Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. John 15:14. TMK 296.1
Those who live in close fellowship with Christ will be promoted by Him to positions of trust. The servant who does the best he can for his Master is admitted to familiar intercourse with the One whose commands he loves to obey. In the faithful discharge of duty we may become one with Christ, for those who are obeying God's commands may speak to Him freely. The one who talks most familiarly with his divine leader has the most exalted conception of His greatness and is the most obedient to His commands. TMK 296.2
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.... Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth; but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” ... TMK 296.3
The character of the one who comes to God in faith will bear witness that the Saviour has entered into his life, directing all, pervading all. Such a one is continually asking, “Is this Thy will and way, O my Saviour?” Constantly he looks to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of his faith. He consults the will of his divine Friend in reference to all his actions, for he knows that in this confidence is his strength. He has made it a habit to lift up the heart to God in every perplexity.... TMK 296.4
He who accepts God as his sovereign must take the oath of allegiance to Him. He must put on the Christian uniform and bear aloft the banner that shows to whose army he belongs. He must make an open avowal of his allegiance to Christ. Concealment is impossible. Christ's impress must appear in the life in sanctified works. TMK 296.5
“I am the Lord your God, which have separated you from other people.... Ye shall be holy unto me; for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine” (Leviticus 20:24-26).... “This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise” (Isaiah 43:21).21Manuscript 96, 1900. TMK 296.6