288
Gospel Workers 1915
But on these very occasions, by His teachings, as well as by His
generous conduct, He was enshrining Himself in the hearts of those
whom He honored with His presence. He was giving them an oppor-
tunity to become acquainted with Him, and to see the marked contrast
between His life and teachings and those of the Pharisees.
Those with whom God has entrusted His truth, must possess the
same beneficent spirit that Christ manifested. They must adopt the
same broad plans of action. They should have a kind, generous spirit
toward the poor, and in a special sense feel that they are God’s stewards.
They must hold all they have—property, mental powers, spiritual
strength—as not their own, but only lent them to advance the cause
of Christ in the earth. Like Christ, they should not shun the society
of their fellow-men, but should seek it with the purpose of bestowing
upon others the heavenly benefits they have received from God.
* * * * *
Do not be exclusive. Do not seek out a few with whom you delight
to associate, and leave others to take care of themselves. Suppose you
[336]
do see weakness in one and folly in another; do not stand aloof from
them, and associate with those only who you think are about perfect.
The very souls you despise need your love and sympathy. Do not
leave a weak soul to struggle alone, to wrestle with the passions of his
own heart without your help and prayers, but consider yourself, lest
you also be tempted. If you do this, God will not leave you to your
own weakness. You may have sins greater in His sight than the sins of
those you condemn. Do not stand off and say, “I am holier than thou.”
Christ has thrown His divine arm around the human race. He has
brought His divine power to man, that He might encourage the poor,
sin-sick, discouraged soul to reach up for a higher life. O, we need
more of Christ’s spirit, and much less of self! We need the converting
power of God upon our hearts daily. We need the mellowing spirit of
Christ, to subdue and soften our souls. The only way for those to do
who feel that they are whole, is to fall upon the Rock and be broken.
Christ can change you into His likeness, if you will submit yourself to
Him.
* * * * *