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Not Relying on Our Own Imagination, April 21
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of
man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.
1
Corinthians 2:4
.
I have seen that danger attends every new phase of experience in the
church, because some hear things with such a wrong spirit. While some
teachers may be strong and efficient in teaching in the lines of Bible doctrines,
they will not all be men who have a knowledge of practical life, and can advise
perplexed minds with surety and safety. They do not discern the perplexing
situation that must necessarily come to every family who shall make a change.
Therefore let all be careful what they say; if they know not the mind of God
in some matters, let them never speak from a guess or suppose so. If they
know nothing definite, let them say so, and let the individual rely wholly upon
God. Let there be much praying done, and even with fasting, that not one
shall move in darkness, but move in the light as God is in the light.
We may look for anything now to break forth outside and within our ranks;
and there are minds undisciplined by the grace of the Holy Spirit, that have
not practiced the words of Christ, and who do not understand the movings of
the Spirit of God, who will follow a wrong course of action because they do
not follow Jesus fully. They follow impulse and their own imagination.
Let there be nothing done in a disorderly manner, that there shall be
a great loss or sacrifice made upon property because of ardent, impulsive
speeches which stir up an enthusiasm which is not after the order of God,
that a victory that was essential to be gained, shall, for lack of levelheaded
moderation and proper contemplation, and sound principles and purposes, be
turned into a defeat. Let there be wise generalship in this matter, and all move
under the guidance of a wise, unseen Counselor, which is God. Elements that
are human will struggle for the mastery, and there may be a work done that
does not bear the signature of God.—
Special Testimonies Relating to Various
Matters in Battle Creek, 17, 18
.
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