Selfishness in the Church and in the Family
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to endure the trying process of fitting for the heavenly building, you
will have no place in that structure which will come together without
the sound of ax or hammer. If your nature is not transformed, if you
are not refined and elevated by the sanctifying truth for these last days,
you will be found unworthy of a place among the pure and holy angels.
Can you afford to cling to your defiling habits and at last be found
among the unbelieving and the unsanctified? Can you afford to run
any risk in this matter? There is too much at stake for you to venture
to pursue the course of self-indulgence that you have followed. You
have been forward to talk the truth to unbelievers in a very positive,
objectionable manner, which has had a very bad influence upon their
minds. When there is one inconsistent advocate of the truth, Satan
uses him to special advantage to disgust those who, under a proper
influence, would have been favorably impressed. You should soften
your manners, and when you advocate the truth, let it be with a spirit
of meekness.
“Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a
reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” The fear here
spoken of does not mean distrust or indecision, but with due caution,
guarding every point, lest an unwise word be spoken, or excitement
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of feeling get the advantage, and thus leave unfavorable impressions
upon minds, and balance them in the wrong direction. Godly fear,
humility, and meekness are greatly needed by all in order to correctly
represent the truth of God.
One of your greatest dangers is a spirit of self-confidence and pride.
The great unhappiness which exists with you and in your family results
immediately from the operation of pride. The usefulness of a man
who has this pride must be greatly limited, for his pride and self-love
keep him in a narrow sphere. His spirit is not generous. His efforts are
not extended, but contracted. By his conversation and deportment this
pride will be discovered if it exists.
Dear brother, the influence under which your character has been
formed has given you a haughty, overbearing spirit. This spirit you act
out in your family and among your neighbors and all with whom you
associate. In order to overcome these wrong habits, you must watch
unto prayer. You should now be thoroughly in earnest, for you have
little time in which to work. Do not feel that you are sufficient in your
own strength. Only in the name of the mighty Conqueror can you