Joel 2:28 “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.”

ABSTRACT

The divine plan of salvation invites everyone to serve, equipping us with unique roles to advance God’s mission. In God’s infinite wisdom, men, women, and children are prepared to be His messengers, as seen in the life of Samuel, who was called as a child to serve the Lord (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 17, 1902). This call extends beyond adults; children are also invited to participate in God’s work. They are encouraged to develop Christlike characters through small acts of service within their homes, preparing them for broader missionary efforts. Parents play a critical role in guiding their children, helping them understand their purpose in this world. By faithfully fulfilling their duties at home, children become instruments in God’s hands, forming characters that reflect His love and purpose (Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, December 8, 1910, p. 1). Scripture affirms this principle in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (KJV), and in 1 Timothy 4:12, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (KJV). Sr. White further emphasizes, “Children can be acceptable missionaries for God” (The Adventist Home, p. 486, 1952), and “The Lord uses children as His instruments to do His work” (Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 168, 1913). Through these small acts, children grow into their divine purpose. How does this universal call to service inspire us to engage in God’s mission?

URGENCY IN GOD’S HARVEST FIELD

The urgency of God’s work demands our immediate response, as the whitening fields signal the time for reaping is at hand. God’s promise in Psalm 126:6 assures that those who labor with faith and dedication will return with joy, bringing in the sheaves of their work (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, pp. 23-24, 1902). Despite challenges like financial constraints, the call to action remains clear. Trusting in God’s provision, we go forth in faith, confident that He ensures our efforts are not in vain. The harvest is a divine work, blessed by God for those who persevere. Scripture reinforces this in John 4:35, “Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest” (KJV), and in 2 Corinthians 9:6, “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully” (KJV). Sr. White writes, “The work of God is to be carried forward with earnestness and zeal” (Gospel Workers, p. 25, 1915), and “God will bless those who labor in His harvest field with faith” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 420, 1901). Our dedication yields eternal results. What role does faith play in overcoming obstacles in God’s work?

INCLUSIVE CALL TO SERVE

God’s mission includes everyone, showing that no one is too young, too old, or too insignificant to contribute. The community must nurture this understanding by providing opportunities for all to engage in meaningful service. Through such involvement, we grow spiritually, and the church becomes a powerful force for good. Sr. White notes that even the smallest hands can do the work of the Lord (Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, December 8, 1910, p. 1). This inclusive approach shapes the character and faith of those involved, preparing them for greater responsibilities. Scripture supports this in 1 Corinthians 12:22, “Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary” (KJV), and in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (KJV). Sr. White affirms, “All can do something in the work of the Lord” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 150, 1905), and “Every soul has a part to act in the great work of salvation” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 30, 1909). This collective effort strengthens the church’s mission. How can we foster opportunities for all to serve in God’s kingdom?

UNIVERSAL MISSION OF SERVICE

God equips each of us for a unique role in His mission, whether in the home, church, or broader world. The Lord’s assurance that He will be with those who go forth in faith encourages us to take up our calling despite challenges (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, pp. 23-24, 1902). The community must remain steadfast in nurturing every member’s contribution, recognizing that each act of service advances God’s redemptive plan. Scripture confirms this in Matthew 25:40, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (KJV), and in Ephesians 4:16, “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body” (KJV). Sr. White writes, “Every act of service, however small, is accepted by God” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 360, 1900), and “The Lord has a place for everyone in His great plan” (The Desire of Ages, p. 638, 1898). Each effort contributes to God’s kingdom. How does the role of women in God’s work further illustrate this universal call?

WOMEN’S VITAL ROLE IN SERVICE

Women are called to be instruments of righteousness, rendering holy service in God’s mission. Their contributions are invaluable, ensuring the fulfillment of His divine plan. Just as children are trained to be faithful in God’s cause, women are called to step forward with confidence, knowing they are chosen by God. This inclusive vision ensures the community remains vibrant, empowering every member to advance God’s kingdom. Scripture upholds this in Romans 16:1-2, “I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church… that ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints” (KJV), and in Acts 9:36, “There was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha… this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds” (KJV). Sr. White states, “Women can be the instruments of righteousness, rendering holy service” (Evangelism, p. 465, 1946), and “The Lord calls women to be His witnesses” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 117, 1901). Their service strengthens the church’s mission. What practical steps can we take to live out this call to service?

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19, KJV).

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can we deepen our understanding of God’s call to service through personal Bible study, allowing it to shape our character and priorities?

How can we present the universal call to service in a way that resonates with diverse audiences, from long-time members to new seekers, while maintaining theological accuracy?

What common misunderstandings about service in God’s mission exist in our community, and how can we correct them using Scripture and Sr. White’s writings?

In what practical ways can our congregations and individual members embody God’s call to service, becoming vibrant witnesses of His redemptive plan?