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No Gift Superior or Inferior, July 20
For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house,
and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and
commanded the porter to watch.
Mark 13:34
.
Jesus is ministering in the heavenly sanctuary, but He is with His workers
also; for He declares, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the
world” (
Matthew 28:20
). He is spiritual director of His church on earth, and
He longs to see the members filled with a determination to labor harmoniously
for the advancement of His kingdom. He has raised up a succession of workers
who derive their authority from Him, the Great Teacher. He has chosen for
His work men of varied talents and varied capabilities. Some of these might
not be the men you would choose, but you will pass through an experience
that will lead you to see that God exalts men whom you would regard as
inferior to yourselves.
When the judgment shall sit, and the books are opened, many will be
surprised by God’s estimate of character. They will realize that God sees
not as man sees, that He judges not as human beings judge. He reads the
heart. He knows the motives that prompt the action, and He recognizes and
commends every faithful effort put forth for Him. The Lord uses various gifts
in His work. Let no worker think that his gifts are superior to those of another
worker. Let God be the judge. He tests and approves His workers, and He
places a just estimate on their qualifications. He has placed in the church a
variety of gifts, to meet the varied wants of the many minds with which His
workers are brought in contact.
The Lord has given to every man his work, and every man is to do the
work that the Lord has given him. All have not the same gifts or the same
disposition. All need to feel daily the converting power of the Holy Spirit,
that they may bear much fruit for the Lord. It is not the one who preaches
the gospel that provides the efficiency that makes his efforts successful. It is
the unseen Worker standing behind the minister who brings conviction and
conversion to souls.—
Bible Training School, November 1, 1909
.
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