Self-Discipline
Self-Control for Those in Command—A Christian is a Christ-
like man, and for the very reason that he carries heavy responsibilities,
he feels it degrading to himself to be in the slightest degree oppressive.
If those who are in command have not self-control, they place them-
selves below the servant. God expects the steward whom he honors to
represent the Master. If he cannot represent the patience, the kindness,
the long-suffering love, the honesty and self-denial of Christ; if he
forgets that he is a servant, and lifts himself up, it would be well for the
people to discharge him.—
Manuscript 115, 1899
(August 15, 1899).
The Wrong Direction—Brethren, do not depend on the President
of your Conference or the President of the General Conference to think
for you. God has given “to every man his work.” When men look to
the President of the Conference as their helper in all their difficulties,
the bearer of their burdens, the counselor in their perplexities, they
are doing the very opposite of that which Christ told them to do.—
Manuscript 11, 1883
, p. 1.
Managers and Self-Discipline—Your lack of self-discipline for-
bids you to take upon yourself such responsibilities as you have con-
templated. It means much more than you realize for one to assume
that he is fitted for the management of a sanitarium.
My brother, you need to be converted, and to become as a little
child. You should be fearful of following your own judgment. Should
you in any way become suspicious of one who does not harmonize with
you, you would make trouble. When your will and way is crossed,
bitter feelings arise in your heart. You cherish a feeling of hatred
toward the one whom you think has made a mistake. You forget that
when a brother has made a mistake, you should “seek to restore such
an one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself lest thou also
be tempted.” We are out of place in cherishing bitter feelings toward
any of the Lord’s purchased possession.—
Letter 285, 1905
, pp. 2, 3
(October 2, 1905, to Dr. Wade).
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