Chapter 29—Dependence and Independence
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(A) Dependence Upon God, Not Man
Dependence Upon God Is Absolute—God would have every soul
for whom Christ has died become a part of the vine, connected with the
parent stock, drawing nourishment from it. Our dependence on God
is absolute and should keep us very humble; and because of our de-
pendence on Him, our knowledge of Him should be greatly increased.
God would have us put away every species of selfishness and come
to Him, not as the owner of ourselves, but as the Lord’s purchased
possession.—
Special Testimonies for Ministers and Workers 8, 1897,
8,9
. (
Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 324, 325
.)
Depend Upon God, Not Man—God desires to bring men into
direct relation with Himself. In all His dealings with human beings
He recognizes the principle of personal responsibility. He seeks to
encourage a sense of personal dependence and to impress the need
of personal guidance. He desires to bring the human into association
with the divine that men may be transformed into the divine likeness.
Satan works to thwart this purpose. He seeks to encourage dependence
upon men. When minds are turned away from God, the tempter can
bring them under his rule. He can control humanity.—
The Ministry of
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Healing, 242, 243
(1905).
Make God your entire dependence. When you do otherwise, then it
is time for a halt to be called. Stop right where you are and change the
order of things.... In sincerity, in soul-hunger, cry after God. Wrestle
with the heavenly agencies until you have the victory. Put your whole
being into the Lord’s hands—soul, body, and spirit—and resolve to
be His loving, consecrated agency, moved by His will, controlled by
His mind, infused by His Spirit; ... then you will see heavenly things
clearly.—
Manuscript 24, 1891.
(
Sons and Daughters of God, 105
.)
Make God Your Counselor—In the place of bearing your per-
plexities to a brother or a minister, take them to the Lord in prayer. Do
not place the minister where God should be but make him a subject of
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