Testimony Treasures, Volume 3 - Ellen G. White

The Result of Inaction
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.
We see large churches gathered in different localities. Their members
have gained a knowledge of the truth, and many are content to hear the word
of life without seeking to impart light. They feel little responsibility for the
progress of the work, little interest in the salvation of souls. They are full of
zeal in worldly things, but they do not bring their religion into their business.
They say: "Religion is religion, and business is business." They believe that
each has its proper sphere, but they say: "Let them be separated."
Because of neglected opportunities and abuse of privileges, the members
of these churches are not growing "in grace, and in the knowledge of our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 3:18. Therefore they are weak in
faith, deficient in knowledge, and children in experience. They are not rooted
and grounded in the truth. If they remain thus, the many delusions of the last
days will surely deceive them, for they will have no spiritual eyesight to
distinguish truth from error.
God has given His ministers the message of truth to proclaim. This the
churches are to receive and in every possible way to communicate, catching
the first rays of light and diffusing them. Here is our great sin. We are years
48