110
Pastoral Ministry
brethren of your state are excused from the responsibility of putting
their arms about the city of _____ as Christ has put His arms about
them? If you were standing in the light, you would encourage this
mission by your faith.—
Testimonies for the Church 5:370
.
Conference presidents, even more than other ministers,
should set an example of holy living—Presidents of Conferences
should be men who can be fully trusted with God’s work. They should
be men of integrity, unselfish, devoted, working Christians. If they
are deficient in these respects, the churches under their care will not
prosper. They, even more than other ministers of Christ, should set an
example of holy living, and of unselfish devotion to the interests of
God’s cause, that those looking to them for an example may not be
misled. But in some instances they are trying to serve both God and
mammon. They are not self-denying; they do not carry a burden for
souls. Their consciences are not sensitive; when the cause of God is
wounded, they are not bruised in spirit. In their hearts they question
and doubt the Testimonies of the Spirit of God. They do not them-
selves bear the cross of Christ; they know not the fervent love of Jesus.
And they are not faithful shepherds of the flock over which they have
been made overseers; their record is not one that they will rejoice to
meet in the day of God.—
Testimonies for the Church 5:379, 380
.
[107]
God gives wisdom to conference presidents who come to Him
as little children—Presidents of conferences, you will be wise if you
will decide to come to God. Believe in Him. He will hear your prayer,
and come to your assistance, in much less time than the public con-
veyance could take one, two, three, or four men from a long distance,
at a great expense, to decide questions which the God of wisdom can
decide far better for you. He has promised, “If any of you lack wisdom,
let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not;
and it shall be given him.” If you will sincerely humble your hearts
before Him, empty your souls of self-esteem, and put away the natural
defects of your character, and overcome your love of supremacy, and
come to God as little children, He will bestow on you His Holy Spirit.
When two or three shall agree as touching anything, and shall ask the
Lord, in the name of Jesus, it shall be done for them.—
Testimonies to
Ministers and Gospel Workers, 323, 324
.