Self-Control and Fidelity
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be cleansed? “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that
are sick.”
Matthew 9:12
. How can one improve when he thinks his
ways perfect?
When one who is supposed to be led and taught by God turns out
of the way, because of self-confidence, many follow his example. His
false step may result in misleading thousands.
* * * * *
Consider the parable of the fig tree:
“A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came
and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser
of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this
fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And
he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall
dig about it, and dung it: and if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after
that thou shalt cut it down.”
Luke 13:6-9
.
“Then after that.” In these words there is a lesson for all who are
connected with the work of God. A period of probation was granted
to the tree that bore no fruit. And in like manner God bears long with
His people. But of those who have had great advantages, and who are
standing in positions of high and sacred trust, and yet bear no fruit, He
says: “Cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?”
Let those connected with the Lord’s special instrumentalities re-
member that He will call for fruit from His vineyard. Proportionate to
the blessings bestowed will be the returns required. Heavenly angels
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have visited and ministered in every place where God’s institutions
are established. Unfaithfulness in these institutions is a greater sin
than it would be elsewhere, for it has a greater influence than it would
elsewhere have. Unfaithfulness, injustice, dishonesty, conniving at
wrong, obstruct the light which God designs shall shine forth from His
instrumentalities.
The world is watching, ready to criticize with keenness and severity
your words, your deportment, and your business transactions. Every-
one who acts a part in connection with the work of God is watched,
and is weighed by the scales of human discernment. Impressions,
favorable or unfavorable to Bible religion, are constantly made on the
minds of all with whom you have to do.