230
Christian Service
The first thing to be learned by all who would become workers
together with God, is the lesson of self-distrust; then they are prepared
to have imparted to them the character of Christ. This is not to be
gained through education in the most scientific schools. It is the fruit
of wisdom that is obtained from the divine Teacher alone.—
The Desire
of Ages, 249, 250
.
It is not a conclusive evidence that a man is a Christian because
he manifests spiritual ecstasy under extraordinary circumstances. Ho-
liness is not rapture: it is an entire surrender of the will to God; it is
living by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God; it is doing
the will of our heavenly Father; it is trusting God in trial, in darkness as
well as in the light; it is walking by faith and not by sight; it is relying
on God with unquestioning confidence, and resting in His love.—
The
Acts of the Apostles, 51
.
[236]
Whole-Heartedness
God’s people are to be distinguished as a people who serve Him
fully, whole-heartedly, taking no honor to themselves, and remember-
ing that by a most solemn covenant they have bound themselves to
serve the Lord, and Him only.—
Testimonies for the Church 9:17
.
It is whole-hearted, thoroughly decided men and women who will
stand now. Christ sifted His followers again and again, until, at one
time, there remained only eleven and a few faithful women, to lay the
foundation of the Christian church. There are those who will stand
back when burdens are to be borne, but when the church is all aglow,
they catch the enthusiasm, sing and shout, and become rapturous; but
watch them. When the fervor is gone, only a few faithful Calebs will
come to the front and display unwavering principle. These are salt that
retains the savor. It is when the work moves hard that the churches
develop the true helpers.—
Testimonies for the Church 5:130
.
No man can succeed in the service of God unless his whole heart
is in the work, and he counts all things but loss for the excellency of
the knowledge of Christ. No man who makes any reserve can be the
disciple of Christ, much less can he be His colaborer.—
The Desire of
Ages, 273
.