Need of Self-Sacrificing Effort

Will young men and young women accept the holy trust from the Master's hands? Will they offer themselves for service, and put all the fervor of the soul into the work of reforming themselves, that they may labor acceptably for the youth who are wholly given to pleasure and self-gratification?1NL 99.2

Because of our artificial civilization people are sick; they need a physician who can cure them. Each human being is entrusted with talents. These talents are to be appreciated; they are to be used, not abused. The love of Christ alone can enable us to properly appreciate our talents. In every school established, the most simple theory of theology should be taught. In this theory the atonement of Christ should be the great substance, the central truth. The wonderful theme of redemption should be presented to the students....1NL 99.3

Those who claim to believe the truth do not possess that power that God would bestow upon them if they really believed, and were striving for conformity to His image. The church is in the Laodicean state. The presence of God is not in her midst. If Christ were formed within, the hope of glory, conformity to His image would be seen, and the church trials which separate the members from Christ would disappear....1NL 99.4

Mission work must not cease because of limited means. Let every church member practice self-denial. The Word of God gives the commission, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” There is no restriction, no limit, to the work. And the promise is “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Abridge the work, limit your labors, and you remove your Helper. The sickly, unhealthy state of the church reveals a church afraid to work, fearing that self-denial will be required. The presence of the Lord is ever seen where every energy of the church is aroused to meet the spiritual responsibilities. But many of the churches who have had the light of present truth are dwarfed and crippled by the evils existing in their midst, by the selfishness cherished, by spending on self that which should be given to the Lord. Because of self-indulgence, they have nothing to give toward the work of saving souls.1NL 99.5

Angels of God are sent to measure the temple and the worshipers therein. The Lord looks with sadness upon those who are serving their idols, with no care for the souls perishing in darkness and error. He cannot bless the church who feel it no part of their duty to be laborers together with God. What a terrible thing it is to exclude Christ from His own temple! What a loss to the church!1NL 99.6