Qualifications for Successful Christian Service
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up to the colors!” This is the work that devolves upon every faithful
standard-bearer,—to bring the men up to the colors. The Lord calls
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for whole-heartedness. We all know that the sin of many professing
Christians is that they lack the courage and energy to bring themselves
and those connected with them up to the standard.—
Testimonies for
the Church 9:45, 46
.
God cannot use men who, in time of peril, when the strength,
courage, and influence of all are needed, are afraid to take a firm stand
for the right. He calls for men who will do faithful battle against
wrong, warring against principalities and powers, against the rulers of
the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
It is to such as these that He will speak the words: “Well done, good
and faithful servant.”—
Prophets and Kings, 142
.
God calls for men like Elijah, Nathan, and John the Baptist,—
men who will bear His message with faithfulness, regardless of the
consequences; men who will speak the truth bravely, though it call for
the sacrifice of all they have.—
Prophets and Kings, 142
.
Shepherdly Care
The shepherd who discovers that one of his sheep is missing, does
not look carelessly upon the flock that is safely housed, and say, “I
have ninety and nine, and it will cost me too much trouble to go in
search of the straying one. Let him come back, and I will open the
door of the sheepfold, and let him in.” No; no sooner does the sheep go
astray than the shepherd is filled with grief and anxiety. He counts and
recounts the flock. When he is sure that one sheep is lost, he slumbers
not. He leaves the ninety and nine within the fold; and goes in search
of the straying sheep. The darker and more tempestuous the night, and
the more perilous the way, the greater is the shepherd’s anxiety, and
the more earnest his search. He makes every effort to find that one lost
sheep.
With what relief he hears in the distance its first faint cry. Following
the sound, he climbs the steepest heights, he goes to the very edge of
the precipice, at the risk of his own life. Thus he searches, while the
cry, growing fainter, tells him that his sheep is ready to die. At last his
effort is rewarded; the lost is found. Then he does not scold it because
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it has caused him so much trouble. He does not drive it with a whip.