162
Selected Messages Book 2
God was dishonored. The minds of many who witnessed this grasping
after higher and still higher wages, were leavened with doubt and
unbelief. Strange principles, like evil leaven, permeated nearly the
entire body of believers. Many ceased to deny self, and not a few
withheld their tithes and offerings.
God in His providence called for a reform in His sacred work,
[178]
which should begin at the heart, and work outwardly. Some who
blindly continued to place a high estimate upon their services, were
removed. Others received the message given to them, turned to God
with full purpose of heart, and learned to abhor their covetous spirit.
So far as possible, they endeavored to set a right example before the
people by voluntarily reducing their wages. They realized that nothing
less than complete transformation in mind and heart would save them
from being swept off their feet by some masterly temptation.
A Threat to Aggressive Denominational Work
The work of God in all its wide extent is one, and the same princi-
ples should control, the same spirit be revealed, in all its branches. It
must bear the stamp of missionary work. Every department of the cause
is related to all parts of the gospel field, and the spirit that controls one
department will be felt throughout the entire field. If a portion of the
workers receive large wages, there are others, in different branches of
the work, who will call for higher wages, and the spirit of self-sacrifice
will gradually be lost sight of. Other institutions and conferences will
catch the same spirit, and the Lord’s favor will be removed from them;
for He can never sanction selfishness. Thus our aggressive work would
come to an end. Only by constant sacrifice can it be carried forward.
God will test the faith of every soul. Christ has purchased us at an
infinite sacrifice. Although He was rich, yet for our sake He became
poor, that we through His poverty might come into possession of
eternal riches. All that we possess of ability and intellect has been
lent us in trust by the Lord, to use for Him. It is our privilege to be
partakers with Christ in His sacrifice.
[179]