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Christian Service
Men should be at work who are willing to be taught as to the best
way of approaching individuals and families. Their dress should be
neat, but not foppish, and their manners such as not to disgust the
people. There is a great want of true politeness among us as a peo-
ple. This should be cultivated by all who take hold of the missionary
work.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:391, 392
.
Genuineness
There must be no pretense in the lives of those who have so sacred
and solemn a message as we have been called to bear. The world
is watching Seventh-day Adventists, because it knows something of
their profession of faith, and of their high standard; and when it sees
those who do not live up to their profession, it points at them with
scorn.—
Testimonies for the Church 9:23
.
Men may have excellent gifts, good ability, splendid, qualifications;
but one defect, one secret sin indulged, will prove to the character
what the worm-eaten plank does to the ship,—utter disaster and ruin!—
Testimonies for the Church 4:90
.
Paul carried with him the atmosphere of heaven. All who asso-
ciated with him felt the influence of his union with Christ. The fact
that his own life exemplified the truth he proclaimed, gave convincing
power to his preaching. Here lies the power of the truth. The unstudied,
unconscious influence of a holy life is the most convincing sermon
that can be given in favor of Christianity. Argument, even when unan-
swerable, may provoke only opposition; but a godly example has a
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power that it is impossible wholly to resist.—
Gospel Workers, 59
.
True character is not shaped from without, and put on; it radiates
from within. If we wish to direct others in the path of righteousness,
the principles of righteousness must be enshrined in our own hearts.
Our profession of faith may proclaim the theory of religion, but it is
our practical piety that holds for the word of truth. The consistent life,
the holy conversation, the unswerving integrity, the active, benevolent
spirit, the godly example,—these are the mediums through which light
is conveyed to the world.—
The Desire of Ages, 307
.
Prayers exhortation, and talk are cheap fruits, which are frequently
tied on; but fruits that are manifested in good works, in caring for