Dependence and Independence
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your prayers. We have all erred on this point. The minister of Christ
is like other men. True, he bears more sacred responsibilities than a
common businessman, but he is not infallible. He is compassed with
infirmity, and needs grace and divine enlightenment. He needs the
heavenly unction to do his work with exactitude and success, giving
full proof of his ministry. There are those who are ignorant of the way
of life and salvation, and these will find in the godly minister one who
will teach them what they shall do to be saved.
Those who know how to pray, who know what are the invitations
of the gospel of Christ, who know the immutability of His promises,
show dishonor to God when they lay their burden upon finite men. It is
right, always, to counsel together. It is right to converse together. It is
right to make the difficulties that present themselves in any enterprise
plain before your brethren and your minister. But do not so greatly
dishonor God as to depend on man for wisdom. Seek God for the
wisdom that cometh from above. Ask your fellow laborers to pray
with you, and the Lord will fulfill His word, “Where two or three
[263]
are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them”
(
Matthew 18:20
).—
Manuscript 23, 1899.
(B) Dependence and Independence in Working Relationships
One Man’s Mind—It is a mistake to make men believe that the
workers for Christ should make no move save that which has first been
brought before some responsible man. Men must not be educated to
look to men as to God. While it is necessary that there be a counseling
together and a unity of action among the laborers, one man’s mind and
one man’s judgment must not be the controlling power.—
The Review
and Herald, August 7, 1894
.
To Grow in Efficiency—God is the ruler of His people, and He
will teach those who give their minds to Him how to use their brains.
As they employ their executive ability, they will grow in efficiency.
The Lord’s heritage is made up of vessels large and small, but each
one has his individual work. The mind of one man, or the minds of
two or three men, are not to be depended on as certain to be safe for
all to follow. Let all look to God, trust in Him, and believe fully in His
power. Yoke up with Christ and not with men, for men have no power
to keep you from falling.—
Letter 88, 1896
.