Words of Counsel
Sister White made numerous suggestions regarding the use of her writings, which, if followed, would safeguard the welfare of the individual and the good name of the church. If we accept her messages as from the Lord, certainly we should accept the Lord’s counsel as to the use we should make of them.EGWMR 90.3
1. Use with unbelievers.—“Prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.” 1 Corinthians 14:22.EGWMR 90.4
“Some have taken an injudicious course; when they talked their faith to unbelievers, and the proof has been asked for, they have read a vision, instead of going to the Bible for proof. I saw that this course was inconsistent, and prejudiced unbelievers against the truth. The visions can have no weight with those who have never seen them and know nothing of their spirit. They should not be referred to in such cases.”—Testimonies for the Church 1:119, 120.EGWMR 90.5
2. Apply to own life.—Some are more inclined to try to drive the messages home to the hearts of others than they are to make speedy application of them in their own lives. Our first responsibility is to put the testimonies into practice in our daily living, then to teach them kindly, tactfully, and persuasively to others. It is not our task to drive home these truths. That is the work of the Holy Spirit (see Gospel Workers, 374). It is unfortunate that sometimes those who wish to make the testimonies an iron rule for others do not themselves practice what they preach (see Testimonies for the Church 1:369, 382-384). Inconsistency and overurging have frequently turned men away from the instruction they might otherwise have accepted.EGWMR 90.6
3. Worldwide scope.—The testimonies were never intended to serve only one group of believers in one country. They are worldwide in their scope. Discovering the principles aids in applying the counsel in any kind of situation. Sister White had an understanding of situations in countries other than her home. For each six years of her long ministry spent in the United States, she spent one year overseas. But the matter is even broader than that. God knew what His people everywhere would need, and gave instruction adaptable to all in every place.EGWMR 90.7
4. Room for doubt.—In the acceptance of both the Scriptures and the Spirit of prophecy, today God requires the exercise of faith. He does not remove the opportunity for doubt.EGWMR 90.8
“While God has given ample evidence for faith, He will never remove all excuse for unbelief. All who look for hooks to hang their doubts upon, will find them. And those who refuse to accept and obey God’s Word until every objection has been removed, and there is no longer an opportunity for doubt, will never come to the light”—The Great Controversy, 527.EGWMR 90.9
“Satan has ability to suggest doubts and to devise objections to the pointed testimony that God sends, and many think it a virtue, a mark of intelligence in them, to be unbelieving, and to question and quibble. Those who desire to doubt will have plenty of room. God does not propose to remove all occasion for unbelief. He gives evidence, which must be carefully investigated with a humble mind and a teachable spirit, and all should decide from the weight of evidence.”—Testimonies for the Church 5:675, 676.EGWMR 90.10
While there will always be doubters, we must never confuse the honest questioner with the doubter. Many want help, simple explanations, and a degree of guidance. All should feel free to bring out into the light the things that bother them, or that they do not understand. Kind, sympathetic treatment should be accorded inquirer and doubter alike. Perhaps both can be helped. Different backgrounds and experiences do much to shape thinking. All do not have the same preparation to evaluate God’s messages. Because of early training it is much more difficult for some to accept the messenger than it is for others. Each individual must establish his own relationship with God, and God will be his judge, taking into consideration every factor.EGWMR 90.11
5. Ahead of the times.—God knows the end from the beginning, and has undertaken to reveal to us in the Bible and the Ellen G. White writings something of the events of the future. Obviously there is no way to check on the accuracy of the predictions made until the events take place. Careful attention is to be paid to the inspired statements and to fulfillments as indicated in everyday affairs. We must not attempt to read into predictions more than is intended to be revealed. God has promised to help us to be interpreters of prophecy, not prophets. But in due time, if we wait and watch, we shall see the fulfillment of each of the Lord’s predictions. In the meantime, let us accept them by faith, knowing that God will not deceive us or lead us astray.EGWMR 91.1
What is true of prediction is also true of the Ellen G. White statements involving scientific principles. Scores of statements have been made revealing insight into scientific matters years before the discoveries were made by scientists. While the books are not treatises on science as such, they are scientifically accurate. Have no fear about believing some things that have not yet been demonstrated in the laboratory. In due time true scientific discovery will “catch up” with what God has revealed by inspiration.EGWMR 91.2
6. Study to learn how to use.—There is a section of inspired instruction that was prepared especially to teach us how to use the testimonies. These pages should be carefully studied so that each may understand his relationship to these revelations of the will of God. The portion referred to is called “The Nature and Influence of the Testimonies,” and is found in Testimonies for the Church 5:654-696. It begins with this sentence:EGWMR 91.3
“As the end draws near and the work of giving the last warning to the world extends, it becomes more important for those who accept present truth to have a clear understanding of the nature and influence of the Testimonies, which God in His providence has linked with the work of the third angel’s message from its very rise.”EGWMR 91.4