In the World but Not of the World
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in worldly matters is a transcript of his principles. Firm integrity shines
forth as gold amid the dross and rubbish of the world.
Deceit, falsehood, and unfaithfulness may be glossed over and
hidden from the eyes of man, but not from the eyes of God. The
angels of God, who watch the development of character and weigh
moral worth, record in the books of heaven these minor transactions
which reveal character. If a workman in the daily vocations of life is
unfaithful and slights his work, the world will not judge incorrectly
if they estimate his standard in religion according to his standard in
business.
Belief in the near coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven
will not cause the true Christian to become neglectful and careless of
the ordinary business of life. The waiting ones who look for the soon
appearing of Christ will not be idle, but diligent in business. Their
work will not be done carelessly and dishonestly, but with fidelity,
promptness, and thoroughness. Those who flatter themselves that
careless inattention to the things of this life is an evidence of their
spirituality and of their separation from the world are under a great
deception. Their veracity, faithfulness, and integrity are tested and
proved in temporal things. If they are faithful in that which is least
they will be faithful in much.
I have been shown that here is where many will fail to bear the
test. They develop their true character in the management of temporal
concerns.
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They manifest unfaithfulness, scheming, dishonesty, in dealing
with their fellow men. They do not consider that their hold upon the
future, immortal life depends upon how they conduct themselves in
the concerns of this life, and that the strictest integrity is indispensable
to the formation of a righteous character. Dishonesty is ... the cause
of lukewarmness on the part of many who profess to believe the truth.
They are not connected with Christ and are deceiving their own souls.
I am pained to make the statement that there is an alarming lack of
honesty even among Sabbathkeepers
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Testimonies for the Church 4:309-311