The Importance of a Right Example
[
Testimonies for the Church Containing Messages of Warning and
Instruction to Seventh-day Adventists, 36-41
(1896).]
It is of the greatest importance that ministers and workers set a
right example. If they hold and practice lax, loose principles, their
example is quoted by those who love to talk rather than to practice,
as a full vindication of their course of action. Every mistake that is
made grieves the heart of Jesus and does injury to the influence of the
truth, which is the power of God for the salvation of souls. The whole
synagogue of Satan watches for mistakes in the lives of those who are
seeking to represent Christ, and the most is made of every defection.
Take heed lest by your example you place other souls in peril. It is
a terrible thing to lose your own soul, but to pursue a course which will
cause the loss of other souls is still more terrible. That our influence
should result in being a savor of death unto death is a terrible thought,
and yet it is possible. With what holy jealousy, then, should we keep
guard over our thoughts, our words, our habits, our dispositions, and
our characters. God requires more deep, personal holiness on our part.
Only by revealing His character can we co-operate with Him in the
work of saving souls.
Value of a Consistent Life
The Lord’s workers cannot be too careful that their actions do not
contradict their words, for a consistent life alone can command respect.
If our practice harmonizes with our teaching, our words will have
[560]
effect; but a piety which is not based upon conscientious principles is
as salt without savor. To speak, and do not, is as a sounding brass and
a tinkling cymbal. It is of no use for us to strive to inculcate principles
which we do not conscientiously practice.
Watch unto prayer. In this way alone can you put your whole being
into the Lord’s work. Self must be put in the background. Those
who make self prominent gain an education that soon becomes second
575