“And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” — Daniel 12:3-4
The work of every one who claims to be a follower of Jesus Christ is presented before us in the words [above]. Not one of us is excused from doing that which God has given us to do. God has not given us reasoning powers, and ability, and intellect to be used exclusively for worldly matters. He desires that we should use these precious talents to His glory. Although God is our supreme Ruler, He has given man the privilege of being a co-laborer with Christ; as soon as the truth of God finds an entrance into our hearts, it is our duty to give the precious truth to others.
If our neighbors were perishing for bread, we would be thought very uncharitable if we did not supply their wants. There are those among us who have never had the Word of God brought to their minds or understanding; they are perishing for want of the Bread of Life, and is it not in us an expression of great selfishness when we keep these sacred truths to ourselves and do not give to those who are famishing?
Our heavenly Father gives the rain, the dew, and the sunshine from heaven to refresh the flowers and to cause vegetation to spring up and flourish. But man has a part to act, to prepare the soil and to put the seeds into the ground in order to have a harvest. If he had folded his arms and said, “I will let things take their course. I have nothing to do. God will give the harvest. He will give the sunshine and the rain from heaven, and I will take my ease,” what kind of a harvest would come?
Man must co-operate with God, and act his part in preparing the soil and in sowing the seed, and God will give the increase.
Our heavenly Father has not sent angels from heaven to preach salvation to men. He has opened to us the precious truths of His Word and implanted the truth in our hearts, that we may give it to those who are in darkness. If we have indeed tasted of the precious gifts of God in His promises, we are to impart this knowledge to others. Every individual that is connected with the Source of light and truth is to gather the divine rays of light from heaven and scatter them upon the pathway of others. (1)
Charge for the Day: Think about the people around you—in your home, at your workplace, in your community; what can you do to be a light in their life?
1. Manuscript 79, 1886