Chapter 259—Not in Worldly Pomp
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the
power of God.
1 Corinthians 2:5
.
Jesus was to do His work, ... not with pomp and outward display, but
through speaking to the hearts of men by a life of mercy and self-sacrifice....
The followers of Christ are to be the light of the world; but God does not
bid them make an effort to shine. He does not approve of any self-satisfied
endeavor to display superior goodness. He desires that their souls shall be
imbued with the principles of heaven; then, as they come in contact with the
world, they will reveal the light that is in them. Their steadfast fidelity in
every act of life will be a means of illumination....
Worldly display, however imposing, is of no value in God’s sight. Above
the seen and temporal, He values the unseen and eternal. The former is of
worth only as it expresses the latter. The choicest productions of art possess
no beauty that can compare with the beauty of character which is the fruit of
the Holy Spirit’s working in the soul....
Human effort will be efficient in the work of God just according to the
consecrated devotion of the worker—by revealing the power of the grace
of Christ to transform the life. We are to be distinguished from the world
because God has placed His seal upon us, because He manifests in us His
own character of love. Our Redeemer covers us with His righteousness.
In choosing men and women for His service, God does not ask whether
they possess worldly wealth, learning, or eloquence. He asks, “Do they
walk in such humility that I can teach them My way? Can I put My words
into their lips? Will they represent Me?” God can use every person just in
proportion as He can put His Spirit into the soul temple. The work that He
will accept is the work that reflects His image. His followers are to bear, as
their credentials to the world, the ineffaceable characteristics of His immortal
principles.
Jesus knew the worthlessness of earthly pomp, and He gave no attention
to its display. In His dignity of soul, His elevation of character, His nobility
of principle, He was far above the vain fashions of the world.
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