Paul was not alone in the trials which he endured from the love of ease and desire for worldly gain in his professed brethren. His experience is still shared by the faithful servants of Christ. Many, even of those who profess to believe the solemn truths for this time, feel but little moral responsibility. When they see that the path of duty is beset with perplexities and trials, they choose a way for themselves, where there is less effort needed; where there are fewer risks to run, fewer dangers to meet. By selfishly shunning responsibilities, they increase the burdens of the faithful workers, and at the same time separate themselves from God, and forfeit the reward they might have won. All who will work earnestly and disinterestedly, in his love and fear, God will make co-laborers with himself. Christ has hired them at the price of his own blood, the pledge of an eternal weight of glory. Of every one of his followers he requires efforts that shall in some degree correspond with the price paid and the infinite reward offered.{LP 284.1}

Paulus var ikke alene i de trængsler som han udstod på grund af hans bekendende brødre hang til magelighed og ønske for verdslig vinding. Hans erfaring deler Kristi trofaste tjenere stadig. Mange, endog dem der bekender at tro de højtidelige sandheder for denne tid, nærer kun et lille moralsk ansvar Når de ser at pligtens sti er besat af forviklinger og prøvelser, vælger den en vej selv, hvor der ikke skal anstrenges så meget; hvor der er mindre risiko at løbe, mindre fare at møde. Når ansvar undgås selvisk, øger de pålidelige medarbejderes byrder, og adskiller sig selv fra Gud, og forspilder den løn de kunne have vundet. Alle vil arbejde alvorligt og uhildet, i sin kærlighed og frygt, Gud vil gøre sig medarbejdere. Kristus har lejet dem for prisen af sit eget blod, panten for en evig herlighedsvægt. Enhver af hans efterfølgere pålægges anstrengelser, som i en vis grad skal svare til den pris der er betalt og den uendelige løn gives.