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Glory Not in Talent and Influence, August 17
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man
minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth; that God in
all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise
and dominion for ever and ever.
1 Peter 4:11
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Christ is our pattern, and those who follow Christ will not walk in
darkness; for they will not seek their own pleasure. To glorify God will be
the continual aim of their life.... But how many who have been entrusted
with talents of means and influence have lost sight of the pattern, and
followed the standard of the world.... Men and women who have been
blessed with an abundance of money, with houses and with lands, generally
train their children to a life of idleness and selfish indulgence. Thus they
are made useless for this life, and unfit for the future, immortal life.... The
youth of today are educated to believe that it is the money that makes the
man
Our power is not in our talents of education or means, neither is it in
our popularity; it is in self-sacrifice, our willing obedience to Jesus Christ.
Those who truly surrender all to Him, will carry a weight of influence, and
will carry others along with them, because they walk in the light. Brain
power will be inefficient, purse power of little account with God; but heart
power, thorough godliness, humble fidelity, will bear a weight of influence
that will be irresistible
Shall we not consecrate ourselves to God without reserve? Christ, the
King of glory, gave Himself a ransom for us. Can we withhold anything
from Him? Shall we think our poor, unworthy selves too precious, our
time or property too valuable, to give to Jesus?—No, no; the deepest
homage of our hearts, the most skillful service of our hands, our talents
of ability and of means,—all are but too poor an offering to bring to Him
who was slain and has “redeemed us to God by his blood out of every
kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.
[237]
33
The Youth’s Instructor, October 18, 1894
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34
The Youth’s Instructor, September 6, 1894
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35
The Review and Herald, March 15, 1887
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