Committees
261
were to be adopted without a question; and generally no voice has
been lifted in an opposite direction.—
Testimonies to Ministers and
Gospel Workers, 417
.
[252]
Committees should not be made up of those who have no spirit
of self denial—When our brethren keep on the board, men whose
hearts are as hard as stone, men who have not hearts of flesh, what
can you expect? How can these men know what those sacrificed in the
building up of the work. They have no spirit of sacrifice themselves,
and how can they understand the experience of those who dressed
cheaply, and who denied self, who placed themselves in any position
that the cause of God might prosper. They know nothing of this, it is
Greek to them.—EGW’88 988.
Principles of Conducting
The committee meeting should be just as much under the dic-
tation of the Spirit as the prayer meeting—I wish to say to you that
the business which may be carried on at this meeting is just as much
a part of the service of God as is prayer. The business meeting is to
be just as much under the dictation of the Spirit as the prayer meeting.
There is danger of our getting a sentimental, impulsive religion. Let
the business transacted at this meeting stand forth in such sacredness
that the heavenly host can approve of it. We are to guard most sacredly
the business lines of our work. Every line of business carried on here is
to be in accordance with the principles of heaven.—
Selected Messages
3:336
.
When God’s presence is recognized in committee meetings, it
will safeguard against imprudent speeches and domineering atti-
tudes—Let God be recognized as the supreme Ruler of His heritage.
Let every man place himself under His control. Let Him be recognized
in all our assemblies, in every business meeting, every council, every
committee. He sees all that is done, and hears all that is said. “Thou
God seest me.” Let these words be kept ever in mind. They will be a
safeguard against imprudent, passionate speeches, against all desire to
domineer. They will repress words that should never be spoken, and
resolutions that men have no right to make—resolutions that restrict
the liberty of human beings.—
Manuscript Releases 18:225
.