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Selected Messages Book 2
needed to establish the work. If he had the spirit of Christ, he would
reveal the mind of Christ.
Deserters from the Army of the Lord
In severing his connection with the work of God in the office,
Brother X has done just what I had feared he would do. Had he denied
self, standing at his post in obedience to the will of God and because
this is the work of God, putting his whole heart into the work and
bearing its responsibilities and burdens as others have borne them
before him, even though he should not gain as much financially as
in business for himself—had he done this, he would have made it
manifest that he was not a timeserver. But how great was his interest
for the office, if he could step out when he pleased, when it appeared
to be for his interest to do so? Ought the soldiers in Christ’s ranks
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to act in this way? Should soldiers in the army of the nation do this,
they would be treated as deserters, and how does the heavenly universe
look upon such soldiers in Christ’s army? No one who engages in the
work of God with an appreciation of its sacredness, could turn from
the work to secure any worldly advantages whatsoever.
Brother Y, God has been very merciful to you and Brother X. Life,
that has been so precarious with you both, He has graciously spared.
Days, months, and years have been granted, bringing you opportunities
to develop character. God has placed you in connection with His work,
that you might become imbued with the spirit of Christ. Every day,
every hour, comes to you as a blood-bought privilege, that you may
not only work out your own salvation, but may be an agent in bringing
souls to Christ, building up His kingdom, and making manifest the
glory of God. God calls for heart and devotion to the work. Those
who are indeed laborers together with God, will carry the burden of
the work, and like the minister whom He shall send, they will feel,
“Woe is me if I fail to stand faithful and true to my position of trust.”
My brother, if you have no more heart interest in the work than is
indicated by the fact that you can drop it so easily, I have nothing to
say, no plea to make for you to remain in the office, or for Brother X to
return to it. You both reveal that you are not men that can be depended
upon. And an example that would be given in offering you additional
inducements to remain would not be pleasing to God.