MH page 156

This work requires self-sacrifice. While many are waiting to have every obstacle removed, the work they might do is left undone, and multitudes are dying without hope and without God. Some for the sake of commercial advantage, or to acquire scientific knowledge, will venture into unsettled regions and cheerfully endure sacrifice and hardship; but how few for the sake of their fellow men are willing to move their families into regions that are in need of the gospel.

Spiritual ministry requires self-sacrifice and a willingness to endure hardship comparable to worldly ventures. The paragraph discusses dedication to missionary work and spiritual priorities rather than empirical medical or scientific facts.

To reach the people, wherever they are, and whatever their position or condition, and to help them in every way possible—this is true ministry. By such effort you may win hearts and open a door of access to perishing souls.

True ministry involves meeting people wherever they are and helping them in every possible way to win their hearts. This is a statement defining Christian ministry and compassionate outreach.

In all your work remember that you are bound up with Christ, a part of the great plan of redemption. The love of Christ, in a healing, life-giving current, is to flow through your life. As you seek to draw others within the circle of His love, let the purity of your language, the unselfishness of your service, the joyfulness of your demeanor, bear witness to the power of His grace. Give to the world so pure and righteous a representation of Him, that men shall behold Him in His beauty.

Believers should let Christ's love and grace flow through their pure language, unselfish service, and joyful demeanor. The text offers spiritual and ethical guidance on personal Christian witness.

It is of little use to try to reform others by attacking what we may regard as wrong habits. Such effort often results in more harm than good. In His talk with the Samaritan woman, instead of disparaging Jacob's well, Christ presented something better. “If thou knewest the gift of God,” He said, “and who it is that saith to thee, Give Me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water.” John 4:10 . He turned the conversation to the treasure He had to bestow, offering the woman something better than she possessed, even living water, the joy and hope of the gospel.

Reforming others is more effectively achieved by offering something better than by attacking their wrong habits directly. Contains an empirical assertion regarding the efficacy of habit reform methods versus positive substitution.