432
Gospel Workers 1915
is first to reach the heart. We are to speak the truth in love, trusting in
Him to give it power for the reforming of the life. The Holy Spirit will
apply to the soul the word that is spoken in love.
Naturally we are self-centered and opinionated. But when we
learn the lessons that Christ desires to teach us, we become partakers
of His nature; henceforth we live His life. The wonderful example
of Christ, the matchless tenderness with which He entered into the
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feelings of others, weeping with those who wept, rejoicing with those
who rejoiced, must have a deep influence upon the character of all
who follow Him in sincerity. By kindly words and acts they will try
to make the path easy for weary feet.—
The Ministry of Healing, 157,
158
.
* * * * *
It is not the highest work of education to communicate knowledge
merely, but to impart that vitalizing energy which is received through
the contact of mind with mind and soul with soul. It is only life that
can beget life. What privilege, then, was theirs who for three years
were in daily contact with that divine life from which has flowed
every life-giving impulse that has blessed the world! Above all His
companions, John the beloved disciple yielded himself to the power of
that wondrous life. He says, “The life was manifested, and we have
seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which
was with the Father, and was manifested unto us.” “Of His fulness
have all we received, and grace for grace.” [
1 John 1:2
;
John 1:16
.]
In the apostles of our Lord there was nothing to bring glory to
themselves. It was evident that the success of their labors was due only
to God. The lives of these men, the characters they developed, and
the mighty work that God wrought through them, are a testimony to
what He will do for all who are teachable and obedient.—
The Desire
of Ages, 250
.
* * * * *
Before honor is humility. To fill a high place before men, Heaven
chooses the worker who, like John the Baptist, takes a lowly place
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before God. The most childlike disciple is the most efficient in labor