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We Are Christ’s Representatives, August 16
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you,
as though some strange thing happened unto you.
1 Peter 4:12
.
Our daily experience with Christ should be of the highest value to us. We
have an individual part to act in His service. Our blessed Saviour has given us
... precious promises for our encouragement. He desires us to know that He is
watching over us, and that He will teach us what He expects us to do. If the enemy
comes to us in the morning, or during the day, with annoyances, let us remember
these precious promises, and not allow ourselves to be ruffled. Let us remember
that we are Christ’s representatives, and that we must not, by word or act, offend
one another.
Do you think that perhaps no trials will arise? Certainly there will be trials.
If there were not, you might rejoice that you had no devil to tempt you. But you
will have temptations till the very close of time. Therefore you need to keep in
close companionship with Christ. His angels are commissioned to watch over
you. They are your appointed guardians. If someone says something that tends to
provoke you, remember that at such a time silence is eloquence. Do not respond
in a manner to retaliate. It will be better to say nothing than to speak unadvisedly.
We will all have our battles to fight, though these struggles may vary in character,
according to our disposition and our experience.
Let us rejoice that Jesus Christ has made it possible for us to lay hold upon
divinity. When we feel exceedingly tried, let us remember that there is a heavenly
angel by our side. This thought will help us to honor Christ, who has made it
possible for us to become sons and daughters of God. Unless we are constantly
on our guard, we may be caught unawares, and speak hastily. It may then be
impossible for us to remove the impression from the minds of those to whom we
have spoken, for some do not desire to get rid of such impressions. They seem
to delight in cherishing evil. Let us, by keeping our words in harmony with the
instructions the Saviour has given us, not give them any occasion for offense.
As we come in contact with varying dispositions, we shall undoubtedly find
great provocation to speak unkindly. But remember that at such times silence
is often eloquence. If you refrain from retaliating when you are provoked by
others, you will surprise them. And, if repeatedly you preserve your dignity under
provocation, they will realize that you are in connection with a higher Power.—
Manuscript, August 16, 1909
, “Lessons From the Sermon on the Mount,” a talk
given for morning worship at Madison (Wisconsin) Sanitarium.
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