Looking to God, Not Man

During the lifetime of the messenger of the Lord, many carried to her their individual problems. In personal interview or by correspondence some sought to know just what they should do in the details of their own personal experience, when they should themselves have sought divine guidance. To this class of inquirers the following very definite counsel was given:TOJ 82.2

“In the vision given me June 12, 1868, I was shown the danger of the people of God in looking to Brother and Sister White, and thinking that they must come to them with their burdens, and seek counsel of them. This ought not so to be. They are invited by their compassionate, loving Saviour, to come unto Him, when weary and heavy laden, and He will relieve them. In Him they will find rest. In taking their perplexities and trials to Jesus, they will find the promise in regard to them fulfilled. When in their distress they feel the relief which is found alone in Jesus, they obtain an experience which is of the highest value to them. Brother and Sister White are striving for purity of life, striving to bring forth fruit unto holiness; yet they are only erring mortals.TOJ 82.3

“Many come to us with the inquiry, Shall I do this? Shall I engage in that enterprise? Or, in regard to dress, Shall I wear this or that article? I answer them, You profess to be disciples of Christ. Study your Bibles. Read carefully and prayerfully the life of our dear Saviour when He dwelt among men upon the earth. Imitate His life, and you will not be found straying from the narrow path. We utterly refuse to be conscience for you. If we tell you just what to do, you will look to us to guide you, instead of going directly to Jesus for yourselves. Your experience will be founded in us. You must have an experience for yourselves, which shall be founded in God. Then can you stand amid the perils of the last days, and be purified and not consumed by the fire of affliction through which all the saints must pass in order to have the impurities removed from their character preparatory to receiving the finishing touch of immortality.”—Testimonies for the Church 2:118, 119.TOJ 83.1

The principle stated in this counsel is well worthy of study today. God never designed that any man, we care not what may be his position, should be conscience for another. He never designed that the leaders of the church should interpose themselves between God and His children. It is proper of course, always, that counsel should be given where needed. But in the determination of every question the seeker after help should be directed to the Word of God, and in prayer to its divine Author for a personal vision of his needs and for a conviction of duty as to his own course of conduct.TOJ 83.2