Qualifications for Successful Christian Service
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They are not to engage in speculation, neither are they to enter into
business enterprises with unbelievers; for this would hinder them in
their God-given work.—
Testimonies for the Church 9:19
.
The Redeemer will not accept divided service. Daily the worker
for God must learn the meaning of self-surrender.—
Gospel Workers,
113
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Loyalty
The Lord abhors indifference and disloyalty in a time of crisis in
His work. The whole universe is watching with inexpressible interest
the closing scenes of the great controversy between good and evil.
The people of God are nearing the borders of the eternal world; what
can be of more importance to them than that they be loyal to the God
of heaven? All through the ages, God has had moral heroes; and He
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has them now,—those who, like Joseph and Elijah and Daniel, are not
ashamed to acknowledge themselves His peculiar people. His special
blessing accompanies the labors of men of action; men who will not
be swerved from the straight line of duty, but who with divine energy
will inquire, “Who is on the Lord’s side?” men who will not stop
merely with the inquiry, but who will demand that those who choose
to identify themselves with the people of God shall step forward and
reveal unmistakably their allegiance to the King of kings and Lord
of lords. Such men make their wills and plans subordinate to the
law of God. For love of Him, they count not their lives dear unto
themselves. Their work is to catch the light from the Word, and let it
shine forth to the world in clear, steady rays. Fidelity to God is their
motto.—
Prophets and Kings, 148
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Dexterity
It is the duty of every Christian to acquire habits of order, thor-
oughness, and dispatch. There is no excuse for slow bungling at work
of any character. When one is always at work, and the work is never
done, it is because mind and heart are not put into the labor. The one
who is slow, and who works at a disadvantage, should realize that these
are faults to be corrected. He needs to exercise his mind in planning
how to use the time so as to secure the best results. By tact and method,