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Called to Be Witnesses
21
Are we to wait until the fulfillment of the prophecies of the end
before we say anything concerning them? Of what value will our
words be then? Shall we wait until God’s judgments fall upon the
transgressor before we tell him how to avoid them? Where is our
faith in the word of God? Must we see things foretold come to pass
before we will believe what He has said? In clear, distinct rays light
has come to us, showing us that the great day of the Lord is near at
hand, “even at the doors.” Let us read and understand before it is too
late.
We are to be consecrated channels, through which the heavenly
life is to flow to others. The Holy Spirit is to animate and pervade
the whole church, purifying and cementing hearts. Those who have
been buried with Christ in baptism are to rise to newness of life,
giving a living representation of the life of Christ. Upon us is laid a
sacred charge. The commission has been given us: “Go ye therefore,
and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to
observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am
with you always even unto the end of the world.”
Matthew 28:19,
20
, margin. You are dedicated to the work of making known the
gospel of salvation. Heaven’s perfection is to be your power.
[21]
A Holy Life
It is not only by preaching the truth, not only by distributing
literature, that we are to witness for God. Let us remember that a
Christlike life is the most powerful argument that can be advanced
in favor of Christianity, and that a cheap Christian character works
more harm in the world than the character of a worldling. Not all
the books written can serve the purpose of a holy life. Men will
believe, not what the minister preaches, but what the church lives.
Too often the influence of the sermon preached from the pulpit is
counteracted by the sermon preached in the lives of those who claim
to be advocates of truth.
It is the purpose of God to glorify Himself in His people before
the world. He expects those who bear the name of Christ to represent
Him in thought, word, and deed. Their thoughts are to be pure and
their words noble and uplifting, drawing those around them nearer