Characteristics of a Minister
35
Positive Attitude
Be cheerful and happy without indulging in lightness or
frivolity—Jesting, joking, and worldly conversation belong to the
world. Christians who have the peace of God in their hearts, will be
cheerful and happy without indulging in lightness or frivolity. While
watching unto prayer, they will have a serenity and peace which will
elevate them above all superfluities.—
Testimonies for the Church
3:241
.
Doubt and unbelief, resulting from unfavorable circum-
stances, indicate spiritual problems—No greater evidence need be
asked that a person is at a great distance from Jesus, and living in
neglect of secret prayer, neglecting personal piety, than the fact that
he thus talks doubts and unbelief because his surroundings are not
favorable. Such persons have not the pure, true, undefiled religion
of Christ. They have a spurious article which the refining process
will utterly consume as dross. As soon as God proves them, and tests
their faith, they waver, they stand feebly, swaying first one way, then
the other. They have not the genuine article that Paul possessed, that
could glory in tribulation because “tribulation worketh patience; and
patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not
ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts.” They
have a religion of circumstance. If all around them are strong in faith
and courage in the ultimate success of the third angel’s message, and
no special influence is brought to bear against them, they then appear
to have some faith. But as soon as adversity seems to come upon
the cause, and the work drags heavily, and the help of everyone is
needed, these poor souls, though they may be professed ministers of
the gospel, expect everything to come to nought. These hinder instead
of helping.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:514
.
When the shepherd becomes discouraged, wolves devour the
sheep—Satan will work by any and every means which he can employ
to discourage the active servants of God. If the shepherd can be
beguiled from his duty, then the way is clear for wolves to scatter and
devour the sheep.—
The Signs of the Times, January 3, 1884
.
[39]