1901

November 14, 1901

The Blessing of Labour

EGW 

Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hands of the poor and needy. PrT November 14, 1901, par. 1

One of the first laws of the being is that of action. Every organ of the body has its appointed work, upon the doing of which depends its strength and development. The normal action of all the organs gives vigour and life; inaction brings decay and death. PrT November 14, 1901, par. 2

God placed our first parents in Paradise, surrounding them with all that was useful and lovely. In their Eden home nothing was wanting that could minister to their comfort and happiness. And to Adam was given the work of caring for the Garden. The Creator knew that Adam could not be happy without employment. The beauty of the garden delighted him, but this was not enough. He must have labour to call into exercise the wonderful organs of the body. Had happiness consisted in doing nothing, man, in his state of holy innocence, would have been left unemployed. But He who created man knew what would be for his happiness, and no sooner had He created him than He gave him his appointed work. In order to be happy, he must labour. PrT November 14, 1901, par. 3

Today thousands are ill and dying who might get well if they would; but imagination keeps them ill. Self-made invalids, they think that to work would make them worse, when work is just what they need to make them well. Without labour they can never improve. When the body is inactive, the blood flows sluggishly through the blood-vessels, and the muscles decrease in size and strength. Rising above their aches and pains, forgetting that they have aching backs, sides, and heads, they should engage in some useful employment. Physical exercise, and a free use of air and sunlight,—blessings which heaven has abundantly bestowed on all,—would give life and strength to many an emaciated invalid. PrT November 14, 1901, par. 4

When not actively engaged in preaching, the apostle Paul laboured at his trade as tent-maker. Before be embraced Christianity, he had occupied a high position, and was not dependent upon his trade for support. But among the Jews it was customary to teach children a trade, however high the position they were expected to fill, that a reverse of circumstances might not leave them incapable of sustaining themselves. In accordance with this role, Paul learned the tent-maker's trade; and when his means had been expended in advancing the cause of God and in his own support, Paul resorted to his trade in order to gain a livelihood. Although feeble in health, he laboured during the day in serving the cause of Christ, and then toiled a large part of the night, and frequently all night, that he might provide for his own and other's necessities. PrT November 14, 1901, par. 5

Let no one be ashamed of work; for honest toil is ennobling. While the hands are engaged in the most common tasks, the mind may be filled with high and holy thoughts. Work is a blessing, not a curse. Diligent labour keeps many, young and old, from the snares of him who “finds some mischief still for idle hands to do.” PrT November 14, 1901, par. 6

God never designed that man should live in idleness. Those who are always busy, who go cheerfully about the performance of their daily tasks are the most happy and healthy. At night sleep brings to their wearied frames unbroken slumber, preparing mind and body for the duties of the coming day. PrT November 14, 1901, par. 7

The Lord knew what was necessary for man's happiness when He gave him work to do. The promise of future glory and the decree that man must toil for his daily bread came from the same throne. PrT November 14, 1901, par. 8

Drowsiness and indolence destroy godliness and grieve the Spirit of God. A stagnant pool is offensive; but a pure flowing stream spreads health and gladness over the land. No man or woman who is converted can be anything but a worker. PrT November 14, 1901, par. 9

Mrs. E. G. White.