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Lift Up the Standard as the Great Controversy Intensifies,
December 17
For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. For we are glad
when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, that you may
be made complete.
2 Corinthians 13:8, 9
, NKJV.
God has appointed apostles, pastors, evangelists, and teachers, for the perfecting
of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till
we all come to the unity of the faith. God declares to His people, “Ye are God’s
husbandry, ye are God’s building.” There must be a continual advancement. Step
by step His followers must make straight paths for their feet, lest that which is lame
be turned out of the way.
Those who would labor for God must work intelligently to replenish the defi-
ciencies in themselves and glorify the Lord God of Israel by standing in the light,
working in the light of the Sun of Righteousness. Thus they will carry the church
forward and upward and heavenward, making its separation from the world more
and more distinct.
As they assimilate their character to the divine Pattern, men and women will not
guard their own personal dignity. With jealous, sleepless, loving, devoted interest,
they will guard the sacred interest of the church from the evil which threatens to
dim and cloud the glory that God intends shall shine forth through it. They will see
that Satan’s devices have no place or countenance in it by encouraging faultfinding,
gossiping, evil speaking, and accusing of the members; for those things would
weaken and overthrow it.
There never will be a time in the history of the church when God’s workers
can fold their hands and be at ease, saying, “All is peace and safety.” Then it is
that sudden destruction cometh. Everything may move forward amid apparent
prosperity; but Satan is wide awake, and is studying and counseling with his evil
angels another mode of attack where he can be successful. The contest will wax
more and more fierce on the part of Satan; for he is moved by a power from beneath.
As the work of God’s people moves forward with sanctified, resistless energy,
planting the standard of Christ’s righteousness in the church, moved by a power
from the throne of God, the great controversy will wax stronger and stronger, and
will become more and more determined. Mind will be arrayed against mind, plans
against plans, principles of heavenly origin against principles of Satan. Truth in
its varied phases will be in conflict with error in its ever-varying, increasing forms,
and which, if possible, will deceive the very elect.—
Testimonies to Ministers and
Gospel Workers, 406, 407
.
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