(Concluded.)
EGW
Paul exhorted Timothy: “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. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them; for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee.” What a weight of importance is here attached to the Christian life of the minister of God! What a necessity there is for his faithful study of the word, that he himself may be sanctified by the truth, and may be qualified to teach others. RH May 19, 1885, par. 1
The ministers of Christ need a new anointing, that they may more clearly discern sacred things, and have clear conceptions of the holy, blameless character which they themselves must form in order to be ensamples to the flock. Nothing that we can do of ourselves, will bring us up to the high standard where God can accept us as his embassadors. Only a firm reliance upon God, and a strong and active faith, will accomplish the work that he requires to be wrought in us. God calls for working men. It is continuance in well-doing that will form characters for heaven. In plainness, in faithfulness and love, we must appeal to the people to prepare for the day of God. Some will need to be entreated with earnestness before they will be moved: Let the labor be characterized by meekness and humility, yet by a fervor that will make these listless ones understand that these things are a reality, and that it is for them to choose life or death. The salvation of the soul is not a thing to be trifled with. The deportment of the laborer for God should be serious, and characterized by simplicity and true Christian politeness; yet he should be fearfully in earnest in the work which the Master has left him to do. Decided perseverance in a course of righteousness, disciplining the mind by religious exercises to love devotion and heavenly things, will bring the greatest amount of happiness. RH May 19, 1885, par. 2
If we make God our trust, we have it in our power to control the mind in these things. Through continued exercise, it will become strong to battle with internal foes, and to subdue self, until there is a complete transformation, and the passions, appetite, and will are brought into perfect subjection. Then there will be daily piety at home and abroad, and when we engage in labor for souls, a power will attend our efforts. The humble Christian will have seasons of devotion which are not spasmodic, fitful, or superstitious; but calm and tranquil, deep, constant, and earnest. The love of God, the practice of holiness, will be pleasant when there is a perfect surrender to God. RH May 19, 1885, par. 3
The reason why ministers of Christ are no more successful in their labors is, they are not unselfishly devoted to the work. The interest of some is divided; they are double-minded. The cares of this life engage their attention, and they do not realize how sacred is the work of the minister. Such may complain of darkness, of great unbelief, of infidelity. This is because they are not right with God; they do not see the importance of making a full and entire consecration to him. They serve God a little, but themselves more. They pray but little. RH May 19, 1885, par. 4
The Majesty of heaven, while engaged in his earthly ministry, was often in earnest prayer. Frequently he spent the entire night thus. His spirit was sorrowful as he felt the power of the darkness of this world, and he left the busy city and the noisy throng to seek a retired place for intercession with his Father. The Mount of Olives was the favorite resort of the Son of God. Frequently, after the multitude had left him for the retirement of the night, he rested not, though weary with the labors of the day. In the Gospel of John we read, “And every man went unto his own house. Jesus went unto the Mount of Olives.” While the city was hushed in silence and his disciples had retired to obtain refreshment in sleep, his divine pleadings were ascending to his Father from the Mount of Olives, that his disciples might be kept from the evil influences which they would daily encounter in the world, and that his own soul might be strengthened and braced for the duties and trials of the coming day. All night, while his followers were sleeping, was their divine Teacher praying, while the dew and frost of night fell upon his bowed head. The disciples learned his favorite retreat, and often followed him. Therefore he did not always visit Olivet. For the same reason he chose the stillness of night, that there might be no interruption. RH May 19, 1885, par. 5
The example of Christ is left on record for his followers. Jesus was himself a source of blessing and strength; he could heal the sick and raise the dead; he commanded even the tempests, and they obeyed him; he was unsullied with corruption, a stranger to sin; yet he endured agony which required help and support from his Father, and he prayed often with strong crying and tears. He prayed for his disciples and for himself, thus identifying himself with the needs, the weaknesses, and the failings which are common to humanity. He was a mighty petitioner, not possessing the passions of our human, fallen natures, but compassed with like infirmities, tempted in all points even as we are. RH May 19, 1885, par. 6
Are the ministers of Christ tempted and fiercely buffeted by Satan? so also was He who knew no sin. Christ, our example, turned to his Father in these hours of distress. He came to earth that he might provide a way whereby we could find grace and strength to help in every time of need, by following his example in frequent, earnest prayer. If the ministers of Christ will imitate this pattern, they will be imbued with his spirit, and angels will minister unto them. RH May 19, 1885, par. 7
Angels ministered to Jesus, yet their presence did not make his life one of ease and freedom from severe conflict and fierce temptations. If ministers, while engaged in the work which the Master has appointed them to do, have trials and perplexities and temptations, should they be discouraged, when they know that there is One who has endured all these before them? Should they cast away their confidence because they do not realize all they expect from their labors? Christ labored earnestly for his own nation; but his efforts were despised by the very ones he came to save, and they put to death Him who came to give them life. RH May 19, 1885, par. 8
All who stand unshrinkingly in the forefront of the battle, must feel the special warfare of Satan against them. As they realize his attacks, they will flee to the Stronghold. They will feel their need of special strength from God, and will labor in his strength; therefore the victories they gain will not exalt them, but lead them in faith to lean more securely upon the Mighty One. Deep and fervent gratitude to God is awakened in their hearts, and they are joyful in the tribulation which they experience while pressed by the enemy. These willing servants are gaining an experience and forming a character which will do honor to the cause of God. RH May 19, 1885, par. 9
There is a sufficient number of ministers, but a great lack of laborers. Laborers, co-workers with God, have a sense of the sacredness of the work, and of the severe conflicts they must meet in order to carry it forward successfully. Laborers will not faint and despond in view of the labor, arduous though it may be. In the Epistle to the Romans, Paul says: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulation also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope; and hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” In him are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. We are without excuse if we fail to avail ourselves of the ample provisions made for us that we might be wanting in nothing. Shrinking from hardships, complaining under tribulation, makes the servants of God weak and inefficient in bearing responsibilities and burdens. RH May 19, 1885, par. 10
The present is a season of solemn privilege and sacred trust. If these trusts are faithfully kept, great will be the reward when the Master shall say, “Give an account of thy stewardship.” The earnest toil, the unselfish work, the patient, persevering effort, will be rewarded abundantly; Jesus will say, Henceforth I call you not servants, but friends, guests. The approval of the Master is not given because of the greatness of the work performed, because many things have been gained, but because of the fidelity in even a few things. It is not the great results we attain, but the motives from which we act, that weigh with God. He prizes goodness and faithfulness more than the greatness of the work accomplished. RH May 19, 1885, par. 11
Brethren, you are required to exemplify the truth in your life. But those who think that they have a work to do to teach others the truth are not all converted, and sanctified by the truth. Some have erroneous ideas of what constitutes a Christian, and of the means through which a firm religious experience is obtained; much less do they understand the qualifications which God requires ministers to possess. These men are unsanctified. They have occasionally a flight of feeling, which gives them the impression that they are indeed the children of God. This dependence upon impressions is one of the special deceptions of Satan. Those who are thus exercised make their religion a matter of circumstance. Firm principle is wanting. None are living Christians who have not a daily experience in the things of God, and who do not daily practice self-denial, cheerfully bearing the cross and following Christ. Every living Christian will advance daily in the divine life. As he advances toward perfection, he experiences a conversion to God every day; and this conversion is not completed until he attains to perfection of Christian character, a full preparation for the finishing touch of immortality. RH May 19, 1885, par. 12
The life of a true Christian is ever onward. There is no standing still nor going back. It is your privilege to be “filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.” RH May 19, 1885, par. 13
I entreat all, especially those who minister in word and doctrine, to make an unreserved surrender to God. Consecrate your lives to him, and be indeed ensamples to the flock. Be no longer content to remain dwarfs in spiritual things. Let your aim be nothing short of perfection of Christian character. Let your lives be unselfish and blameless, that they ever may be a living rebuke to those who are selfish, and whose affections seem to be upon their earthly treasure. God grant that you may be strengthened according to the riches of his glory, “with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.” RH May 19, 1885, par. 14