Those who make no decided effort, but simply wait for the Holy Spirit to compel them to action, will perish in darkness. We would ask those who are waiting for a miracle, What means have been tried which God has placed within your reach? We would ask those who are hoping for some supernatural work to be done, who simply say, “Believe, believe,” “Have you submitted yourself to the revealed command of God?” The Lord has said, “Thou shalt,” and, “Thou shalt not.” (Ev 653.1) MC VC

Let all study the parable of the talents, and realize that to every man God has given his work—to every man He has entrusted his talents, that by exercising his ability, he may increase his efficiency. You are not to sit still, and do nothing in the work of God.—The Review and Herald, September 28, 1897. (Ev 653.2) MC VC

Be Not Slothful—Labor for those who are loitering away their lives, accomplishing only half of what they might for the Master. Strive to arouse them to a sense of their responsibility. Pray for and exhort one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Let brother say to brother and sister to sister, “Come, my fellow laborer, let us put all earnestness into our work; for the night is at hand, wherein no man can work.” Let no one lose minutes by talking when he should be working. (Ev 653.3) MC VC

Let the talkative man remember that there are times when he has no right to talk. There are those who take time to stand still. Let the voice of the faithful sentinel be heard, “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” Romans 12:11. Have you work to do for the Master? Is it building a house in which His work may be carried forward? Close your lips. Make not others idle by tempting them to listen to your talk. The time of many is lost when a man uses his tongue instead of his tools.—Manuscript 42, 1901. (Ev 653.4) MC VC