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Heavenly Invitation, May 3
For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth
himself shall be exalted.
Luke 14:11
.
Let no one exalt himself, talking of himself, extolling his abilities, dis-
playing his knowledge, and cultivating self-conceit. Let no one seek to tear
down the work of others who do not labor according to his standard. The
heavenly Teacher gives us the invitation, “Come unto me, all ye that labour
and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and
learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto
your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (
Matthew 11:28-30
).
Christ was never self-confident, bigoted, or self-conceited. He declared, “The
Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what
things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise” (
John 5:19
)....
No man has a right to call himself his own. And no man possesses any
good thing that he can call his own. Every man, every thing, is the property
of the Lord. All that man receives from the bounty of heaven is still the
Lord’s. Whatever we have that is of value, we should use for the benefit
of our fellowmen, in order that they shall become valuable workers. Every
energy, every endowment, is a talent that should contribute to God’s glory by
being used in His service. Our God-given capabilities should not be made
to serve selfish ends. We should always be willing to impart, letting others
know all that we know; and we should rejoice, if they in their work develop
an energy and an intelligence superior to that which we possess.
God’s gifts are not to be used for the exaltation of self, but are to be put
out to the exchangers, so that He shall receive His own with usury. Let not
one attempt to secure greatness, happiness, or self-gratification by diverting
from their proper use the powers with which he is endowed; for by so doing
he dishonors the Giver, and fails of fulfilling the purpose for which he was
created. All our powers come from God, and should be used to His glory....
No one has the least cause for boasting. No one has any reason to glorify
or exalt self, even when one does his very best.—
Letter 10, May 3, 1884
, to a
pioneer minister in Denmark.
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