Chapter 33—Consecration in Ministers
Three years ago the Lord gave me a view of things past, present,
and future. I saw young men preaching the truth, some of whom, at
that time, had not yet received it themselves. They have since taken
hold of the truth and are trying to lead others to it. I was shown your
case, Brother I. Your past life has not been of a character to lead
you away from and above yourself. You are naturally selfish and
self-sufficient, having all confidence in your own strength. This will
prevent you from acquiring the experience necessary to make you a
humble, efficient minister of Christ.
There are many in the field who are in a similar condition. They
can present the theory of the truth, but are wanting in true godliness. If
the ministers now laboring in the gospel field, yourself included, felt
the necessity of daily examination of self and daily communion with
God, they would then be in a condition to receive the words from God
to be given to the people. Your words and daily life will be a savor of
life unto life or of death unto death.
You may intelligently believe the truth, but the work is still before
you to bring every action of your life and every emotion of your heart
into harmony with your faith. The prayer of Christ for His disciples
just prior to His crucifixion was: “Sanctify them through Thy truth:
Thy word is truth.” The influence of the truth should affect not merely
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the understanding, but the heart and life. Genuine, practical religion
will lead its possessor to control his affections. His external conduct
should be sanctified through the truth. I assure you before God that you
are seriously deficient in practical piety. Ministers should not assume
the responsibility of teachers of the people, in imitation of Christ,
the great Exemplar, unless they are sanctified to the great work, that
they may be ensamples to the flock of God. An unsanctified minister
can do incalculable harm. While professing to be the ambassador
of Christ, his example will be copied by others; and if he lacks the
true characteristics of a Christian, his faults and deficiencies will be
reproduced in them.
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