High Spiritual Standards for God’s Workmen
55
and they should be faithful in the public worship of God, just as they
would have every workman in every department of the office faithful.
If they are seen in the house of worship only occasionally, others will
excuse themselves on account of their neglect. These businessmen
can at any time talk fluently and intelligently on business matters,
showing that they have not exercised their powers in this direction in
vain. They have put tact and skill and knowledge into their work; but
how important it is that their hearts, their minds, and all their powers
be also trained for faithful service in the cause and worship of God;
that they may be able to point out the way of salvation through Christ
in language eloquent in its simplicity. They should be men of earnest
prayer and firm reliance upon God; men who, like Abraham, will order
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their households after them and will manifest a special interest in the
spiritual welfare of all connected with the office.—
Testimonies for the
Church 5:408, 409
.
I urge upon you the importance of attending our annual meetings,
not merely the business meetings, but the meetings that will be for your
spiritual enlightenment. You do not realize the necessity of having a
close connection with heaven. Without this connection not one of you
is safe; not one is qualified to do God’s work acceptably.—
Testimonies
for the Church 7:188
.
My soul is burdened; our publishing institutions lie next to my
heart. My guide pointed out some things which if not corrected will
prove ruinous to our institutions. A strange spirit comes over many
who accept positions of trust. Some cease to attend religious meetings
that are of the highest importance to them.
Their voices are seldom heard in the congregation of the saints.
They act as if they were now so far advanced that they could do without
praying fervently to God. They do not feel their need of education
in the school of Christ, to learn His meekness and lowliness of heart.
They have strong traits of character which must be overcome, else they
are not qualified for the place.—
Manuscript 16, 1890
.
Understand the Ground of True Success—A close connection
with heaven will give the right tone to your fidelity and will be the
ground of your success. Your feeling of dependence will drive you
to prayer, and your sense of duty summon you to effort. Prayer and
effort, effort and prayer, will be the business of your life. You must
pray as though the efficiency and praise were all due to God, and labor