Christ’s Spirit Reflected in Us: God’s Measuring Stick — August 14 [Description]Overview of the Passage:This passage is a powerful call to humility and wholehearted service rooted in grace rather than pride or entitlement. It warns against self-righteousness, comparison, and seeking recognition for spiritual labor. Using the example of the Jews and early disciples, it highlights how God is offended by a narrow, self-centered spirit and instead values sincerity, selflessness, and love in His workers—no matter how big or small their contributions seem.True greatness in God’s eyes is measured not by how long we serve or how publicly we work, but by how much of Christ’s spirit we reflect. The passage underscores that all rewards from God are by grace, not merit, and that even the humblest believer, faithful in private battles and simple tasks, may be more precious to heaven than the most visible servant. In the end, the reward belongs not to the self-glorifying, but to those who joyfully and humbly partner with Christ in love. 365D 226

Spirit of Prophecy Reading 365D 226

Christ’s Object Lessons pp.400-404: 365D 226.1

There is nothing more offensive to God than this narrow, self-caring spirit. He cannot work with any who manifest these attributes. They are insensible to the working of His Spirit. 365D 226.2

The Jews had been first called into the Lord’s vineyard, and because of this they were proud and self-righteous. Their long years of service they regarded as entitling them to receive a larger reward than others. Nothing was more exasperating to them than an intimation that the Gentiles were to be admitted to equal privileges with themselves in the things of God. 365D 226.3

Christ warned the disciples who had been first called to follow Him, lest the same evil should be cherished among them. He saw that the weakness, the curse of the church, would be a spirit of self-righteousness. Men would think they could do something toward earning a place in the kingdom of heaven. They would imagine that when they had made certain advancement, the Lord would come in to help them. Thus there would be an abundance of self and little of Jesus. Many who had made a little advancement would be puffed up and think themselves superior to others. They would be eager for flattery, jealous if not thought most important. Against this danger Christ seeks to guard His disciples. 365D 226.4

Not in our learning, not in our position, not in our numbers or entrusted talents, not in the will of man, is to be found the secret of success. Feeling our inefficiency we are to contemplate Christ, and through Him who is the strength of all strength, the thought of all thought, the willing and obedient will gain victory after victory. 365D 226.5

And however short our service or humble our work, if in simple faith we follow Christ, we shall not be disappointed of the reward. That which even the greatest and wisest cannot earn, the weakest and most humble may receive. Heaven’s golden gate opens not to the self-exalted. It is not lifted up to the proud in spirit. But the everlasting portals will open wide to the trembling touch of a little child. Blessed will be the recompense of grace to those who have wrought for God in the simplicity of faith and love. 365D 226.6