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Pastoral Ministry
Meditation
Nearly all neglect self-examination—I have been shown that
many are in the greatest danger of failing to perfect holiness in the fear
of the Lord. Ministers are in danger of losing their own souls. Some
who have preached to others will themselves be cast away because
they have not perfected a Christian character. In their labor they do
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not save souls, and fail even to save their own. They do not see the
importance of self-knowledge and self-control. They do not watch
and pray, lest they enter into temptation. If they would watch, they
would become acquainted with their weak points, where they are most
likely to be assailed by temptation. With watchfulness and prayer their
weakest points can be so guarded as to become their strongest points,
and they can encounter temptation without being overcome. Every
follower of Christ should daily examine himself, that he may become
perfectly acquainted with his own conduct. There is with nearly all a
neglect of self-examination. This neglect is positively dangerous in
one who professes to be a mouthpiece for God, occupying the fearful,
responsible position of receiving the words from God to give to His
people. The daily conduct of such a person has great influence upon
others. If he has any success in labor, he brings his converts to his own
low standard, and it is seldom that they rise higher. Their minister’s
ways, his words, his gestures and manners, his faith, and his piety, are
considered a sample of those of all Sabbathkeeping Adventists; and if
they pattern after him who has taught them the truth, they think they
are doing all their duty.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:511
.
Ministers should make the actions of each day a subject of
deliberate review—There is much in the conduct of a minister that
he can improve. Many see and feel their lack, yet they seem to be
ignorant of the influence they exert. They are conscious of their actions
as they perform them, but suffer them to pass from their memory,
and therefore do not reform. If ministers would make the actions
of each day a subject of careful thought and deliberate review, with
the object to become acquainted with their own habits of life, they
would better know themselves. By a close scrutiny of their daily
life under all circumstances they would know their own motives, the
principles which actuate them. This daily review of our acts, to see
whether conscience approves or condemns, is necessary for all who