometimes selects the humblest instrument to do the greatest work, for His power is revealed through the weakness of men. We have our standard, and by it we pronounce one thing great and another small; but God does not estimate according to our rule. We are not to suppose that what is great to us must be great to God, or that what is small to us must be small to Him. It does not rest with us to pass judgment on our talents or to choose our work. We are to take up the burdens that God appoints, bearing them for His sake, and ever going to Him for rest. Whatever our work, God is honored by wholehearted, cheerful service. He is pleased when we take up our duties with gratitude, rejoicing that we are accounted worthy to be co-laborers with Him.

COL 364.2

Let none suppose that they can live a life of selfishness, and then, having served their own interests, enter into the joy of their Lord. In the joy of unselfish love they could not participate. They would not be fitted for the heavenly courts. They could not appreciate the pure atmosphere of love that pervades heaven. The voices of the angels and the music of their harps would not satisfy them. To their minds the science of heaven would be as an enigma.

COL 365.1

In the great judgment day those who have not worked for Christ, those who have drifted along, carrying no responsibility, thinking of themselves, pleasing themselves, will be placed by the Judge of all the earth with those who did evil. They receive the same condemnation.

COL 365.2

Many who profess to be Christians neglect the claims of God, and yet they do not feel that in this there is any wrong. They know that the blasphemer, the murderer, the adulterer, deserves punishment; but as for them, they enjoy the services of religion. They love to hear the gospel preached, and therefore they think themselves Christians. Though they have spent their lives in caring for themselves, they will be as much surprised as was the unfaithful servant in the parable to hear the sentence, “Take the talent from him.” Like the Jews, they mistake the enjoyment of their blessings for the use they should make of them.

COL 365.3

Many who excuse themselves from Christian effort plead their inability for the work. But did God make them so incapable? No, never. This inability has been produced by their own inactivity and perpetuated by their deliberate choice. Already, in their own characters, they are realizing the result of the sentence, “Take the talent from him.” The continual misuse of their talents will effectually quench for them the Holy Spirit, which is the only light. The sentence, “Cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness,” sets Heaven’s seal to the choice which they themselves have made for eternity.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Other Talents

COL 328.3

To every man God has given “according to his several ability.” The talents are not apportioned capriciously. He who has ability to use five talents receives five. He who can improve but two, receives two. He who can wisely use only one, receives one. None need lament that they have not received larger gifts; for He who has apportioned to every man is equally honored by the improvement of each trust, whether it be great or small. The one to whom five talents have been committed is to render the improvement of five; he who has but one, the improvement of one. God expects returns “according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.” 2 Corinthians 8:12.

COL 330.4

Of every Christian the Lord requires growth in efficiency and capability in every line. Christ has paid us our wages, even His own blood and suffering, to secure our willing service. He came to our world to give us an example of how we should work, and what spirit we should bring into our labor. He desires us to study how we can best advance His work and glorify His name in the world, crowning with honor, with the greatest love and devotion, the Father who “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.

COL 332.2

Stand like Daniel, that faithful statesman, a man whom no temptation could corrupt. Do not disappoint Him who so loved you that He gave His own life to cancel your sins. He says, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5. Remember this. If you have made mistakes, you certainly gain a victory if you see these mistakes and regard them as beacons of warning. Thus you turn defeat into victory, disappointing the enemy and honoring your Redeemer.

Christ’s Object Lessons

The Talent Removed

COL 364.1

Upon the slothful servant the sentence was, “Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.” Here, as in the reward of the faithful worker, is indicated not merely the reward at the final judgment but the gradual process of retribution in this life. As in the natural, so in the spiritual world: every power unused will weaken and decay. Activity is the law of life; idleness is death. “The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7. Employed to bless others, his gifts increase. Shut up to self-serving they diminish, and are finally withdrawn. He who refuses to impart that which he has received will at last find that he has nothing to give. He is consenting to a process that surely dwarfs and finally destroys the faculties of the soul.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

COL 327.1

The talents that Christ entrusts to His church represent especially the gifts and blessings imparted by the Holy Spirit. “To one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will.” 1 Corinthians 12:8-11. All men do not receive the same gifts, but to every servant of the Master some gift of the Spirit is promised.

COL 327.2

Before He left His disciples, Christ “breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” John 20:22. Again He said, “Behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you.” Luke 24:49. But not until after the ascension was the gift received in its fullness. Not until through faith and prayer the disciples had surrendered themselves fully for His working was the outpouring of the Spirit received. Then in a special sense the goods of heaven were committed to the followers of Christ. “When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.” Ephesians 4:8. “Unto every one of us is given grace, according to the measure of the gift of Christ,” the Spirit “dividing to every man severally as He will.” Ephesians 4:7; 1 Corinthians 12:11. The gifts are already ours in Christ, but their actual possession depends upon our reception of the Spirit of God.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Health

COL 348.2

“Know ye not,” says the apostle Paul, “that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and 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.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Money

COL 352.1

Hoarded wealth is not merely useless, it is a curse. In this life it is a snare to the soul, drawing the affections away from the heavenly treasure. In the great day of God its witness to unused talents and neglected opportunities will condemn its possessor. The Scripture says, “Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall bear witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth; and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.” James 5:1-4.

COL 352.2

But Christ sanctions no lavish or careless use of means. His lesson in economy, “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost,” is for all His followers. (John 6:12.) He who realizes that his money is a talent from God will use it economically, and will feel it a duty to save that he may give.

The Upward Look

To Every Man His Work, September 16

UL 273.1

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. Matthew 25:14.

This Day With God

To Every Man His Work, October 4

TDG 286.1

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. Matthew 25:14.

Special Testimony to Battle Creek Church

Result of Separation from God

PH154 22.2

The perils of the last days are upon us. Read Matthew 25:14. Satan takes the control of every mind that is not decidedly under the control of the Spirit of God. Some have been cultivating hatred against the men whom God has commissioned to bear a special message to the world. They began this Satanic work at Minneapolis. Afterward, when they saw and felt the demonstration of the Holy Spirit, testifying that the message was of God, they hated it the more, because it was a testimony against them. They would not humble their hearts to repent, to give God the glory, and vindicate the right. They went on in their own spirit, filled with envy, jealousy, and evil surmisings, as did the Jews. They opened their hearts to the enemy of God and man. Yet these men have been holding positions of trust, and have been molding the work after their own similitude, as far as they possibly could....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 57, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 57, 1895, par. 12

The perils of the last days are upon us. Read Matthew 25:14. Satan takes the control of every mind that is not decidedly under the control of the Spirit of God. Some have been cultivating hatred against the men whom God has commissioned to bear a special message to the world. They began this satanic work at Minneapolis. Afterward, when they saw and felt the demonstration of the Holy Spirit testifying that the message was of God, they hated it the more, because it was a testimony against them. They would not humble their hearts to repent, to give God the glory, and vindicate the right.

In Heavenly Places

Using Our Talents for God, August 5

HP 224.1

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Matthew 25:14, 15.

To Be Like Jesus

One Talent, Used Faithfully, Will Gain Other Talents, March 22

BLJ 90.1

The kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Matthew 25:14, 15, NKJV.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 56, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 56, 1893, par. 3

You mentioned some matters to me over which you were troubled. You asked why it was that our ministers are so devoid of business talent and financial ability? This was in no wise an unreasonable question. But has not our heavenly Father a knowledge of these things? He has called some men to the ministry of the Word, but has He not also called men to the work whose experience and ability qualifies them to take charge of the business part of the cause of God? The Lord has called men to the ministry, but He has also given to every man his work according to his several ability. “For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability.” [Matthew 25:14, 15.]

Ye Shall Receive Power

More Gifts: More Responsibility, July 21

YRP 211.1

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Matthew 25:14, 15.

YRP 211.3

Those who are represented as having but one talent have also their work to do. By trading, not with pounds, but with pence, they are diligently to employ their ability, determined not to fail nor be discouraged. They are to ask in faith, and depend upon the Holy Spirit to work upon unbelieving hearts. If they depend upon their own capabilities, they will fail. Those who faithfully trade upon the one talent will hear the gracious commendations spoken to them with as much heartiness as to those who have been gifted with many talents, and who have wisely improved them, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things” (Matthew 25:21).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 13, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 13, 1895, par. 12

We are justified by faith; but judged by the character of our works. In the parable, before the nobleman went away he “called his own servants and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability.” [Matthew 25:14, 15.] There is not one human being to whom is not committed some talent.

10LtMs, Ms 13, 1895, par. 19

Upon the decisions reached in that day depends the future, eternal interest of every soul. We shall have unspeakable joy, or unutterable woe and misery, the horrors of despair. O, how Jesus will love to recompense every true worker! Every faithfully performed duty will receive His blessing. It is then that He pronounces the benediction, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:21.] What is the joy of our Lord? “For the joy that was set before him” He “endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” [Hebrews 12:2.] “We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that you receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in a day of salvation have I succored thee: Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)” [2 Corinthians 6:1, 2.] Truth, precious truth, is not to be hidden in our hearts. “A city set on a hill cannot be hid.” [Matthew 5:14.]

Our High Calling

Talents for Everyone, October 10

OHC 289.1

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Matthew 25:14, 15.

OHC 289.4

All that we are or can be belongs to God. Education, discipline, and skill in every line should be used for Him. The capital is His, and the improvement is the usury that rightfully belongs to the Master. Whether the amount entrusted is large or small, the Lord requires that His householders do their best. It is not the amount entrusted or the improvement made that brings to men the approbation of Heaven, but it is the faithfulness, the loyalty to God, the loving service rendered, that brings the divine benediction, “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Verse 23. This reward of joy does not wait until our entrance into the city of God, but the faithful servant has a foretaste of it even in this life.18The Signs of the Times, January 23, 1893.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 73, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 73, 1900, par. 3

In the parable of the talents, Christ has plainly declared the use He expects us to make of our endowments. “The kingdom of heaven,” the Saviour said, “is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, according to their several ability, and straightway took his journey.” [Matthew 25:14, 15.] Read carefully the record of use made of these talents. The one who had received five talents and the one who had received ten put their money out to usury, and on the return of their Master, they were able to give back to him the principal and interest. These servants were equally commended. To each the Master said, “Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things: I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” [Verse 23.]

15LtMs, Ms 73, 1900, par. 4

The servant who had received one talent did not appreciate the gift, but bound up his talent and hid it in the earth. He did not good with that which the lord gave him. With murmuring and complaint he came to his lord, saying, “Lord, I knew thee, that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: and I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed. Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him which hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.” [Verses 24-29.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 114, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 114, 1905, par. 10

“His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not and gather where I have not strawed: thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received my own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.” [Matthew 25:14-16, 18-21, 24-29.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 9, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 9, 1891, par. 1

Matthew 25:14-16. Oh, there is trading to be done by every one of us. If God has given us talents, it is that we may trade with them; that we may put them out at usury, that we may make the very best use of every capability, of every power, that God has given us. Verses 17-24. When he said he knew the Lord, it was very evident that he did not know Him. Few can say, I know the Lord. Many proclaim that they know all about the will of God, all the knowledge that they should have of Him; but they do not have it. If they did know, they would never say that they did; because it would place them in such contrast with the God of heaven that they would feel that they did not know anything. “I knew thee that thou art a hard man” [Verse 24], shows that he did not know anything about God. He was afraid, and so will every one be who charges God with being a hard man.

7LtMs, Ms 9, 1891, par. 2

When we see God in His character as it is, we will see a God of goodness, as He proclaimed Himself to Moses, a God of compassion, one that forgiveth transgressions and sins, and that will by no means clear the guilty. He was afraid of God. What was he afraid about? [He was] afraid to lay his endowments at the feet of the Master. He laid them at the feet of the enemy by hiding his talents in the earth; but he was afraid to lay them at the feet of Him who purchased them with His own blood. Verses 25-29.

7LtMs, Ms 9, 1891, par. 31

Will the Master say, “Good and faithful,” when you are not? when you are only self-centered? [Matthew 25:21.] The world requires at least that your light shall shine, that you shall be a living stone in the building that you may reveal the light that is in you to others, that you shall show that the truth means something to you, that it sanctifies the heart, that it is brought into the inner temple, that it is not left in the outer court. You do not take off your religion as a cloak, neither can you thus put it on.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 81, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 81, 1899, par. 6

“His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reaped where I sowed not, and gathered where I had not strawed: thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and from him which hath not shall be taken away, even which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [Matthew 25:14-30.]

14LtMs, Ms 81, 1899, par. 7

When the master comes in to receive his goods, he sees the servant to whom he has entrusted five talents. This servant has proved faithful, for he has gained five talents more. He has worked on the plan of addition, as represented by the apostle Peter. The servant with the two talents has gained beside them two talents more. Both have worked on the plan of addition, adding grace to grace, and each receives his reward. Now the man to whom has been given the one talent is called to account for his stewardship. But he can only look with confusion upon the face of his lord, for he has followed the suggestions of the enemy and done his bidding. If he had been convinced that he could not use that one talent for his lord, he should have passed it on for some faithful man to use; but instead of this, he has hidden it in the earth. And now he comes to his lord with a falsehood upon his lips. “I knew thee that thou wast an hard man,” he says, “reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: and I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth.” [Verses 24, 25.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 19, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 19, 1899, par. 7

“Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed; and I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth, lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed; thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance. But from him that hath not shall be taken away, even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [Matthew 25:14-30.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 26, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 26, 1899, par. 6

“His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [Matthew 25:14-30.]

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

MR No. 1418—The Danger of Prosperity; Talents To Be Used for God; An Appeal for New Commitment to Christ

19MR 385.2

For several mornings before I left Cooranbong I was passing through interesting scenes with you. Again and again had your case been urged upon my mind. The parable scene found in Matthew 25:14-23 was presented before me. This is the last of the many parables in His public teachings given [to the disciples] by our Lord Jesus Christ. Early in the morning He had crossed the mount. He gave them the warning in regard to His second appearing in the clouds of heaven. Chapter 24:36: “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” [verse 14].

19MR 389.2

“For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods” (Matthew 25:14). (Please read verses 15-36.) It is plainly revealed here that more is embraced than merely earthly, temporal employments. It is more than worldly goods which the Lord has committed to our keeping. Bear in mind eternity: do not cast this out of your reckoning. Make no mistakes here where eternal interests are involved.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 108, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 108, 1896, par. 2

For several mornings before I left Cooranbong I was passing through interesting scenes with you. Again and again had your case been urged upon my mind. The parable scene found in (Matthew 25:14-23) was presented before me. This is the last of the many parables in His public teachings given by our Lord Jesus Christ. Early in the morning He had crossed the Mount. He gave them the warning in regard to His second appearing in the clouds of heaven. Chapter 24:36. “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, but the angels not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” “But this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached to all the world for a witness to all nations; and then shall the end come.” [Verse 14.]

11LtMs, Lt 108, 1896, par. 13

“For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.” Matthew 25:14. (Please read verses 15-36.) It is plainly revealed here that more is embraced than merely earthly, temporal employments. It is more than worldly goods which the Lord has committed to our keeping. Bear in mind eternity: do not cast this out of your reckoning. Make no mistakes here where eternal interests are involved.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 184, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 184, 1907, par. 1

Matthew 25:14, 15. So we see there are different minds that are worked by the Lord. Yet those that have less capability are to impart it. They have opportunity to impart it.

22LtMs, Ms 184, 1907, par. 2

Verses 15-20. What a satisfaction it was to him and to others that were interested in the matter.

22LtMs, Ms 184, 1907, par. 3

Verses 20, 21. “I knew thee”—the very thing he did not know—“that thou art hard man.” Verse 24. That is the lesson for us to understand.

22LtMs, Ms 184, 1907, par. 4

Verses 25, 26. He repeats his words, not that they were true, for they were false.

22LtMs, Ms 184, 1907, par. 5

Verses 27-30. Here is the lesson again.

22LtMs, Ms 184, 1907, par. 6

Verses 31-40. This lesson is a very important one.

22LtMs, Ms 184, 1907, par. 7

Verses 41-46. Now, here is a lesson. It is our privilege to be educating ourselves, every one of us, that we may meet the expectation of our Lord. How? Here was the world lying in sin, corruption, and Satan was having things after his own way, and here he was taking possession of the hearts and souls of the people, and the bodies, and Christ saw that it was time for Him to reveal Himself. And Christ the royal priest of heaven, the royal King, laid aside His royal robe, laid off His royal crown, and clothed His divinity with humanity. He came here as a humble child in this world, and was a child of poverty. Why? So that no sinner should say, He does not know that temptations I have passed through. They have suffered poverty. “He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin.” [Hebrews 4:15.] He did not yield to the temptations of sin.

Our Father Cares

Walk in the Footsteps of Jesus, September 30

OFC 285.1

And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability. Matthew 25:15.

OFC 285.2

Study the instruction found in Matthew 25:14-46. Compare this instruction with your life record. Let every man put away his boasting.... Let us walk in the footsteps of Christ in all the humility of true faith. Let us put away all self-trust, committing ourselves, day by day and hour by hour, to the Saviour, constantly receiving and imparting His grace. I beg those who profess to believe in Christ to walk humbly before God. Pride and self-exaltation are an offense to Him. “If any man will come after me,” Christ declares, “let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Those only who obey this word will He recognize as His believing ones. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12, 13).

This Day With God

Walk in the Footsteps of Jesus, December 30

TDG 373.1

And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability. Matthew 25:15.

TDG 373.2

Study the instruction found in Matthew 25:14-46. Compare this instruction with your life record. Let every man put away his boasting.... Let us walk in the footsteps of Christ in all the humility of true faith. Let us put away all self-trust, committing ourselves, day by day and hour by hour, to the Saviour, constantly receiving and imparting His grace. I beg those who profess to believe in Christ to walk humbly before God. Pride and self-exaltation are an offense to Him. “If any man will come after me,” Christ declares, “let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Those only who obey this word will He recognize as His believing ones. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12, 13).

The Paulson Collection of Ellen G. White Letters

B.214’06

PC 83.1

“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey.” Study these words. Study the instruction found in Matthew 25:14-46. Compare this instruction with your life-record. Let every man put away his boasting. Self-sufficiency is a fearfully dangerous thing for any one to entertain. It leads men to make of no effect the words of Christ.

The Review and Herald

August 2, 1906

RH August 2, 1906, par. 15

“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey?” Study these words. Study the instruction found in Matthew 25:14-46. Compare this instruction with your life record. Let every man put away his boasting. Self-sufficiency is a fearfully dangerous thing for any one to entertain. It leads men to make of no effect the words of Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 166, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 166, 1905, par. 9

“Know ye not that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey?” [Romans 6:16.] Study these words. Study the instruction found in Matthew 25:14-46. Compare this instruction with your life record. Let every man put away his boasting. Self-sufficiency is a fearfully dangerous thing for any one to entertain. It leads men to make of no effect the words of Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 214, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 214, 1906, par. 13

“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey?” [Romans 6:16.] Study these words. Study the instruction found in Matthew 25:14-46. Compare this instruction with your life record. Let every man put away his boasting. Self-sufficiency is a fearfully dangerous thing for any one to entertain. It leads men to make of no effect the words of Christ.

That I May Know Him

Trading on God’s Gifts, November 14

TMK 324.1

And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Matthew 25:15.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 118, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 118, 1907, par. 8

To every man is given his work. In the representation of the parable, the householder gave the talents to his servants, “according to their several ability.” [Matthew 25:15.] All are not in possession of the same capabilities. Each has a special work to do, that there may be no schism in the body of Christ. Each is to take up his special work and run with patience the race that is set before him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 13, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 13, 1893, par. 14

Unless those who are supposed to be missionary workers are faithful, the sooner they are dismissed the better it will be for them and the cause of truth. The slipshod workers may expect dearth wherever they go. To every man is committed his work. You are expected to train that talent. To the one that neglected to train the talent it was said, “Take him and cast him into outer darkness.” [Matthew 22:13.] Here is the judgment of God against the slothful servant. He said of God, “We knew thee that thou wast an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sowed, and gathering where thou hast not strawed.” [Matthew 25:24.] He lied against God. He did not know God at all.

8LtMs, Ms 13, 1893, par. 18

Because the human instrument submits to Christ, The Lord Jesus that died for us means to do everything He can for each soul that comes to Him for strength and efficiency. Christ says, “They that follow me shall not walk in darkness.” “Walk in the light while ye have the light.” [John 8:12; 12:35.] Move forward. If you do not improve in methods and tact by exercising your faculties [to learn] how to work better, when will you increase in efficiency? Every leading of the Spirit of God will always lead you to better efficiency in time. To the one with five talents it was said, “I will make thee ruler over many things.” [Matthew 25:21.] The one-talented man was expected to do his best also. “I will multiply the one talent.” But he robbed God of that time, and wasted his Lord’s goods. The record says, “He gave to every man his work.” [Mark 13:34.] How? “According to their several ability.” [Matthew 25:15.]

8LtMs, Ms 13, 1893, par. 21

My parents taught their children that it was a sin to be idle, and father said he would supply us with yarn if we would knit for the poor. And we did so, and drew quite heavily for supplies of yarn. I never allow my hands to be idle. I know we can do a great deal more than we think we can. We do not know how much God has before us. We should be willing to put the whole heart into the work. You need not expect the heavenly agencies will work unless you place yourself in line. And then to have “well done” said to you at last! Christ will pronounce “Well done” on those only who have “well done.” [Verse 21.]

To Be Like Jesus

Faithful Users of Talents Will Hear “Well Done,” March 23

BLJ 91.1

The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. Matthew 25:16, 17, NRSV.

Our High Calling

How Are You Using your Talents? October 11

OHC 290.1

Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his Lord’s money. Matthew 25:16-18.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 16e, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 16e, 1892, par. 12

I want to say to many, “You are waiting for some one to carry you to the vineyard or to bring the vineyard to you and set you to work, that you will experience no coming in later; you will wait in vain. If you lift up your eyes, you would see that the harvest is white for the sickle whichever way you may look. You will find work close by, and afar off, but to how many will Christ say in the judgment, “Good and faithful servant”? [Matthew 25:21.]

7LtMs, Lt 16e, 1892, par. 21

Have you tasted of the powers of the world to come? Have you been eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God? Then if ministerial hands have not been laid upon you in this world, Christ has laid His hand upon you and said, “Ye are my witnesses.” [Isaiah 43:10.] “Go trade on the talents I have given you.” [Matthew 25:16.] “Ye are the light of the world, a city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. ... Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 19b, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 19b, 1892, par. 48

We are walking in the sight of unseen intelligences. A witness is by our side constantly to see how we trade with the Lord’s entrusted goods. When the good steward returns his talents with usury he will claim nothing. He will realize that they are the talents that God delivered unto him and will give glory to the Master. He knows that there would have been no gain without the deposit, no interest without the principal. He will say, “Lord, thou deliverest unto me five talents; behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.” Matthew 25:20.

7LtMs, Lt 19b, 1892, par. 49

Let the church now consider whether they are putting out to usury the capital the Lord has given. Without the grace of Christ, every soul would have been bankrupt for eternity; therefore we can rightfully claim nothing, yet when we are faithful stewards, the Lord rewards us as if the merit were all our own. He says, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:21

Ye Shall Receive Power

Every Man, Woman, and Child Is Responsible, July 28

YRP 218.1

And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Matthew 25:20, 21.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 123, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 123, 1897, par. 10

In that day the faithful servants appropriate no merit to themselves. They feel that they have done only their duty, and that very deficiently. They could have acquired nothing without the capital advanced them. The faithful servant says, “I have gained beside them other talents.” [Matthew 25:20, 22.] These talents embrace both money and influence. If it had not been for the capital advanced in money or in capabilities, they would have come out bankrupt for eternity.

12LtMs, Lt 123, 1897, par. 11

When the Master takes account of His servants, He gives His approval to those who have done faithful work with His entrusted capital. He speaks to them words of commendation, and rewards them as if the merit were their own. “Well done, good and faithful servant,” He says, “thou hast been faithful over few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Verse 23.] The countenance of Christ is full of joy and satisfaction, He is filled with delight that He can bestow blessings upon them for their faithful service. “Henceforth I call you not servants, but friends.” [John 15:15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 81, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 81, 1898, par. 27

The Lord deals not with us as men deal. He gave His Son at an immense sacrifice, that He might win us to His service; and with Him He gave all heaven. This He did to show the estimate He placed on the beings He had created. And He bears long with us. He shows no favoritism. If the one to whom has been entrusted many talents uses them to glorify God, the Lord will say to him, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” And if the one who has fewer talents, fewer riches, fewer opportunities, does his best, the Lord will say to him, “Well done,” as heartily as to the one who made more talents. [Matthew 25:20-23.]

Counsels on Health

Loyalty to Our Institutions

CH 284.2

The very gravest difficulty that the physicians and managers of our institutions have to meet is that men and women who have been led up step by step, educated and trained to fill positions of trust, have become self-inflated, self-sufficient, and placed altogether too high an estimate upon their own capabilities. If they have been entrusted with two talents, they feel perfectly capable of handling five. If they had wisely and judiciously used the two talents, coming up with faithfulness in the little things entrusted to them, thorough in everything they undertook, then they would be qualified to handle larger responsibilities. If they could climb every step of the ladder, round after round, showing faithfulness in that which is least, it would be an evidence that they were fitted to bear heavier burdens, and would be faithful in much. But many care only to skim the surface. They do not think deep, and become master of their duties. They feel ready to grasp the highest round of the ladder without the trouble of climbing up step after step. We are pained at heart as we compare the work coming forth from their hands with God’s righteous standard of faithfulness which God alone can accept. There is a painful defect, a remissness, a superficial gloss, a wanting in solidity and in intelligent knowledge and carefulness and thoroughness. God cannot say to such, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things.” Matthew 25:21.

Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2

Chapter 59—Character Formation

2MCP 554.1

Giving All Every Day—By taking one step after another, the highest ascent may be climbed and the summit of the mount may be reached at last. Do not become overwhelmed with the great amount of work you must do in your lifetime, for you are not required to do it all at once. Let every power of your being go to each day’s work, improve each precious opportunity, appreciate the helps that God gives you, and make advancement up the ladder of progress step by step. Remember that you are to live but one day at a time, that God has given you one day, and heavenly records will show how you have valued its privileges and opportunities. May you so improve every day given you of God that at last you may hear the Master say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).—YI, Jan 5, 1893. (Messages to Young People, 46.)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 12, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 12, 1894, par. 26

God grant that we may seek the perishing and bring them back to the fold of God. We want to see sinners converted and we want to seek to expel sin from the world. God will deliver us, and we may represent the character of Jesus Christ who died for the sins of the whole world. Let us, everyone, learn of Jesus. Take His yoke. Love Him because He first loved you, and we shall have a most precious victory by and by. He will open the gates of the City of God and bid us come in. He will welcome us and give us a heavenly benediction. To [all] [who] have tested their obedience that they will obey the law of God, He says, “Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:21.] What is that joy? The joy of seeing sinners converted. They will be brought to Jesus Christ, and this is His joy. We have been partakers with Jesus Christ. “Laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] And thus we see that we can indeed be partakers of His glory which shall be given to every faithful child of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 21a, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 21a, 1894, par. 14

Those who faithfully trade upon their one talent will hear the gracious commendation given them with as full heartiness as those who have been gifted with many talents, and who wisely improve them: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things.” [Matthew 25:21.] He who had but one talent had an influence to exert, and his work was needed. In perfecting his own character, he was exerting an influence that helped to perfect the characters of those who had larger responsibilities, who were in danger of building themselves up, and of neglecting some important little things, which that faithful man with his one talent was regarding with diligent care. By his diligence and unwearied, faithful efforts he gave lessons worthy of imitation to those who from outward appearance seemed to be greatly his superiors. Our various trusts are proportioned to our various abilities.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 60, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 60, 1894, par. 7

Those who feel too proud to work are too proud to sit down with the suffering Man of Calvary, and they will never hear the words of commendation from the divine Master, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, ... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:21.] Let every man, woman, and child be both industrious and economical, that they may have gifts and offerings to present to God. If they fail in making contributions to the work of God, when God has endowed them with physical strength and opportunity to labor, they commit robbery toward God and do not follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Christ worked at the carpenter’s trade with His father, and He was the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory. In thus doing He honored all honest workers, high or low, rich or poor.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 31, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 31, 1894, par. 15

Time is money, and many are wasting precious time which might be used in useful labor, working with their hands the thing that is good. The Lord will never say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” [Matthew 25:21], to the man who has not taxed the physical powers which have been lent to him of God as precious talents by which to gather means, wherewith the needy may be supplied, and offerings may be made to God. The rich are not to feel that they can be content in giving of their money merely. They have talents of ability, and they are to study to show themselves approved unto God, to be earnest spiritual agents in educating and training their children for fields of usefulness.

9LtMs, Lt 31, 1894, par. 24

The blessing of God cannot come upon those who are idlers in His vineyard. Professed Christians who do nothing neutralize the efforts of real workers by their influence and example. They make the grand and important truths they profess to believe appear inconsistent, and cause them to have no effect. They misrepresent the character of Christ. How can God let the showers of His grace come upon the churches who are largely composed of this manner of members? They are of no manner of use in the work of God. How can the Master say to such, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant ... Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” [Matthew 25:21], when they have been neither good nor faithful? God cannot speak a falsehood.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 16, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 16, 1894, par. 44

Oh, let it be seen in the world that He has given you tongues and utterances, and you will praise Him with your hearts and souls and voices. You are then making melody to God in your hearts, and when the call comes, “Child, come up higher,” when you enter the City of God through the gates that will sweep back on their glittering hinges, you will know just where to take up the immortal song. You will hear the music and know that the warfare is accomplished. And you will hear the voice of the Master, “Welcome thou into the joy of thy Lord. Thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many things.” [Matthew 25:21.] You will know just where to begin that song. You learned it here.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 102, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 102, 1894, par. 2

To be severe, to exercise justice without mercy, will never win for you the benediction, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:21.] Children are susceptible to the influences of the Spirit of God. “And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” “Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.” [Mark 10:13-16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 87, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 87, 1894, par. 27

The Lord has represented Himself as an householder who left his goods with his servants, instructing them to trade upon them for his advantage. “He called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come ... And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.” [Luke 19:13, 15.] The Lord has given talents to His servants according to their several ability, and He means that they shall be good stewards of their Lord’s goods. In carrying out the principles of the law of His government, they will put their talents to good use in distributing to the poor, in manifesting the compassion and love of Christ to their fellow men. Those who do this will hear from His lips the benediction, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 86, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 86, 1894, par. 26

It is high time that we begin to inquire, “Will my work bear the benediction of God: ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord!’” [Matthew 25:21.] What is that? “Who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is forever set down at the right hand of God.” [Hebrews 12:2.] We want to be with Christ at the right hand of God. We want that joy that was Christ’s joy of being a blessing to humanity. We must be uplifters; we must not be destroyers. We must not be of that character which will destroy the property for which Christ has given His life. He wants us to be what? Counteractors of His work? Co-laborers with Jesus Christ. “Ye are laborers together with Christ.” [See 1 Corinthians 3:9.] How? when you walk in Christ’s lines. When? when you separate your children from the contaminating and poisonous influence of this corrupt age, when you separate them from society which will talk infidelity, which will talk pleasure. But where is the Christ, where is His light and example?

My Life Today

He Multiplies My Talents, April 19

ML 113.1

Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Matthew 25:21.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 9, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 9, 1894, par. 6

What scenes will be witnessed in that great day when every man shall be rewarded as his works have been. The very ones who have been reviled, falsified, abused for Christ’s sake and treated with contempt and derision, will stand forth justified before angels and men, and the benediction will fall upon their ears, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things.” [Matthew 25:21.] All who engage in this warfare, if they obtain the victory, must be true and pure and holy. Jesus says, “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” [Revelation 3:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 24b, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 24b, 1894, par. 5

But I would ask, What are you doing for the Master, in order that you may hear His words of approval, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things”? [Matthew 25:21.] God never makes a mistake; He will never call men good and faithful who are not good and faithful. Are you doing to the utmost of your ability to meet your responsibilities before God? Or, do you cherish the false ideas which prevail with so many that idleness makes and keeps a man a gentleman? What are you doing in order that your children shall receive an education in all the duties of domestic life? What are you doing that they may be instructed in the Scriptures, and that they may obtain such a school education that they shall be qualified to be missionaries for God? What are you doing in this matter? You should be doing honest work.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 49a, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 49a, 1894, par. 5

But I would ask you, What are you doing for the Master in order that you may hear His words of approval, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things”? [Matthew 25:21.] God never makes a mistake, and He will never call men good and faithful who are not good and faithful. Are you doing to the uttermost of your ability to meet your responsibilities before God? Or do you cherish the false ideas, which prevail with so many, that idleness makes and keeps a man a gentleman? What are you doing in order that your children shall receive an education in all the duties of domestic life? What are you doing that they may be instructed in the Scriptures, and that they may obtain such a school education that they shall be qualified to be missionaries for God? What are you doing in this matter? You should be doing honest work.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 105, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 105, 1894, par. 25

He who has moral courage to be true to principle, to obey a “thus saith the Lord” will always be an annoyance to his neighbors who do not regard the word of the Lord, and who think it matters little whether men obey or disobey God. But the duty remains to conscientiously take the position of rendering loving service to God, because he has shown his love toward the human agent in giving his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. He who takes this position which is sustained by the word of God, will find that it disturbs his neighbors, it disturbs the members of his family, who will not yield their hearts to the claims of truth. But in spite of this painful situation Christ will have his witnesses in all parts of the world. Far and near the rays of light from those who fear God and keep his commandments, are shining, and many who now walk in darkness will place themselves wholly on the Lord’s side. It is not too late for your conscience to be aroused. He who is a true, whole-hearted enquirer into truth will see and understand truth. If you have hitherto misapplied your capabilities, and done dishonor to God, you may yet turn and do acceptable service. But those who will not repent and reform will be called upon to render an account to God for the good that they might have done with the capabilities and opportunities which God gave them. They might have become rooted and grounded in the truth, and have received the heavenly benediction, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” [Matthew 25:21.]

Our Father Cares

God Multiplies My Talents, February 10

OFC 52.1

Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Matthew 25:21.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 25, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 25, 1895, par. 11

All who have a hand in the work will need to be constantly learning how they can serve to the very best advantage, working for the advancement of the cause of God. It is to the earnest, faithful workers that the “Well done” is to be spoken. “Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things.” [Matthew 25:21.] “He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much.” [Luke 16:10.] We are all required to do our best in time and in labor. Those who shirk responsibilities are not the ones whom God can look upon with favor.

10LtMs, Ms 25, 1895, par. 17

There is a great amount of false reasoning to the effect that we need not do anything that has not been specified as our individual work. To carry out this principle is to work out your destiny without guidance from God. You have taken your case into your own hands. Whatever you see is necessary to be done for the interests of the one who has employed you, that is your duty. Your employer expects you to work for his interests in every line. And true religion will reveal itself in faithfulness in all these matters. The standing and success of young men is determined by their usefulness and their unswerving fidelity. Those who are faithful and diligent will be always in demand. Those who slight a thing because they can will not hear the “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” [Matthew 25:21.] The Lord has much work for faithful, conscientious workers. The young men who have the fear of God before them, and will keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment, may be sure that there is need now for the help that each one can give.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 45, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 45, 1895, par. 20

It is to those who have received a knowledge of the truth, and have let their light shine upon others, that Christ says, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:21.] We are to be judged according to the manner in which we use the light and knowledge of the truth which has been presented to us. The Lord gave His only begotten Son to ransom us from sin. We are His workmanship, we are His representatives in the world, and He expects that we shall reveal the true value of man by our purity of life, and by the earnest efforts put forth to recover the pearl of great price.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 50, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 50, 1895, par. 12

God has a work to do, and I am using all the means that I can spare, and provide myself with home, livelihood, and common conveniences. There are others who gladly and willingly help me in this part of the Lord’s vineyard. If all do their duty according to the measure of their responsibilities, the amount entrusted to them will be doubled. He who gives back to God His own, will be honored for his fidelity, and will hear the Master say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” [Matthew 25:21.] But it is not proper for persons to give just as the notion may strike them. Christ has a right to all that we have.

10LtMs, Lt 50, 1895, par. 18

Now my dear sister, I will send you this letter, and also forward a copy of it to Walter Harper. I desire to act the part of a mother to him. In times of affliction he has needed a mother. Every penny he has placed in my hands has been used for the saving of perishing souls, and in time to come may it be his experience to hear from the lips of the Master, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Verse 21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 41b, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 41b, 1896, par. 13

Every student should aspire to obtain a fitness by the inward adorning of a meek and quiet spirit, which in the sight of God is of great price. Therefore he should in this life make diligent use of every opportunity and privilege to obtain all the knowledge possible for a qualification for that higher life in the future world. God requires of every youth the full development and cultivation of all his powers. Every faculty of mind, soul, and body, is to be taxed to the highest to understand the Word of God, and have a correct knowledge of the people and their manners, who shall receive the “Well done” from the lips of the Master. [Matthew 25:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 16, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 16, 1896, par. 15

I ask you who are living at the very heart of the work to review the experience of years, and see if the “well done” can truthfully be spoken to you. [Matthew 25:21.] I ask the teachers in the school to consider carefully, prayerfully, Have you individually watched for your own soul as one who is co-operating with God for its purification from all sin and for its entire sanctification unto God? Can you by precept and example teach the youth sanctification, not devotion to the arch deceiver, but sanctification through the truth unto holiness, obedience to God?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 41a, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 41a, 1896, par. 18

Every student should aspire to obtain a fitness by the inward adorning of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. Therefore all should in this life make diligent use of every opportunity and privilege to obtain all the knowledge possible for a qualification for that higher life in the future world. God requires of every youth the full development and cultivation of all his powers. Every faculty of mind, soul, and body, is to be taxed to the highest to understand the Word of God and have a correct knowledge of the people and their manners, who are chosen the elect of God, and who will receive the “Well done” from the lips of their Master, and compose the family of God in heaven. [Matthew 25:21.] This is work that every one can do. Some are incapable of managing or organizing, but these can go co-operate in this school below with those who have a talent for this important work.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 106a, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, par. 46

Jesus is honored or dishonored by the words and deportment of those who claim to believe the truth. The heart must be kept pure and holy, for out of it are the issues of life. Foolish talking, jesting and joking, must be renounced. What you may call fun and nonsense is a positive denial of Christ. “I meant no harm,” is the excuse. Do these frivolous ones mean anything? Let them be circumspect, sound in the faith, sound in speech. That which you sow, you will also reap. Foolish conversation makes the angels of God ashamed. If the grace of Christ was in the heart as an abiding principle, as it will be in all who are fitted for heaven, then none of this chaff and giddiness, and cheapness of character would be revealed. It drives holy angels from the presence of all who indulge in it. You have none too much time in which to acquire a solidity of character, after Christ’s likeness, that you may receive the benediction from Jesus, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:21.]

Selected Messages Book 2

Chapter 34—Useful Occupation Better Than Games

2SM 323.1

Is not this the work that every youth should be seeking to do, working in Christ’s lines? You have Christ’s help. The ideas of the students will broaden. They will be far-reaching, and the powers of usefulness, even in your students’ life, will be continually growing. The arms, the hands, which God has given, are to be used in doing good which shall bear the signet of heaven, that you can at last hear the “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 7, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 7, 1896, par. 31

In the day when God comes to make up His jewels, the works of every soul will stand out clearly and distinctly, not heaped together in an indiscriminate mass. He who bestowed the gift will scrutinize the returns received from every talent. He knows just what men have done, and will reward them accordingly. Happy will those be to whom the words of commendation are spoken, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 26, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 26, 1896, par. 30

By every species of unfair dealing, either with God or with our fellow men, we are sowing the seed for a very bitter harvest. The Lord requires all who claim to be His servants to reveal the principles of heaven in all their works. They are to show kindness to all men, cherishing patience, long-suffering, forbearance, [and] generosity. This is living the gospel, and only to those who thus serve Him will God say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 97, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 97, 1897, par. 6

May the Lord help you both. What will we amount to if we lose heaven at last, that precious heaven of rest? I am very desirous that Mrs. Martin shall have the sweet peace of Christ day by day. I love her soul, but Jesus loves her better than it is possible for me to do. Heaven, eternal life in the kingdom of God, is worth a lifelong, persevering, untiring effort. To hear from the lips of Jesus, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord,” will be the sweetest music that ever fell on mortal ears. [Matthew 25:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 131, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 131, 1897, par. 4

Can it be that man, made after the image of God, endowed with the faculties of reason and speech, shall alone be unappreciative of the gifts God has bestowed upon him, and which, if improved, can be enlarged? Shall those who might be elevated and ennobled, fitted to be co-laborers with the greatest Teacher the world ever knew, be content to remain imperfect and incomplete in character, producing disorder when they might become vessels unto honor? Shall the bodies and souls of God’s purchased inheritance be so hampered with world-bound habits and unholy practices that they will never reflect the beauty of the character of Him who has done all things well, in order that imperfect man, through the grace of Christ, might do all things well, and hear at last Christ’s benediction, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord”? [Matthew 25:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 31, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 31, 1899, par. 3

He who wastes his precious time robs God of service due to Him. He is guilty of a neglect which God will not excuse. How can God welcome such a one into the courts above with the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; ... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord”? [Matthew 25:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 28, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 28, 1899, par. 15

How then can a response be made when the invitation is heard, “Come; for all things are now ready”? [Luke 14:17.] How is it possible for a man to receive the commendation, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” [Matthew 25:21], when he has been disobedient, unthankful, unholy? He has trained the mind to disregard God’s plainest requirements, to dislike religious things. He loves the things of earth more than the things of heaven.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 16, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 16, 1899, par. 7

That God whose you are by creation and by redemption has laid upon me the work of instructing and warning you. He who gave His life for you, that you might have all the help that is in Christ, that you might become a child of God, an heir with Jesus Christ to the immortal inheritance, bids me tell you that He wants you to work in His vineyard. You are not to bind up your talent of means in a napkin, burying it as did the unfaithful steward, so that this means shall not be used to advance the work of God in the world. God calls upon you to receive wisdom from Him, that your life here may be a success, and that against your name in the records of heaven may be written the words, “Well done.” [Matthew 25:21.]

Selected Messages Book 3

A Vivid View of Coming Events

3SM 431.2

There are the columns of angels on either side, and the ransomed of God walk in through the cherubim and seraphim. Christ bids them welcome and puts upon them His benediction: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: ... enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21). What is that joy? He sees of the travail of His soul, and is satisfied. That is what we labor for.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 109, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 109, 1899, par. 10

I have been shown the different members of the Wessels family. John loves business, and to engage in worldly enterprises would be his temptation. He has at times been strongly tempted. I knew the position of every member of the family. I knew that the prospect was not favorable for their long continuance in the love of the truth, for they were cherishing false principles and false ideas in regard to their true spiritual condition. This made my soul very sad, and the Lord instructed me to write to John Wessels, asking him to break away from his kindred, and come to Australia, where he could use his means as the Lord’s entrusted goods should be used, and at last have the eternal satisfaction of hearing the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 51, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 51, 1899, par. 12

God grant that you may have an abundant entrance into His kingdom, that Christ shall not be ashamed to own you, your wife, and your children. Be Christ’s representatives, pure, holy, undefiled, sanctified to God in body, soul, and spirit. The Lord bless you and keep you sound, clean, pure in mind and practice. Then will rest upon you the heavenly benediction, “Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 120, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 120, 1899, par. 20

God has given us gracious opportunities for doing good. He has provided us with every facility, every faculty, and we are answerable to Him for our use or abuse of them. If we use them well, God can call us laborers together with Him, the great Character-builder. If we cleanse ourselves from every impure and selfish principle, the blessed benediction can be pronounced upon us, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; ... enter thou into the joy of the Lord.” [Matthew 25:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 18, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 18, 1901, par. 22

Eternal life is presented to us. Let us do all in our power to gain it. To us has been given the privilege of co-operating with Jesus in His work of saving lost souls. Those who do this work with self-denial and self-sacrifice are the elect of God. From Him they will one day receive the benediction, “Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 177, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 177, 1901, par. 34

Brethren and sisters of the Iowa Conference, you have lost a rich experience. There seems to be but little grace in your hearts. You are not bound together by the cords of Christian fellowship. You do not bring pleasantness into your religious life. Selfishness, springing from self-love, separates you one from another. To many of you Christ could not now say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: ... enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” [Matthew 25:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 134, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 134, 1902, par. 21

My dear brethren and sisters in Iowa, determine to reveal Christ’s righteousness more fully than you have revealed it in the past; determine to show that you are not of this world, but of the kingdom of heaven. You are in danger of losing a rich experience. Will you not cultivate the grace of Christ in your hearts? Let not selfishness, springing from self-love, separate you from one another and from God. Bind yourselves to one another by the cords of Christian benevolence. If faithful, you will hear from the Saviour’s lips the words. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: ... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 49, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 49, 1902, par. 10

The truly honorable are those who devote their lives to the uplifting of their fellow men to glorify God. The man who lays aside selfish interests in order to bring happiness to others; who binds up the broken-hearted, who brings life and immortality to light before those who know not Christ, who does all he can to benefit his fellow men, using his capabilities for God, is the man who will hear the “Well done” from the Master. [Matthew 25:21.] “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” [James 1:27.]

Sons and Daughters of God

Christ Commends Those Who Serve Him, September 29

SD 279.1

Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. Matthew 25:21.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 192, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 192, 1903, par. 34

And to those who have realized that their sacred trust must be handled with cleansed hands and purified hearts, and have dealt honestly and truly, God speaks the words of encouragement: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:21.] As the Master utters these words of approval, His countenance beams with joy.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 108, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 108, 1903, par. 10

The talents that God entrusts to His workmen are to be traded upon. In the parable the master commended all who had improved their talents. He pronounced the same blessing upon the one who had faithfully traded with the two talents as upon the one to whom had been given the five talents. “Well done,” the master said, “thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” [Matthew 25:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 21, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 21, 1903, par. 37

My heavenly Father, we come to Thee at this time as children dependent upon Thee. We are weakness itself. In us there is no strength, no comeliness. But we come to Thee as Thy little children. We want special help from Thee at this time. Thou hast promised in Thy Word that Thou wilt sanctify those who keep Thy Sabbath. We want the sanctification of the Holy Spirit upon our hearts, upon our characters. O my Father, for Christ’s sake, wilt Thou pardon our transgressions and our sins. Wilt Thou give us clear, spiritual eyesight, that we may discern what we should be and what we must be if we are granted entrance into the kingdom of God, if we hear the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” [Matthew 25:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 304, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 304, 1904, par. 5

Parents, these self-denial boxes are a precious reminder in your home. Therefore deny yourselves in order to be able to put money into them, just as long as there are needs to be supplied. Watch and guard the Lord’s plan. This is a living work, and the mites swell into larger sums. Take your children, fathers and mothers, to the mercy-seat. Go with them to the cross, and tell the children of the sacrifice that Christ has made to provide for them mansions in the heavens. He would have all your gifts, large or small, bear the signature of self-denial. Let your offerings be increased by self-denial, that you may hear the “well done” from Him who has given you all things. [Matthew 25:21.] Let these boxes, which hold your gifts of self-denial, lead you to remember that you have been bought with a price. Let nothing make you regard the matter with indifference. It is the Lord’s plan. Deal honesty with it, remembering the great gift of God to you, that you should be redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Spiritual advancement here means life in the higher world. Parents, lose no opportunity to set forth Christ your Redeemer. Show Christian sympathy and Christian fellowship for all the needy and oppressed. Children, 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.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 335, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 335, 1904, par. 13

The Lord is looking upon the workers at Takoma Park with a “Well done” for every faithful one. [Matthew 25:21.] The efforts of these workers are helping to prepare them for the mansions that Christ has gone to make ready for those who love Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 192, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 192, 1905, par. 50

God wants you to come to the gates of the city of God with all your children, your little children, and He swings back the gates of the holy city. There He bids you welcome in through the gates, and He says, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things.” [Matthew 25:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 137, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 137, 1905, par. 10

To your children I would say, Be of good courage in the Lord. We cannot say to you, Break away from the school, and come also. Your position cannot well be filled, and the Lord has blessed you and given you increased ability. There is a great work to be done, and in acting your individual part, you will certainly receive blessing in this life and in the future life, when the members of the Lord’s family shall be gathered together to enjoy one another’s society through an eternity of bliss. May the Lord bless you in all your labors to prepare the youth to do their appointed work, and may you at last hear the “Well done” from the lips of the Saviour. [Matthew 25:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 370, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 370, 1906, par. 4

It is not, even now, too late for you to make a radical change; but unless you are genuinely converted, you will never hear the glad welcome from the Saviour, and the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant. ... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:21.] I write you thus, because my soul hungers ad thirsts to see the salvation of my sister’s children. I have felt so sorrowful as I have thought of you.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 51, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 51, 1906, par. 5

He who has been transformed into the likeness of Christ, he who cherishes the spirit of the great missionary Worker is filled with a desire to bear the tidings of salvation to the regions beyond, to those who know not the Saviour. To the work of soul-saving, he consecrates time and strength, means and influence. He uses every jot of his ability in an effort to win souls to Christ. The sacrifice made on the cross of Calvary is the motive that inspires him to put forth untiring efforts and to show unflagging zeal. His determination is: “I will not fail nor become discouraged.” [See Isaiah 42:4.] By his consistent life he draws those around him to the Saviour, showing that man may become a partaker of the divine nature. When man becomes a co-worker with God, through faith in Jesus Christ, the human mold fades before the divine resemblance. He of whom this is true does a work which God can approve in the highest terms, saying, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:21.] His work is not an uncertain one, but a work that will abide through the eternal ages. It results bear the divine test.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

A Lesson of Obedience

8T 327.2

Can it be that man, made in the image of God, endowed with reason and speech, shall alone be unappreciative of His gifts and disobedient to His laws? Will those who might be elevated and ennobled, fitted to be colaborers with Him, be content to remain imperfect in character and to cause confusion in our world? Shall the bodies and souls of God’s purchased inheritance be hampered with world-bound habits and unholy practices? Shall they not reflect the beauty of Him who has done all things well, that through His grace imperfect man might hear at last His benediction: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: ...enter thou into the joy of thy Lord”? Matthew 25:21.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 141, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 141, 1907, par. 24

No man is left in uncertainty in his Christian experience and in his labors. The eye of God is upon every child of His who seeks to serve Him with humility of heart. There is a “well done” for every follower of Christ who witnesses for God before a world lying in wickedness. Every day we seek with sincere heart to follow the directions of the Word of God, and to become a laborer together with Him in the salvation of souls, there is written for us in the book of heaven the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” [Matthew 25:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 94, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 94, 1907, par. 9

Physicians, nurses, helpers, the Lord calls upon you each to make a covenant with Him at every step. Consecrate yourselves to the work, and bring the principles of the truth into faithful service. Then in the day of final reckoning you will hear the words from the lips of the Master, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful in a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of the Lord.” [Matthew 25:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Lt 40, 1908

23LtMs, Lt 40, 1908, par. 3

I have been writing constantly for two weeks, that if possible I might set things in order among the workers. I pray that the will of the Lord may be done by you and by me and by W. C. White. I pray that each member of my family may pursue such a course that we all may hear the “well done” spoken unto us. [Matthew 25:21.] Let us remember that there is a great and grand work to be done in the saving of souls. And time is short; we have not one moment to waste on matters that are unessential.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Lt 112, 1909

24LtMs, Lt 112, 1909, par. 6

But what spiritual good, I ask, has been imparted to believers and unbelievers? What effort has been made to exalt the world’s Redeemer? Christ has paid for your redemption with the infinite price of His precious blood. Had you accepted with gratitude this Gift, and appreciated it as you should, you would have sought to uplift Him before others, saying, The Saviour has given His precious life for you and for me. How do you suppose the Lord regards the half-hearted service that has been given Him? The “Well done” [Matthew 25:21] cannot be spoken of imperfect service; the Lord has not been honored in your daily experience. I now entreat of you to take upon yourselves the responsibility that you have not yet accepted of being laborers together with God and fulfil faithfully the duties He requires of you.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 77, 1912

25LtMs, Ms 77, 1912, par. 9

In the night season I am instructing families that unless they become Christlike in their religious life, they will never practice the Christian virtues that will bring to them the commendation, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” [Matthew 25:21.] Wake up, fathers and mothers, for Christ’s sake wake up.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 55, 1912

25LtMs, Ms 55, 1912, par. 10

Christ’s commission to His first disciples is the great missionary charter of the gospel. If His followers would fulfil their mission, they would have the reward of His approval. To them would be spoken the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:21.] And this commission His followers today are ever to hold sacred and to work out in their experience. In following Christ’s example, and in bringing into their life practice the principles that He laid down for the work of the first disciples, they, like them, are to make His name a praise in the earth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 163, 1910

25LtMs, Lt 163, 1910, par. 13

The third angel’s message is to be proclaimed to every nation, tongue, and people. I am instructed of the Lord to say, The entire world is to be warned. I am to say, The Lord will not excuse our ministers, our physicians, our leading men who have occupied positions as presidents, as elders. All in positions of trust have not been faithful to fulfil their responsibilities; and should Christ come today, there are those who occupy responsible positions to whom Christ cannot say, “Thou good and faithful servant: ... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:21.] Unconverted self has obtained the mastery of many. Unless they heed the admonitions of the Lord and are thoroughly converted, they cannot hear the voice of commendation, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, ... enter ye into the kingdom of thy Lord.”

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9

God’s Almoners

9T 59.2

Love for lost souls brought Christ to Calvary’s cross. Love for souls will lead us to self-denial and sacrifice, for the saving of that which is lost. And as Christ’s followers give back to the Lord His own, they are accumulating treasure which will be theirs when they hear the words: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: ... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord,” “who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Matthew 25:21; Hebrews 12:2. The joy of seeing souls eternally saved will be the reward of all who follow in the steps of the Redeemer.

The Faith I Live By

Perfect in All His Ways, February 7

FLB 44.7

Whatever your work may be, do it faithfully.... As you work in this way, God will place His approval on you, and Christ will one day say to you. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21.29Messages to Young People, 144, 145.

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

The Teacher’s Privilege

CT 48.1

Teachers, what opportunities are yours! What a privilege is within your reach of molding the minds and characters of the youth under your charge! What a joy it will be to you to meet them round the great white throne, and to know that you have done what you could to fit them for immortality! If your work stands the test of the great day, like sweetest music will fall upon your ears the benediction of the Master, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: ... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matthew 25:21.

The Faith I Live By

Death Swallowed Up in Victory, June 24

FLB 181.4

The pangs of death were the last things they felt.... When they awake the pain is all gone.... The gates of the city of God swing back upon their hinges, ... and the ransomed of God walk in through the cherubims and seraphims. Christ bids them welcome and puts upon them His benediction. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: ... enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:21.67My Life Today, 349.

The Faith I Live By

Love Begets Love, October 30

FLB 309.7

Love for lost souls brought Christ to Calvary’s cross. Love for souls will lead us to self-denial and sacrifice, for the saving of that which is lost. And as Christ’s followers give back to the Lord His own, they are accumulating treasure which will be theirs when they hear the words: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: ... enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:21.... The joy of seeing souls eternally saved will be the reward of all who follow in the steps of the Redeemer.108Testimonies for the Church 9:53-59.

The Upward Look

God Is in Every Place, July 12

UL 207.4

Shall the compassionate, self-sacrificing Saviour find us wanting in tenderness, love, sympathy for those for whom He gave His life? God has granted us gracious opportunities for service. He has provided us with precious talents, and we are answerable to Him for the use we make of them. If we use them wisely, God will call us laborers together with Him. If we cleanse ourselves from every impure, selfish principle, we shall one day hear the benediction, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

The Upward Look

Self Must Die, September 12

UL 269.6

In the day of final award two classes will stand before the Judge of all the earth. To those who have failed to walk in the footsteps of Christ the words will be spoken, “Depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:23). Those who have brought the pure, unadulterated truths of the Word of God into the practical life will hear the benediction, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: ... enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (chap. 25:21). We can never enter the City of God until we have learned to die to self, and there dwells within the soul the spirit of Christ.—Manuscript 69, September 12, 1909, “The Helpers in Our Sanitariums.”

This Day With God

Step by Step, May 15

TDG 144.1

His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Matthew 25:21.

To Be Like Jesus

Seek Divine Wisdom in Handling Money, June 25

BLJ 188.1

His Lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” Matthew 25:21, NKJV.

Ye Shall Receive Power

Following the Captain’s Orders, June 25

YRP 185.3

If the time seems long to wait for our Deliverer to come, if, bowed by affliction and worn with toil, we feel impatient for our commission to close, and to receive an honorable release from the warfare, let us remember—and let the remembrance check every murmur—that God leaves us on earth to encounter storms and conflicts, to perfect Christian character, to become better acquainted with God our Father and Christ our Elder Brother, and to do work for the Master in winning many souls to Christ, that with glad heart we may hear the words: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: ... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” (Matthew 25:21).

Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)

Physical Labor and Mental Activity

GW92 168.3

Ministers should devote time to reading, to study, to meditation and prayer. They should store the mind with useful knowledge, committing to memory portions of Scripture, tracing out the fulfillment of the prophecies, and learning the lessons which Christ gave to his disciples. Take a book with you to read when traveling on the cars or waiting in the depot. Employ every spare moment in doing something. In this way an effectual door will be closed against a thousand temptations. Had King David been engaged in some useful employment, he would not have been guilty of the murder of Uriah. Satan is ever ready to employ him who does not employ himself. The mind which is continually striving to rise to the height of intellectual greatness will find no time for cheap, foolish thoughts, which are the parent of evil actions. There are men of good ability among us, who, by proper cultivation, might become eminently useful; yet they do not love exertion, and, failing to see the crime of neglecting to put to the best use the faculties with which they have been endowed by the Creator, they settle down at their ease, to remain uncultivated in mind. But very few are meeting the mind of God. Of these slothful servants God will inquire, “What hast thou done with the talents I gave thee?” Many will be found in that day, who, having had one talent, bound it in a napkin, and hid it in the earth. These unprofitable servants will be cast into outer darkness; while those who had put out their talents to the exchangers and doubled them, will receive the plaudit, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few thing, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:21.]