Qualifications for Successful Christian Service
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Christian Dignity and Politeness
The lack of true dignity and Christian refinement in the ranks of
Sabbathkeepers is against us as a people, and makes the truth which
we profess unsavory. The work of educating the mind and manners
may be carried forward to perfection. If those who profess the truth do
not now improve their privileges and opportunities to grow up to the
full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus, they will be no honor
to the cause of truth, no honor to Christ.—
Testimonies for the Church
4:358, 359
.
Be sure to maintain the dignity of the work by a well-ordered
life and godly conversation. Never be afraid of raising the standard
too high.... All coarseness and roughness must be put away from us.
Courtesy, refinement, Christian politeness, must be cherished. Guard
against being abrupt and blunt. Do not regard such peculiarities as
virtues; for God does not so regard them. Endeavor not to offend any
unnecessarily.—
The Review and Herald, November 25, 1890
.
There is the greatest necessity that men and women who have a
knowledge of the will of God, should learn to become successful work-
ers in His cause. They should be persons of polish, of understanding,
not having the deceptive outside gloss and simpering affectation of the
worldling, but that refinement and true courteousness which savors of
heaven, and which every Christian will have if he is a partaker of the
divine nature.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:358
.
We have the greatest truth and hope that were ever given to our
world, and the greatest faith; and we want to represent this in its
exalted character to the world. We do not want to assume the attitude
as though we were passing through the world begging pardon of the
world because we venture to believe this precious, sacred truth; but we
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want to walk humbly with God, and conduct ourselves as though we
were children of the most high God, and, although feeble instruments,
as though we were handling most important and interesting subjects,
higher and more exalted than any temporal, worldly themes.—
The
Review and Herald, July 26, 1887
.
The laborer for souls needs consecration, integrity, intelligence,
industry, energy, and tact. Possessing these qualifications, no man
can be inferior; instead he will have a commanding influence for
good.—
Gospel Workers, 111
.