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Selected Messages Book 2
God accepts the services of those only who are partakers of the
divine nature. Without Christ man can do nothing. Love for God
and man alone places human beings on vantage ground with God.
Obedience to the divine command enables us to become laborers
together with God. Love is the fruit that is borne on the Christian tree,
the fruit that is as the leaves of the tree of life for the healing of the
nations.—
Manuscript 108, 1903
.
The Necessities and Comforts of Life
In the Lord’s treasury there should be sufficient means to give an
adequate support to those who devote their time to the work of saving
souls. Their just wages should not be begrudged them. Those who are
willing to labor for the Master should not be allowed to lack for the
necessities of life. They should be enabled to live comfortably, and
also to have enough so that they can make donations to the cause of
God; for it frequently happens that they are expected to take the lead
in making offerings.—
Manuscript 103, 1906
.
Free From Worldly Enterprises and Conflicting Duties
There are many things that need to be adjusted, that will be adjusted
if we adhere strictly to principle. Special instruction has been given
me in regard to our ministers. It is not the will of God that they shall
seek to be rich. They should not engage in worldly enterprises, for
this disqualifies them for giving their best powers to spiritual things.
But they are to receive wages enough to support themselves and their
families. And they are not to have so many burdens laid upon them
that they cannot give proper attention to the church in their own home.
It is their duty to teach their children as did Abraham to keep the way
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of the Lord, and to do justice and judgment....
Let ministers and teachers remember that God holds them account-
able to fill their office to the best of their ability, to bring into their work
their very best powers. They are not to take up duties that conflict with
the work God has given them. When ministers and teachers, pressed
continually under the burden of financial responsibility, enter the pulpit
or the schoolroom weary and tired, with throbbing brain and overtaxed
nerves, what can be expected but that common fire will be used instead