Chapter 45—Individuality
Individuality a Power—Every human being, created in the im-
age of God, is endowed with a power akin to that of the Creator—
individuality, power to think and to do. The men in whom this power
is developed are the men who bear responsibilities, who are leaders in
enterprises, and who influence character.—
Education, 17
(1903).
Each Has a Distinct Individuality—The gospel deals with indi-
viduals. Every human being has a soul to save or to lose. Each has
an individuality separate and distinct from all others. Each must be
convicted for himself, converted for himself. He must receive the truth,
repent, believe, and obey for himself. He must exercise his will for
himself. No one can do this work by proxy. No one can submerge his
individuality in another’s. Each must surrender to God by his own act
and the mystery of godliness.—MS 28, 1898.
Unity in Diversity—It is the Lord’s plan that there shall be unity
in diversity. There is no man who can be a criterion for all other men.
Our varied trusts are proportioned to our varied capabilities. I have
been distinctly instructed that God endows men with different degrees
of capability and then places them where they can do the work for
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which they are fitted. Each worker is to give his fellow workers the
respect that he wishes to have shown to himself.—Lt 111, 1903.
The Minds of Men Differ—Why do we need a Matthew, a Mark,
a Luke, a John, a Paul, and all these other writers who have borne
their testimony in regard to the life of the Saviour during His earthly
ministry? Why could not one of the disciples have written a complete
record, and thus have given us a connected account of Christ’s life and
work?
The Gospels differ, yet in them the record blends in one harmo-
nious whole. One writer brings in points that another does not bring in.
If these points are essential, why did not all the writers mention them?
It is because the minds of men differ and do not comprehend things in
exactly the same way. Some truths appeal much more strongly to the
minds of one class of persons than to others; some points appear to
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