Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

world, filled with violence, reveling, and drunkenness, is converting the
church. The law of God, the divine standard of righteousness, is declared to
be of no effect.
Are we to wait until the fulfillment of the prophecies of the end before
we say anything concerning them? Of what value will our words be then?
Shall we wait until God's judgments fall upon the transgressor before we tell
him how to avoid them? Where is our faith in the word of God? Must we see
things foretold come to pass before we will believe what He has said? In
clear, distinct rays light has come to us, showing us that the great day of the
Lord is near at hand, "even at the doors." Let us read and understand before it
is too late.
Your Talents Fit a Need
The Lord has a place for everyone in His great plan. Talents that are not
needed are not bestowed. Supposing that the talent is small. God has a place
for it, and that one talent, if faithfully used, will do the very work God
designs that it should do. The talents of the humble cottager are needed in the
house-to-house labor and can accomplish more in this work than brilliant
gifts.
When men use their powers as God directs, their talents will increase,
their ability will enlarge, and they will have heavenly wisdom in seeking to
save the lost. But while the church members are listless and neglectful of
their God-given responsibility to impart to others, how can they expect to
receive the treasure of heaven? When professed Christians feel no burden to
enlighten those in darkness, when they cease to impart grace and knowledge,
they become less discerning, they lose their appreciation of the richness of
the heavenly endowment; and, failing to value it themselves, they fail to
realize the necessity of presenting it to others.
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