168
Selected Messages Book 2
Oh, there are many things to be corrected in the men who are
ready to grasp so much. How inappropriate are the selfish graspings
for reward. This craving for high wages has expelled the love of
God from many hearts. Pride of position is a deep-seated evil which
has ruined thousands. Yes, tens of thousands, full of ambition for
distinction and display, have been ruined because they have lost sight
[185]
of principle. They have measured themselves among themselves, and
compared themselves with themselves. Their eager grasping for credit
and reward has resulted in diminished spirituality. This is a lesson all
should study carefully, that they may be warned against selfishness
and avarice, against pride which destroys love for God and corrodes
the soul.
When any man connected with the work of God refuses to work
for the wages he is receiving, when he is receiving a reasonable sum
for his services, he may obtain what he asks for, but it will often be
at the loss of the grace of God from his heart, which is of more value
than gold and silver and precious stones.—
Manuscript 164, 1899
.
The Toll of Large Wages
The incarnation of Christ was an act of self-sacrifice; His life was
one of continual self-denial. The highest glory of the love of God to
man was manifested in the sacrifice of His only-begotten Son, who
was the express image of His person. This is the great mystery of
godliness. It is the privilege and the duty of every professed follower
of Christ to have the mind of Christ. Without self-denial and cross
bearing we cannot be His disciples.
When the resolutions were proposed and accepted to pay the large
wages to those working in the Review and Herald office, the enemy was
succeeding in his plan to turn aside the purposes of God, and to lead
souls into false paths. The selfish, grasping spirit accepted the large
wages. Had the workers practiced the principles set forth in the lessons
of Christ, they could not conscientiously have received such wages.
And what was the effect of this increase of wages? The expenses of
the family living were greatly increased. There was a departure from
the instructions and examples given in the life of Christ. Pride was
awakened and indulged; means were invested for display, for needless
self-gratification. Love of the world took possession of the heart, and