September 17

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10.

Some church people, like a wheelbarrow, go only when they are pushed. What unwillingness is frequently manifested by the members of congregations to serve on committees, to represent the congregation at synodical conventions, or to accept the honorable office of eldership! Alas, that there should be so many church-members who shirk their duty!

There are diversities of gifts in the Christian Church. The Lord gave them, and He has need of them in His kingdom. If a congregation has a hundred members, but drones, do-nothings, how can it thrive? Certainly, if three earnest workers agree to work for the church, they will accomplish more than a hundred drones. The householder went out to hire laborers into his vineyard. Those called to the kingdom of Christ are also called to labor in it.

Be not an idler in the vineyard, but lend your hand in order that the kingdom of God may thrive and grow and be spread abroad. You may be unaccustomed to do work in a congregation and are timidly asking, Where shall I step in? Step in anywhere. If you are willing to work, you can be of some use. During one of the great battles of the Civil War a recruit who had lost his company in the tumult of strife approached General Sheridan and timidly asked where he should step in. "Step in?" thundered Sheridan. "Step in anywhere; there's fighting all along the line!" In a Christian congregation there are many things to be done that the body of Christ may be edified, and different offices are created,

which are linked together with the ministerial office. If you hold any office in the church, if any function rests upon you which you are expected to fulfil for the benefit of the church, attend to your duty with fidelity, "do it as of the ability which God gives." You, too, have some gift with which God has endowed you, and you are responsible to your divine Master; you are required to minister to others with your gift.

Prayer.

O Lord, Thou hast favored body and soul abundantly with every manner of blessing. How am I to find words adequate for Thy praise? How can I properly show my gratitude? Behold, O Lord, I offer unto Thee the sacrifice of my poor service and glorify Thy grace and mercy with all my strength and powers. In the congregation will I bless Thee. My soul shall honor Thee, my spirit must praise Thee, my mouth shall thank Thee, and all that is within me shall proclaim Thy glory. Amen.

Thou holy Fire, sweet Source of rest, Grant that, with joy and hope possessed, We always in Thy service stay And trouble drive us not away. Lord, by Thy power prepare each heart, To our weak nature strength impart, That firmly here we be contending, Through life and death to Thee ascending. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!