God's gifts wasted by the forbiddings and rules of men:

Review and Herald, vol. 3, 270

All through our ranks, individual talent has been sadly neglected. A few persons have been selected as spiritual burden-bearers, and the talent of other members has remained undeveloped. Many have grown weaker since their union with the church, because they have been practically prohibited from exercising their talents. The burden of church work should be distributed among its individual members, so that each one may become an intelligent laborer for God. There is altogether too much unused force in our churches.

There are a few who devise, plan, and work; but the great mass of the people do not lift their hands to do anything for fear of being repulsed, for fear that others will regard them as out of their place. Many have willing hands and hearts, but they are discouraged from putting their energies into the work. They are criticized if they try to do anything, and finally allow their talents to lie dormant for fear of criticism, when if they were encourage to use them, the work would be advanced, and workers would be added to the force of missionaries.

Review and Herald, Vol. 3, 270

Neither Conference officer nor minister has a call from God to indulge distrust of God's power to use every individual who is considered a worthy member of the church. This cautiousness, so-called, is retarding almost every line of the Lord's work. God can and will use those who have not had a thorough education in the schools of men. A doubt of His power to do this is manifest unbelief; it is limiting the Omnipotent power of the One with whom nothing is impossible. O for less of this unsanctified, distrustful caution! It leaves so many forces of the church unused; it closes up the way so that the Holy Spirit cannot use men; it keeps in idleness those who are willing and anxious to labor in Christ's lines; it discourages many from entering the work who would become efficient laborers together with God if they were given a fair chance.

Review and Herald, Vol. 3, 275

God has not appointed any man guide, nor made any man conscience for another; therefore let human hands be withheld from restraining His servants who feel the burden to enter His vineyard to labor. Let God work with His own chosen agents by His Holy Spirit. No human being is to sit in judgment upon his brother.…Laws and rules are being made at the centers of the work that will soon be broken into atoms. Men are not to dictate. It is not for those in places of authority to employ all their powers to sustain some, while others are cast down, ignored, forsaken, and left to perish. But it is the duty of the leaders to lend a helping hand to all who are in need.

Let each work in the line which God may indicate to him by His Holy Spirit. The soul is accountable to God alone. Who can say how many avenues of light have been closed by arrangements which the Lord has not advised nor instituted? The Lord does not ask permission of those in responsible positions when He wishes to use certain ones as His agents for the promulgation of truth. But He will use whom He will use. He will pass by men who have not followed His counsel, men who feel capable and sufficient to work in their own wisdom; and He will use others who are thought by these supposedly wise ones to be wholly incompetent.…They are not to devise and put in practice methods and plans to bring every individual under their jurisdiction.

Death follows inaction:

Review and Herald, Vol. 3, 267

Christ has given "to every man his work." He expects every man to do his work with fidelity. High and low, rich and poor, all have a work to do for the Master. Every one is called to action. But if you do not obey the voice of the Lord, if you do not do His appointed work in firm reliance upon Christ as your sufficiency, if you do not follow His example, "unfaithful, slothful servant" will be registered against your name. Unless the light which has been given you is communicated to others, unless you let your light shine, it will go out in darkness, and your soul will be left in awful peril. God speaks to every one who knows the truth, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Communicate the knowledge of the truth to others. This is God's plan to enlighten the world. If you do not stand in your allotted place, if you do not let your light shine, you will become enshrouded in darkness. The Lord's vineyard is a more extensive one than the present working force is able properly to cultivate. Therefore it is necessary that every one should labor to the full extent of his ability. Whosoever refuses to do this, dishonors the Lord of the vineyard, and if he continues inactive, the Lord will disown him.

Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, 425

What can we expect but deterioration in religious life when people listen to sermon after sermon and do not put the instruction into practice. The ability God has given, if not exercised, degenerates. More than this, when the churches are left to inactivity Satan sees to it that they are employed. He occupies the field and engages the members in lines of work that absorb their energies, destroy spirituality, and cause them to fall as dead weights upon the church.

Acts of the Apostles, 206

It is a universal principle that whenever one refuses to use his God-given powers, these powers decay and perish. Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue.

God will direct His workers:

Review and Herald, Vol. 3, 271

There must be no measuring of talent by comparison. If a man exercises faith, and walks humbly with his God, he may have little education, he may be accounted a weak man, yet he can fill his appointed place as well as the man who has the finest education. He who yields himself most unreservedly to the influence of the Holy Spirit is best qualified to do acceptable service for the Master. God will inspire men who do not occupy responsible positions to work for Him. If ministers and men in positions of authority will get out of the way, and let the Holy Spirit move upon the minds of the lay brethren, God will direct them what to do for the honor of His name.

Let men have freedom to carry out that which the Holy Spirit indicates. Do not put the shackles upon humble men whom God would use. If those who now occupy positions of responsibility had been kept at one class of work year after year, their talents would not have developed, and they would not have been qualified for the positions they hold; and yet they make no special effort to test and develop the talents of those newly come into the faith.

Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, 26, 27

God will move upon men in humble positions to declare the message of present truth. Many such will be seen hastening hither and thither, constrained by the Spirit of God to give the light to those in darkness. The truth is as a fire in their bones, filling them with a burning desire to enlighten those who sit in darkness. Many, even among the uneducated, will proclaim the word of the Lord. Children will be impelled by the Holy Spirit to go forth to declare the message of heaven. The Spirit will be poured out upon those who yield to His promptings. Casting off man's binding rules and cautious movements, they will join the army of the Lord.

Conversion and the fruit of the Spirit the preparation for the gifts of the Spirit:

1. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. Romans 3:23–25

But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. Romans 6:22

In Christ:

2. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:11

Abiding:

3. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:4, 5

Steps to Christ, 57

Like the wind, which is invisible, yet the effects of which are plainly seen and felt, is the Spirit of God in its work upon the human heart. That regenerating power, which no human eye can see, begets a new life in the soul; it creates a new being in the image of God. While the work of the Spirit is silent and imperceptible, its effects are manifest. If the heart has been renewed by the Spirit of God, the life will bear witness to the fact. While we cannot do anything to change our hearts or to bring ourselves into harmony with God; while we must not trust at all to ourselves or our good works, our lives will reveal whether the grace of God is dwelling within us. A change will be seen in the character, the habits, the pursuits. The contrast will be clear and decided between what they have been and what they are. The character is revealed, not by occasional good deeds and occasional misdeeds, but by the tendency of the habitual words and acts.

Steps to Christ, 58

It is true that there may be an outward correctness of deportment without the renewing power of Christ. The love of influence and the desire for the esteem of others may produce a well-ordered life. Self-respect may lead us to avoid the appearance of evil. A selfish heart may perform generous actions. By what means, then, shall we determine whose side we are on? Who has the heart? With whom are our thoughts? Of whom do we love to converse? Who has our warmest affections and our best energies? If we are Christ's, our thoughts are with Him, and our sweetest thoughts are of Him. All we have and are is consecrated to Him. We long to bear His image, breathe His spirit, do His will, and please Him in all things.

Fruits and gifts is there a difference?

The Holy Spirit is appointed to do two kinds of work for men, or is manifested in two different ways. He first works to convict of sin, of righteousness and judgment. Then as the heart of man responds to that work and accepts Christ as Saviour and Lord, the Spirit works to renew and transform the life. This leads to the fruit of the spirit in our life, an experience that will grow and mature. As the fruit of the Spirit takes hold in our life then the Spirit gives us the gifts that we might be empowered to work for others.

The first work - God sends the Holy Spirit to convince us of sin, and to guide us into all truth. John 16:7 - 15. Just as far as we yield to the influence and the work of the Holy Spirit, He teaches us concerning the right and the wrong, and gives us power to obey. This produces character as we learn to "walk by the Spirit and …not fulfill the lusts of the flesh." Galatians 5:16. If we "walk by the Spirit" the Spirit produces in us righteous acts, obedience, He brings forth fruit. Now the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance;" Galatians 5:22, 23. The fruits are developed within the individual for his transformation and for his sanctification.

The second work - After we have this experience in bearing the fruit of the Spirit and are living for God, then God can give us the gifts of the Spirit and send us forth to labor for others. To bear the fruit of the Spirit is to develop character. Moreover, as in nature so in our life the fruit will grow and mature throughout our life. After character is sufficiently developed, God gives the gifts of the Spirit and sends us forth to help others develop their characters. You see the gifts are bestowed upon and operate through the individual for the help and salvation of others.

Though the above is true, we need not wait until we have obtained a certain level of Christian growth before we can witness for Christ. For as soon as a man accepts Christ as Saviour and knows the joy of deliverance they can and should share their testimony. Moreover, in giving there all to Christ their talents will be committed to the Lords service for His use. However, the gifts of the Spirit are an endowment or calling which are in addition to our testimony and talents.

Gifts of the Spirit

Received by grace:

1. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. Ephesians 4:7, 8

2. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having gifts (faculties, talents, qualities) that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them. Romans 12:1–6

1. Presenting ourselves to God a living sacrifice.

2. Not conforming to this world but being transformed, and thus able to understand God's will.

3. Not to think highly of ourselves for even our faith comes from God.

4. As the body has many parts serving different functions so too does the body of Christ, His Church.

Having gifts (faculties, talents, qualities) that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them. Romans 12:6

Faculties - The powers or capacities of the mind

Talents - Natural gift or endowment

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith. Romans 12:6

He whose gift is prophecy, let him prophesy, [let him prophesy] according to the proportion of his faith.  Romans 12:6,The Amplified Bible

Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching. Romans 12:7

He whose gift is practical service, let him give himself to serving; he who teaches, to his teaching. Romans 12:7, The Amplified Bible

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:8

He who exhorts (encourages), to his exhortation; he who contributes, let him do it in simplicity and liberality; he who gives aid and superintends, with zeal and singleness of mind; he who does acts of mercy, with genuine cheerfulness and joyful eagerness. Romans 12:8, The Amplified Bible

Conclusion:

Gifts are the result of surrender to God and given by grace. If we have surrendered and come apart from the world there is no question as to the fact we will have gifts. It is not a question of searching for them but using them. Just as Jesus said "let your light shine" He did not say make it shine. In these verses what are we admonished to utilize our gifts by the grace of God?

1. Faculties

2. Talents/qualities

3. Prophecy—Inspired preachers and expounders

4. Practical service

5. Teaching

6. Exhortation and encouragement

7. Giving of means

8. Administration

9. Acts of mercy

1 Corinthians 12:1–11, 28–31

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Verse 1

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. Verse 4

And there are differences of administrations (service and ministration), but the same Lord. Verse 5

And there are diversities of operations, [of working to accomplish things] but it is the same God which worketh all in all [who is served]. Verse 6, The Amplified Bible,

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. Verse 7

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; (power to speak a message of wisdom) Verse 8

To another the word of knowledge (power to express a word of knowledge and understanding according to the same Spirit). Verse 8, The Amplified Bible,

To another faith by the same Spirit. Verse 9

To another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit. Verse 9

To another the working of miracles. Verse 10

To another prophecy; (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose) Verse 10

To another discerning of Spirits. Verse 10

To another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues. Verse 10

All these [gifts, achievements, abilities] are inspired and brought to pass by one and the same Spirit, Who apportions to each person individually [exactly] as He chooses. Verse 11, The Amplified Bible

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. Verse 12

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Verse 28

So God has appointed some in the church [for his own special use]: first apostles (special messengers): second prophets (inspired preachers and expounders); thirdly teachers; then wonder-workers; then those with ability to heal the sick; helpers; administrators; speakers in different tongues. Verse 28, The Amplified Bible

Earnestly desire and zealously cultivate the greatest and best gifts and graces. And yet I show you still a more excellent way [one that is better by far and the highest of them all—love. Verse 31, The Amplified Bible

Please notice there are different kinds of ministry and different operations but it is the same God who is to be in control. Also it is the Spirit that gives gifts according to His will not our own. We cannot use the Holy Spirit, the Spirit is to use us. Through the Spirit, God works in His people "to will and to do of His good pleasure."

Now is one gift to be against another? Paul says the gifts are like the body. All are necessary parts whether small or big, all are needful. With the gifts all are needful but not all believers have the same gifts. What God has given us is to be zealously cultivated

1. Words of wisdom or encouragement. Wisdom centered in the Word of God.

2. Word of knowledge and giving of understanding

3. Faith

4. Gifts of healing

5. Miracles

6. Prophecy

7. Discernment

8. Spoken languages

9. Languages interpreted

10. Helpers

11. Administrators

12. Special messengers (God called see Jeremiah 3:15)

Ephesians 4:11–15

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.

And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounder), some evangelists (preachers of the gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers. Ephesians 4:11, The Amplified Bible

His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up Christ's body (the church). Verse 12, The Amplified Bible

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. Verse 13

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. Verse 14

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ. Verse 15

Conclusion:

The purpose of the gifts is for the perfecting of the saints. And while ministering does build our character, the gifts are more for the perfecting of others and the building of the mystical body of Christ, that "building" which "groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord," which is to be "an habitation of God through the Spirit." (See Ephesians 2:21, 22.) Can the Holy Spirit be at work where there is no emphasis or even a rejection of the perfecting of the people of God?

If the gifts are for the perfecting in holiness of the people of God, it must follow that where that is neglected, the Spirit cannot be there as a guiding principle. This work of ministry and receiving of the gifts continues until God's people reach the unity of the faith, to perfection of character, reflecting the stature of Christ. So it could be said the gifts will continue up until the door of mercy shuts and God's people are sealed, found perfect in Christ.

Gifts are also given as a safeguard to the body that through the gifts of teaching, prophecy, exhortation and other such gifts, the church may be protected from the various doctrines that come by the cunning slight of men. The gifts are to establish us in the truth that we may not be as children in the faith blown about with every new wind of error and doctrine. Rather we are to be strong in the Lord, to resist the winds of falsehood blowing about us. God has and does allow false theories to come in to awaken the dormant faculties of His people to study and prayer. But better yet to be yielded to the Spirit filled with the fruits, manifesting the gifts in such a way that falsehood and fanaticism vanish like the early morning dew before the sun.

Since it is the Spirit that gives the gifts, are we to be searching for our gift in various classes seminars, books, and tapes? If we would have first an experimental knowledge of salvation, bearing the fruit of the Spirit and growing in grace, we can be assured that God will give us the gift most suitable to our talents and capabilities. The gifts are already ours by faith in Christ, but their actual possession depends upon our reception of the Spirit of God.

The work of the Spirit includes all gifts and endowments, those learned and those we are gifted with naturally. All are to be used in Christ's service. These talents acquired and natural are purified through the sanctification of our will to be used for God's glory in blessing others. That which comes naturally to us or in responsibilities placed upon us by fellow believers, as well as convictions of service moving upon us, are ways the gift is made known to us. Like the fruits which grow and mature, the gifts as well grow in wisdom and performance as we yield to the leading of God's Spirit.

The Parable of the Talents

Matthew 25:13

Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Jesus tells us 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.

Matthew 25:14

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

In the parable the man is Christ, Christians are the servants, the goods delivered are the gifts, talents, abilities, given or lent to us of God.

Matthew 25:15-29

And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.

But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.

His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

This parable to be explained and understood:

Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, 432

The parable of the talents should be explained to all. The members of the churches should be made to understand that they are the light of the world, and according to their several ability the Lord expects them to enlighten and bless others. Whether they are rich or poor, great or humble, God calls them into active service for Him. He depends upon the church for the forwarding of His work, and He expects His professed followers to do their duty as intelligent beings. There is great need that every trained mind, every disciplined intellect, every jot of ability, be brought into the work of saving souls.

Review and Herald, May 1, 1888

The parable of the talents should be a matter of the most careful and prayerful study; for it has a personal and individual application to every man, woman, and child possessed of the powers of reason. Your obligation and responsibility are in proportion to the talents God has bestowed upon you. There is not a follower of Christ but has some peculiar gift for the use of which he is accountable to God. Many have excused themselves from rendering their gift to the service of Christ, because others were possessed of superior endowments and advantages. The opinion has prevailed that only those who are especially talented are required to sanctify their abilities to the service of God.

It has come to be understood that talents are given only to a certain favored class, to the exclusion of others who, of course, are not called upon to share in the toils or rewards. But it is not so represented in the parable. When the master of the house called his servants, he gave to every man his work. The whole family of God are included in the responsibility of using their Lord's goods. Every individual, from the lowliest and most obscure to the greatest and most exalted, is a moral agent endowed with abilities for which he is accountable to God. To a greater or less degree, all are placed in charge of the talents of their Lord. The spiritual, mental, and physical ability, the influence, station, possessions, affections, sympathies, all are precious talents to be used in the cause of the Master for the salvation of souls for whom Christ died.

All have been purchased for service:

Christ's Object Lessons, 326

All men have been bought with this infinite price. By pouring the whole treasury of heaven into this world, by giving us in Christ all heaven, God has purchased the will, the affections, the mind, the soul, of every human being. Whether believers or unbelievers, all men are the Lord's property. All are called to do service for Him, and for the manner in which they have met this claim, all will be required to render an account at the great judgment day. …

Christ's followers have been redeemed for service. Our Lord teaches that the true object of life is ministry. Christ Himself was a worker, and to all His followers He gives the law of service—service to God and to their fellow men.

Some talent given to all believers:

Christ's Object Lessons, 326, 327

To His servants Christ commits "His goods"—something to be put to use for Him. He gives "to every man his work." Each has his place in the eternal plan of heaven. Each is to work in cooperation with Christ for the salvation of souls. Not more surely is the place prepared for us in the heavenly mansions than is the special place designated on earth where we are to work for God.

Christ's Object Lessons, 327

The talents that Christ entrusts to His church represent especially the gifts and blessings imparted by the Holy Spirit.…All men do not receive the same gifts, but to every servant of the Master some gift of the Spirit is promised. The gifts are already ours in Christ, but their actual possession depends upon our reception of the Spirit of God.

Christ's Object Lessons, 328

The special gifts of the Spirit are not the only talents represented in the parable. It includes all gifts and endowments, whether original or acquired, natural or spiritual. All are to be employed in Christ's service. In becoming His disciples, we surrender ourselves to Him with all that we are and have. These gifts He returns to us purified and ennobled, to be used for His glory in blessing our fellow men.

Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, 427

We are not to feel that the work of the gospel depends principally upon the minister. To every man God has given a work to do in connection with His kingdom. Everyone who professes the name of Christ is to be an earnest, disinterested worker, ready to defend the principles of righteousness. Every soul should take an active part in advancing the cause of God. Whatever our calling, as Christians we have a work to do in making Christ known to the world. We are to be missionaries, having for our chief aim the winning of souls to Christ.

God's gifts must be used:

Christ's Object Lessons, 328

To every man God has given "according to his several ability." The talents are not apportioned capriciously. He who has ability to use five talents receives five. He who can improve but two, receives two. He who can wisely use only one, receives one. None need lament that they have not received larger gifts; for He who has apportioned to every man is equally honored by the improvement of each trust, whether it be great or small. The one to whom five talents have been committed is to render the improvement of five; he who has but one, the improvement of one. God expects returns "according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not." 2 Corinthians 8:12

Christ's Object Lessons, 329, 330

The talents, however few, are to be put to use. The question that most concerns us is not, How much have I received? but, What am I doing with that which I have? The development of all our powers is the first duty we owe to God and to our fellow men. No one who is not growing daily in capability and usefulness is fulfilling the purpose of life. In making a profession of faith in Christ we pledge ourselves to become all that it is possible for us to be as workers for the Master, and we should cultivate every faculty to the highest degree of perfection, that we may do the greatest amount of good of which we are capable.

Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, 618

To every person is committed some peculiar gift or talent which is to be used to advance the Redeemer's kingdom. All God's responsible agents, from the lowliest and most obscure to those in high positions in the church, are entrusted with the Lord's goods. It is not the minister alone who can work for the salvation of souls. Those who have the smallest gifts are not excused from using the very best gifts they have, and in so doing their talents will be increased. It is not safe to trifle with moral responsibilities nor to despise the day of small things. God's providence proportions His trusts according to the varied capabilities of the people. None should mourn because they cannot glorify God with talents which they never possessed and for which they are not responsible.

Doing nothing a cause of weakness:

Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, 618, 619

One great cause of weakness in the —church has been that, instead of improving their talents to the glory of God, they have wrapped them in a napkin and buried them in the world. Although some may be restricted to one talent, yet if they will exercise that one, it will increase. God values the service according to what a man has and not according to what he has not. If we perform our daily duties with fidelity and love we shall receive the approval of the Master as if we had performed a greater work. We must cease longing to do great service and to trade on large talents, while we have been made accountable only for small talents and the performance of humble duties. In overlooking the small daily duties, and reaching for higher responsibilities, we utterly fail to do the very work which God has given us.

What can I do?

Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, 432, 433

Take hold wherever you see that there is work to be done. It will be by doing with your might what your hands find to do that you will develop talents and aptitude for a larger work. It is by slighting the daily opportunities, neglecting the little things, that so many become fruitless and withered. There are ways in which all may do personal service for God. Some can write a letter to a far-off friend, or send a paper to one who is inquiring for truth.

Others can give counsel to those who are in difficulty. Those who know how to treat the sick can help in this line. Others who have the necessary qualifications can give Bible readings or conduct Bible classes. The very simplest modes of work should be devised and set in operation among the churches. If the members will unitedly accept such plans, and perseveringly carry them out, they will reap a rich reward; for their experience will grow brighter, their ability will increase, and through their efforts souls will be saved.

Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, 433

Let none feel that because they are uneducated they cannot take part in the Lord's work. God has a work for you to do. He has given to every man his work. You can search the Scriptures for yourselves. "The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." Psalm 119:130. You can pray for the work. The prayer of the sincere heart, offered in faith, will be heard in heaven. And you are to work according to your ability.

Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, 428

Let those who desire to work for God begin at home, in their own household, in their own neighborhood, among their own friends. Here they will find a favorable missionary field. This home missionary work is a test, revealing their ability or inability for service in a wider field.

Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, 428

One of the most effective ways in which light can be communicated is by private, personal effort. In the home circle, at your neighbor's fireside, at the bedside of the sick, in a quiet way you may read the Scriptures and speak a word for Jesus and the truth. Thus you may sow precious seed that will spring up and bring forth fruit.

Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 129

My brethren and sisters, study your plans; grasp every opportunity of speaking to your neighbors and associates or of reading something to them from books that contain present truth. Show that you regard as of first importance the salvation of the souls for whom Christ has made so great a sacrifice.

Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, 429

Our work for Christ is to begin with the family in the home. The education of the youth should be of a different order from that which has been given in the past. Their welfare demands far more labor than has been given them. There is no missionary field more important than this. By precept and example parents are to teach their children to labor for the unconverted. The children should be so educated that they will sympathize with the aged and afflicted and will seek to alleviate the sufferings of the poor and distressed. They should be taught to be diligent in missionary work; and from their earliest years self-denial and sacrifice for the good of others and the advancement of Christ's cause should be inculcated, that they may be laborers together with God.

Leaders in the churches to teach the members to work:

Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, 431

It is evident that all the sermons that have been preached have not developed a large class of self-denying workers. This subject is to be considered as involving the most serious results. Our future for eternity is at stake. The churches are withering up because they have failed to use their talents in diffusing light. Careful instruction should be given which will be as lessons from the Master, that all may put their light to practical use. Those who have the oversight of the churches should select members of ability and place them under responsibilities, at the same time giving them instruction as to how they may best serve and bless others.

Every means should be used to bring the knowledge of the truth before the thousands who will discern the evidence, who will appreciate the likeness of Christ in His people if they can have an opportunity to see it. Let the missionary meeting be turned to account in teaching the people how to do missionary labor. God expects His church to discipline and fit its members for the work of enlightening the world. An education should be given that would result in furnishing hundreds who would put out to the exchangers valuable talents.

Testimonies for the Church Vol. 6, 432

Many who possess real ability are rusting from inaction because they do not know how to set themselves at work in missionary lines. Let someone who has ability lay out before these inactive ones the line of work they could do. Let small missions be established in many places to teach men and women how to use and thus increase their talents.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, 435, 436

Let not the youth be ignored; let them share in the labor and responsibility. Let them feel that they have a part to act in helping and blessing others. Even the children should be taught to do little errands of love and mercy for those less fortunate than themselves. Let the overseers of the church devise plans whereby young men and women may be trained to put to use their entrusted talents. Let the older members of the church seek to do earnest, compassionate work for the children and youth.

Let ministers put to use all their ingenuity in devising plans whereby the younger members of the church may be led to co-operate with them in missionary work. But do not imagine that you can arouse their interest merely by preaching a long sermon at the missionary meeting. Plan ways whereby a live interest may be kindled. Let all have a part to act. Train the young to do what is appointed them, and from week to week let them bring their reports to the missionary meeting, telling what they have experienced and through the grace of Christ what success has been theirs. If such reports were brought in by consecrated workers, the missionary meetings would not be dull and tedious. They would be full of interest, and there would be no lack in attendance.

Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, 436

In every church the members should be so trained that they will devote time to the winning of souls to Christ. How can it be said of the church, "Ye are the light of the world," unless the members of the church are actually imparting light?