All things both in heaven and in earth declare that the great law of life is a law of service. The infinite Father ministers to the life of every living thing. Christ came to the earth 'as He that serveth.' Luke 22:27. The angels are 'ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation.' Hebrews 1:14. The same law of service is written upon all things in nature. The birds of the air, the beasts of the field, the trees of the forest, the leaves, the grass, and the flowers, the sun in the heavens and the stars of light —all have their ministry. Lake and ocean, river and water spring—each takes to give.
"As each thing in nature ministers thus to the world's life, it also secures its own. 'Give, and it shall be given unto you' (Luke 6:38), is the lesson written no less surely in nature than in the pages of Holy Writ."—Education (C.H.L.), p. 103.
"Whether we recognize it or not, we are stewards, supplied from God with talents and facilities, and placed in the world to do a work appointed by Him.
"To every man is given 'his work' (Luke 13:34), the work for which his capabilities adapt him, the work which will result in greatest good to himself and to his fellow men, and in greatest honor to God."—Ibid., pp. 137, 138.
"By the terms of our stewardship we are placed under obligation, not only to God, but to man. To the infinite love of the Redeemer every human being is indebted for the gifts of life. Food and raiment and shelter, body and mind and soul—all are the purchase of His blood. And by the obligation of gratitude and service thus imposed, Christ has bound us to our fellow men."—Ibid., p. 139.
"Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature' (Mark 16:15), is Christ's command to His followers. Not that all are called to be ministers or missionaries in the ordinary sense of the term; but all may be workers with Him in giving the 'glad tidings' to their fellow men. To all, great or small, learned or ignorant, old or young, the command is given."—Ibid., p. 264.
"The work to which as Christians we are called is to co-operate with Christ for the salvation of souls. This work we have entered into covenant with Him to do."—Christ's Object Lessons (C.H.L.), p. 358.
"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. Here Christ has presented to the world a higher conception of life than they had ever known. By living to minister for others, man is brought into connection with Christ. The law of service becomes the connecting link which binds us to God and to our fellow men.
"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 co-operation 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."—Ibid., pp. 326, 327.
"In our life here, earthly, sin-restricted though it is, the greatest joy and the highest education are in service. And in the future state, untrammeled by the limitations of sinful humanity, it is in service that our greatest joy and our highest education will be found—witnessing, and ever as we witness learning anew 'the riches of the glory of this mystery;' which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.' "—Education, p. 309.