May 10, 1910

Principles of Service

EGW

Success in the work of God is not the result of chance, of accident, or of destiny, but the outworking of God's providence, the award of faith and discretion, of virtue and persevering labor. It is the practise of truth that brings success and strength of moral power. The bright rays of the Sun of Righteousness are to be welcomed as the light of the mind; the principles of the character of Christ are to be made the principles of the human character. All of man's attainments, all his capabilities, are to be laid at the foot of the cross of Calvary. His own righteousness is to be surrendered. Counting all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus the Lord, and with the meekness and humility of a little child, he is to receive the engrafted Word, which is able to save the soul.ST May 10, 1910, par. 1

The life of the soul depends upon spiritual conformity to the life of Christ. The inviting paths that self may choose, will lead away from Christ. Self must be humbled before God; every obstacle to service be removed. When the human life is in communion with the life of Christ, then it is sanctified through the truth, and the prayer of Christ is answered: “Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy Word is truth. As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word.”ST May 10, 1910, par. 2

“God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This is the love that is the fulfilling of the law. Only he whose heart is filled with compassion for fallen man, who loves to a purpose, revealing that love by the performance of Christlike deeds, will be able to endure the seeing of Him who is invisible. He who loves not those for whom the Father has done so much, knows not God.ST May 10, 1910, par. 3

True Christianity All-Embracing

Theology is valueless unless it is saturated with the love of Christ. True Christianity diffuses love through the whole being. It touches every vital part,—the brain, the heart, the helping hands, the feet,—enabling men to stand firmly where God requires them to stand, lest the lame be turned out of the way. The burning, consuming love of Christ for perishing souls is the life of the whole system of Christianity.ST May 10, 1910, par. 4

The worker for God needs spiritual life. This life will give vigor to soul and body. Spiritual life yields to its possessor that which all the world is seeking, but which can never be obtained without an entire surrender to God. The contemplation of Him who loved us and gave Himself for us, will make our lives sweet and fragrant, and give us power to perfect a Christian experience.ST May 10, 1910, par. 5

Laborer for God, the work given you is to represent Christ. He came to this world to shed upon you His own brightness and peace. Close the windows of your heart against the atmosphere of unbelief, and open them heavenward. It is your privilege to face the light, to talk faith and life. Let your countenance reflect the joy of the Lord. Speak of His goodness, tell of His power. Then your light will shine more and more distinctly. Above your trials and disappointments will be revealed the reflection of a pure, healthy, religious life. In the outworking of the inner life, there will be a wonderful peace and joy. You may reflect the beauty of the character of your risen Lord, who, tho He was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might be rich in the grace of heaven.ST May 10, 1910, par. 6

The Greatest Science

We can, we can reveal the likeness of our divine Lord. We can know the science of spiritual life. We can glorify God in our body and in our spirit, which are His. O, what an illustrious example we have in the life that Christ lived on this earth! He has shown us what we can accomplish through cooperation with Him. We are to seek for union with Him. “Abide in Me,” He says, “and I in you.” This union is deeper, stronger, truer than any other union. The heart must be filled with the grace of Christ. His will must control us, moving us by His love to suffer with those who suffer, to rejoice with those who rejoice, to feel a deep tenderness for every soul in weakness, sorrow, or distress.ST May 10, 1910, par. 7

Being partakers of the divine nature, we shall reach forth a helping hand to those in need of relief. Christ's heart was ever touched with pity at the sight of woe. He died on the cross of Calvary to lift from man the penalty of transgression. He came to our world to make it possible for sinful human beings to obtain salvation. He wept over the sorrow and suffering He saw on every hand. But He would not fail nor be discouraged. He must believe and press forward in order to make it possible for the fallen race to gain life eternal. Christ's life on earth is a perfect reflection of the divine law. In Him is life and hope and light. Behold Him, and you will be changed into the same likeness, from character to character.ST May 10, 1910, par. 8

Christ has laid out in figures the plans we are to study and upon which we are to act. The fifth chapter of Matthew is full of precious instruction. Read this chapter, and write it upon the tablets of the soul. The Saviour declares, “Ye are the light of the world.... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” If the character is not under the molding influence of the Spirit of God, if we have not the faith that works by love and purifies the soul from all objectionable tendencies, hereditary and cultivated, what does our profession avail? Where there should be seen the sweetness of humility, combined with firmness and solidity of character, there is seen a hard spirit, which is not a savor of life unto life, but of death unto death.ST May 10, 1910, par. 9

God's Will the Channel of Life

The life of the soul can not be sustained unless it is brought into subjection to the will of God. Every energy is to be exercised in doing the divine will. Our thoughts, if stayed upon God, will be guided by divine love and power.ST May 10, 1910, par. 10

Those who proclaim the third angel's message, must put on the whole armor of God, that they may stand boldly at their post in the face of detraction and falsehood, fighting the good fight of faith. They are to resist the enemy with the word, “It is written.” They are to keep themselves where the three great powers of heaven—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—can be their efficiency. These powers work with the one who gives himself unreservedly to God. The strength of heaven is at the command of God's believing ones. The man who makes God his trust is barricaded by an impregnable wall.ST May 10, 1910, par. 11

We lose many precious blessings by failing to bring our needs and cares and sorrows to our Saviour. He is the wonderful Counselor. He looks upon His church with intense interest and with tender sympathy. He enters into the depths of our necessities. But our ways are not always His ways. He sees the result of every action, and He asks us to trust patiently in His wisdom, not in the supposedly wise plans of our own making.ST May 10, 1910, par. 12

Cease not to pray. If the answer tarry, wait for it. Lay all your plans at the feet of your Redeemer. Let your importunate prayers ascend to God. If it be for His name's glory, the soothing words will be spoken, “Be it unto thee according to thy word.”ST May 10, 1910, par. 13

“All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” These words are a pledge that all that an omnipotent Saviour can bestow will be given to those who trust in Him. As stewards of the grace of heaven, we are to ask in faith, and then wait trustingly for the salvation of God. We are not to step in before Him, trying in our own strength to bring about that which we desire. In His name we are to ask, and then act as tho we believed in His efficiency to send the answer.ST May 10, 1910, par. 14