Soul-winning Agency
57
him, because he followeth not us;” but Jesus rebuked his spirit, and
told his followers that “he that is not against us is on our part.”
The Way, the Truth, and the Life will be clearly revealed in the
words, the spirit, and the deportment of those who believe in and learn
of Jesus. Parents and teachers should manifest the tenderest interest
and sympathy for those who are not believers in the truth. They should
never, either by word or action, wound a soul, the purchase of Christ’s
blood. If the older ones manifest a cold, harsh, unsympathetic spirit,
the children will manifest the same, and their characters will not be
molded after the divine model. We must patiently educate the children
and youth to feel that they are required of God to be missionaries, that
they are not to be selfish, narrow, and bigoted, but broad in their ideas
and sympathies. If all work in love and manifest Christian courtesy,
[86]
they will be winners of souls, and will bring precious sheaves to the
Master.
Aim for a Higher Standard
One thing is certain, there is too little of the spirit of love among
Seventh-day Adventists, both in church and Sabbath school work.
The workers and learners aim for too low a standard. All need to
be enlarged, to have higher and holier aspirations, to inhale a purer
atmosphere. Young men and women are to come forth from our
Sabbath schools and colleges to become missionaries for God. They
need the very best instruction and religious training. They need that
virtue that comes from God, added to knowledge, which will qualify
them for trying and responsible positions. The intellectual and spiritual
growth should be as marked as the development of the physical powers.
The young should feel the necessity of being strong and competent
intellectually as well as spiritually. Many fail to acquire this power,
not because they are lacking in ability, but because they fail to apply
themselves with determined and diligent effort. They should make
the very most of their opportunities, and become caretakers, in order
to be able to bear the burdens and share the responsibilities of those
who are worn and laden. The most important of all missionary work
is to train workers to go into the field to preach the gospel to every
creature.—
Testimonies on Sabbath-School Work, 32-34
.
[87]
[88]
[89]