September 19, 1900

The Need of Unity

EGW

God has given His children different talents and capabilities, but all are to work under one great Head. Those who claim to serve God are under obligation to work for Him with faithfulness and unselfishness. They are not to watch for an opportunity to build themselves up to the injury of some one else.ST September 19, 1900, par. 1

Different gifts are imparted to different ones, that we may feel our need of one another. God bestows these gifts, and they are to be employed in His service, not to glorify the possessor, but to uplift the world's Redeemer. They are to be used for the good of all mankind. God desires His people to help one another in the discharge of their various duties, and in the faithful accomplishment of the work He has given them to do.ST September 19, 1900, par. 2

The Lord wishes His people to reach a higher standard. He desires them to overcome all self-exaltation. No jealousy or envy is to be manifested, no evil surmisings entertained. The power of Satanic agencies is great, and the Lord calls upon His people to unite their forces to strengthen one another, “building up yourselves on your most holy faith.” “Love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.”ST September 19, 1900, par. 3

We are laborers together with God. One laborer plants, another waters or cultivates, and God gives the increase. The progress of the work in each individual soul determines the strength of the church. When those who claim to believe the truth are sanctified through the truth, when they learn of Christ, His meekness, and lowliness, there will be complete and perfect unity in the church. The members will answer Christ's prayer, “Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy Word is truth; ... that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us; that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are One; I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in One; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me.”ST September 19, 1900, par. 4

When Christ abides in the hearts of believers, all quarrels, all selfish actions, all discourteous words, will be put away. Each one will ask earnestly, “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?”ST September 19, 1900, par. 5

Let us strive with earnestness for the victory over sin. Let us be determined not to give place to the enemy by criticizing, by picking flaws, by disparaging others, and seeking to be first. Let us study the prayer made in our behalf, and work for its fulfilment. Let us keep our eyes fixed upon the perfect Pattern. The only way to avoid dissension and strife is to keep looking to Him who came to the world to save sinners, learning of Him, His meekness and lowliness. He says to us, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” How, then, can there be strife among us? If we live in Christ's presence, there will be no contention.ST September 19, 1900, par. 6

Read the instruction given in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew. In all the oracles of God there is nothing more positive than this, and yet God is dishonored and His cause marred by the doing of the wrongs pointed out in this chapter. These words are for you and for me, and for all who claim to be followers of the meek and lowly Jesus. He shows us the principles upon which we are to act in all cases and under all circumstances. There is to be no striving for the supremacy. Christ teaches that in His spiritual kingdom it is not position, not outward splendor or authority, but inward excellence that constitutes greatness.ST September 19, 1900, par. 7

The disciples came to Jesus with the question, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”ST September 19, 1900, par. 8

This is Christ's lesson for those He has ransomed by His own blood. He takes a deep interest in the least and feeblest of His children, and regards that which is done for them as done for Himself. The angels, who are in constant communion with the Father, are not ashamed, but glad and willing to minister to those most in need of their help. Then should not we, as servants of Christ, be willing to minister to those whom we suppose to be inferior to ourselves?ST September 19, 1900, par. 9

The greatest in the kingdom of God are those who know and love Him. These are they who are chosen of Him and precious. To do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before God, this is an unfailing evidence of true sanctification of heart and life.ST September 19, 1900, par. 10

Christ's teachings are to be to us as the leaves of the tree of life. As we receive and assimilate His words, we shall reveal a symmetrical character. By our unity, by esteeming others better than ourselves, we bear to the world a living testimony of the power of the truth. We are not to fear that unless we seek to be first, we shall not be properly estimated. If men had higher and clearer views of Christ, if they had greater confidence in Him and less confidence in themselves, their characters would be molded and fashioned according to the divine likeness. When self is hid in Christ, the Saviour will appear as the chiefest among ten thousand, and the One altogether lovely.ST September 19, 1900, par. 11

Christ's presence in the church is its life, its health, and its growth. Let God's children remember that to be esteemed by men is nothing, but to be commended by God is everything. Christians must give up seeking to be first if they obtain the favor and recognition of God. Those who have correct views of what constitutes true greatness will never contend for the supremacy.ST September 19, 1900, par. 12

Let us put far from us every feeling of self-exaltation. Let us prepare to be good soldiers of the cross by learning the lesson Christ gave when He said, “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” He who has crushed down all desire for self-recognition will surely be recognized by the unselfishness of His life. In order to help and encourage others, he is willing to put self aside, to forego his own plans and desires. Such a man is a noble leader in Christ's army.ST September 19, 1900, par. 13

Look at the Saviour's patient endurance in suffering and trial, and remember that we too are engaged in a severe and trying warfare. Let us yoke up with Him in unselfish service. “Let nothing be done through strife or vain-glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.... Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus; who, being in form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.... Do all things without murmurings and disputings; that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.”ST September 19, 1900, par. 14

Mrs. E. G. White