Sabbath-School Influences
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tenderness for the scholars under his charge, he will feel that as a
faithful servant he must discipline and preserve order in his class. If
truth is cherished, the love of the Saviour is revealed in his words and
deportment. The Word of God with him is not a dead letter; he will
give not only lip service, but heart service.
Every Sabbath-school worker who has passed from death unto
life through the transforming grace of Christ, will reveal the deep
moving of the Spirit of God upon his own heart. Those who attempt
to direct others, who make a pretension of guiding souls to the path
of holiness, while their own life is marked with pleasure-loving, with
pride, and with love of display, are unfaithful servants. Their life is
not in accordance with their profession; their influence is an offense to
God. They need a thorough conversion. Their hearts are so filled up
with rubbish that there is no room for ennobling, elevated truth. The
soul temple needs to be refined, purified, cleansed; for Satan rather
than Christ is abiding in the heart.
It is essential that care should be taken when placing men and
women in positions of trust. You should know something in regard to
their past life, and the character that has been developed. You would
better double your classes under God-fearing workers than to multiply
teachers whose influence is not in accordance with the holy character
of truth which we profess, for their influence will be demoralizing. Let
every true, honest-hearted worker be encouraged to work on, keeping
in view the fact that every one will be rewarded as his works have
been. Work with an eye single to the glory of God. Do not refuse
[27]
to bear responsibilities because you have a sense of your weakness
and inefficiency. God can give you strength and wisdom if you are
consecrated to Him and keep humble. Let none through slothfulness
refuse to work; and let none rush ahead, urging his service when it is
not wanted.
Duty to Labor for Others
Let every true worker be grateful to God that he is honored in hav-
ing an opportunity of working for the Master. Watch for opportunities
to do good, and improve the talents God has given you, seeking grace
daily that you may succeed in doing good. The lost opportunities for
doing good in the past may well humble you to the dust, and lead