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Ye All Are Brethren, July 2
Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof,
not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready
mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples
to the flock.
1 Peter 5:2, 3
.
Who gave man his life? Who gave him his reason? Did not God? Let
not the Christian, who is dependent on God for every breath he draws, feel
exalted above his brethren. He should not dictate terms to them, as though he
has given them life and intelligence, and therefore they were responsible to
him.
There is coming in among us a spirit which God will not suffer to rule.
Never should Christians feel that they are lords over God’s heritage. There
should not be among Christians a spirit which makes some patrons and some
proteges. The commandments of God forbid this. “All ye are brethren”
(
Matthew 23:8
). No man is to think that he is the owner of the minds and
capabilities of his brethren. He is not to think that others must submit to his
dictation. He is liable to err, liable to make mistakes, as every man is. He is
not to try to control matters in accordance with his ideas.
He who yields to this spirit of self-exaltation places himself under the
control of the enemy. If ministers of the gospel cannot harmonize with all his
ideas and imaginings, he turns from them and speaks against them, pouring
out the sarcasm and bitterness in his heart upon ministers and ministry.
None of this work bears the signature of Heaven. Christians should reveal
the tenderness of Christ, and this they will do if Christ abides in the heart.
They will recognize Christ in their brethren. They will take sweet counsel
together. If the dark chapters of human history were traced out according
to the truth, how much would be flattering to those who exercise so much
authority, who feel competent to say that others shall do as they dictate.
Jesus has given us an example in His life of purity and perfect holiness.
The most exalted being in heaven, He was the most ready to serve. The most
honored, He humbled Himself to minister to those who a short time before
had been disputing as to who should be the greatest in His kingdom.
Seeking our own preference at the expense of others is a dear experience
to gain.—
Letter 92, July 2, 1900
, to Dr. J. H. Kellogg.
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