Basic HTML Version
Teaching and Healing
99
themselves of the most precious blessings. Many would be greatly
benefited by sacrificing their pleasant, ease-conducing associations.
They need to go where their energies will be called out in Christian
work and they can learn to bear responsibilities.
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the
law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2
.
[152]
Trees that are crowded closely together do not grow healthfully
and sturdily. The gardener transplants them that they may have room
to develop. A similar work would benefit many of the members of
large churches. They need to be placed where their energies will be
called forth in active Christian effort. They are losing their spiritual
life, becoming dwarfed and inefficient, for want of self-sacrificing
labor for others. Transplanted to some missionary field, they would
grow strong and vigorous.
But none need wait until called to some distant field before
beginning to help others. Doors of service are open everywhere. All
around us are those who need our help. The widow, the orphan, the
sick and the dying, the heartsick, the discouraged, the ignorant, and
the outcast are on every hand.
We should feel it our special duty to work for those living in
our neighborhood. Study how you can best help those who take no
interest in religious things. As you visit your friends and neighbors,
show an interest in their spiritual as well as in their temporal welfare.
Speak to them of Christ as a sin-pardoning Saviour. Invite your
neighbors to your home, and read with them from the precious Bible
and from books that explain its truths. Invite them to unite with you
in song and prayer. In these little gatherings, Christ Himself will
be present, as He has promised, and hearts will be touched by His
grace.
Church members should educate themselves to do this work.
This is just as essential as to save the benighted souls in foreign
countries. While some feel the burden for souls
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that
which was lost.”
Luke 19:10
.