Brethren, have you thus received Christ? Or are you trusting to your own works of righteousness to recommend Christ to the world? Is it not time for the people who profess to have the last message, to come up on higher grounds? He says, “They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.” Psalm 34:10. The great Shepherd will see that his people lack nothing; no good thing will he withhold from them. “My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19. We may boldly, then, cast all our care upon him, since he careth for us, and may rest assured of his managing our whole outward estate infinitely better than we could for ourselves.—General Conference Bulletin, vol. 1, December 1895, p. 618

No one will be excusable for so managing his business that he must be a slave to the world, and have no time for missionary work. Faithful, spiritual workers will show in their own life and character the power of the grace of Christ. They will shine as lights in the world.—The Signs of the Times September 28, 1891, par. 5

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.”—Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 342.

Naturally we are self-centered and opinionated. But when we learn the lessons that Christ desires to teach us, we become partakers of His nature; henceforth we live His life. The wonderful example of Christ, the matchless tenderness with which He entered into the feelings of others, weeping with those who wept, rejoicing with those who rejoiced, must have a deep influence upon the character of all who follow Him in sincerity. By kindly words and acts they will try to make the path easy for weary feet.—The Ministry of Healing, 157, 158 (190

God has lent men talents—an intellect to originate, a heart to be the place of His throne, affection to flow out in blessings to others, a conscience to convict of sin. Each one has received something from the Master, and each one is to do his part in supplying the needs of God's work.—Counsels on Stewardship 114.2

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.—Christ’s Object Lessons 325 1

It is the spirit of covetousness which leads men to keep for gratification of self means that rightfully belong to God, and this spirit is as abhorrent to Him now as when through His prophet He sternly rebuked His people, saying, “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed Me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed Thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed Me, even this whole nation” Malachi 3:8, 9.—Acts of the Apostles, 339.1

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