General Principles Governing Worker Remuneration
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unsanctified ambition ruled the soul temple. The large wages became
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a curse. The example was not after Christ, but after the world.
Love to Christ will not lead to self-indulgence, it will not lead
to any unnecessary expenditure of means to please and gratify self
or to foster pride in the human heart. The love of Jesus in the heart
ever leads the soul to humility and entire conformity to the will of
God.—
Letter 21, 1894
.
When sin strikes inwardly, it assails the most noble part of a man’s
being. It makes terrible confusion and havoc with man’s Godlike
faculties and powers. While physical disease prostrates the body, the
disease of selfishness and covetousness blasts the soul.—
Letter 26,
1897
.
Higher Wages Proposed for Superior Men
My heart is deeply stirred by the scenes which during the night
have passed before me. In the night season I heard from some of my
brethren propositions with which I cannot agree. The statements they
made indicate that they are on the wrong track, that they have not
an experience which will guard them from deception. I was grieved
to hear from the lips of some of our brethren expressions that show
neither faith in God nor loyalty to His truth. Propositions were made
that, if carried out, would lead away from the straight and narrow way.
Some think that if higher wages were paid to men of superior
talent, these men would remain among us; then more work would
be accomplished, in a more thorough manner, and the cause of truth
would stand on a more elevated platform.
Concerning this question I have received instruction from One
who never errs. Suppose this plan were followed, “Who,” I ask, “is
competent to measure the genuine usefulness and the influence of his
fellow workmen?” No man is qualified to judge of another’s usefulness
in the service of God.
The position or office a man may hold is not alone an indication
of his usefulness in the cause of God. It is the development of a
Christlike character through sanctification of the spirit that will give
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him influence for good. In the estimation of God the degree of his
faithfulness determines the value of his service.