Chapter 12—Not Kingly, but Christlike Leadership
The Highhanded Use of Power—A man’s position does not make
him one jot or tittle greater in the sight of God; it is character alone
that God values. The highhanded power that has been developed, as
though positions had made men gods, makes me afraid, and ought to
cause fear. It is a curse wherever and by whomsoever it is exercised.
This lording it over God’s heritage will create such a disgust of man’s
jurisdiction that a state of insubordination will result. The people are
learning that men in high positions of responsibility cannot be trusted
to mold and fashion other men’s minds and characters. The result
will be a loss of confidence even in the management of faithful men.
But the Lord will raise up laborers who realize their own nothingness
without special help from God....
Let men be connected with God’s work who will represent His
character. They may have much to learn in regard to business manage-
ment; but if they pray to God as did Daniel, if with true contrition of
mind they seek that wisdom which comes from above, the Lord will
give them an understanding heart. Read carefully and prayerfully the
third chapter of James, especially
verses 13-18
. The whole chapter is
an eye-opener, if men wish to open their eyes.—
Letter 55, 1895
.
Warned Not to Make Flesh Our Arm—Men think they are rep-
resenting the justice of God, and they do not represent His tenderness
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and the great love wherewith He has loved us. Their human inventions,
originating with the specious devices of Satan, appear fair enough
to the blinded eyes of men, because it is inherent in their nature. A
lie, believed, practiced, becomes as truth to them. Thus the purpose
of the satanic agencies is accomplished, that men should reach these
conclusions through the working of their own inventive minds. But
how do men fall into such error? By starting with false premises, and
then bringing everything to bear to make the error true. In some cases
the first principles have a measure of truth interwoven with the error,
but it does not lead to any just action, and this is why men are misled.
In order to reign and become a power, they employ Satan’s methods to
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