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The Church: Its Organization, Order and Discipline - Contents
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    Not to Shun Giving Correction

    “There will ever be a spirit to rise up against the reproof of sins and wrongs. But shall the voice of reproof be hushed because of this? If so, we shall be in no better situation than are the various denominations in our land, who are afraid to touch the errors and prevailing sins of the people....COOD 46.3

    “There are ever those who will despise the one who dares to reprove sin; but there are times when reproof must be given. Paul directs Titus to rebuke a certain class sharply, that they may be sound in the faith. Men and women, who, with their different organizations, are brought together in church capacity, have peculiarities and faults. As these are developed, they will require reproof. If those who are placed in important positions are never reproved, never rebuked, there would soon be a demoralized condition of things that would greatly dishonor God. But how shall the reproof be given? Let the apostle answer: ‘With all long-suffering and doctrine.’ Principle should be brought to bear upon the one who needs reproof; but never should the wrongs of God’s people be passed by indifferently....COOD 47.1

    “God would have his people disciplined and brought into harmony of action that they may see eye to eye and be of the same mind and of the same judgment. In order to bring about this state of things, there is much to be done. The carnal heart must be subdued and transformed. God designs that there shall ever be a living testimony in the church. It will be necessary to reprove and exhort, and some will need to be rebuked sharply, as the case demands. We hear the plea, ‘O, I am so sensitive; I can not bear the least reflection!’ If these persons would state the case correctly, they would say, ‘I am so self-willed, so self-sufficient, so proud-spirited, that I will not be dictated to; I will not be reproved. I claim the right of individual judgment; I have a right to believe and talk as I please.’ The Lord would not have us yield up our individuality. But what man is a proper judge of how far this matter of individual independence should be carried?-Testimonies for the Church 3:358, 360.COOD 47.2

    In the light of the following scriptures it surely is improper to press too strongly our individual independence. “It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” Jeremiah 10:23. “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool.” Proverbs 28:26. “Cursed be the man that trusteth is man.” Jeremiah 17:5. Surely this text would comprehend self-confidence without counsel, because “All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes.” Proverbs 16:2. Better indeed it is to “commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:5), and profit by the words of Solomon, “In the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14.COOD 48.1

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