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The Measure of Christianity, January 17
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour,
wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to
be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Matthew 5:13
.
Those who are placed in positions of trust must have the authority of
action, but they are never to use this authority as a power to refuse help to the
needy and helpless. It is never to be exercised to discourage or depress one
struggling soul. Let those to whom have been given positions of influence
ever remember that God desires them to carry out the mind of Christ....
True godliness is measured by the work done. Profession is nothing;
position is nothing; a character like the character of Christ is the evidence we
are to bear that God has sent His Son into the world. Those who profess to
be Christians, yet do not act as Christ would were He in their place, greatly
injure the cause of God. They misrepresent their Saviour, and are standing
under false colors.
The true disciple, in whose heart Christ abides, shows forth to the world
Christ’s love for humanity. He is God’s helping hand. The glow of spiritual
health thrills his whole being as he receives from the Saviour grace to give to
others....
Pure and undefiled religion is not a sentiment, but a doing of works of love
and mercy. This religion is necessary to health and happiness. It enters the
polluted soul-temple, and with a scourge drives out the sinful intruder. Taking
the throne, it consecrates all by its presence, illuminating the heart with the
bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. It opens the windows of the soul
heavenward, letting in the sunshine of God’s love. With it comes serenity
and composure. Physical, mental, and moral strength increase, because the
atmosphere of heaven, as a living, active agency, fills the soul....
When Christians do not reveal Christ, of what value are they? Are they
not like savorless salt, “good for nothing”? But when they reveal in their
lives the saving properties of the truth, poor, sin-hardened souls are not left
to perish in corruption. Good works are seen; for the living principles of
righteousness cannot be hidden. The gospel acted is like salt which contains
all its savor. It is powerful in the saving of souls.—
Letter 7, January 17, 1901
,
to “Brethren Who Occupy Positions of Trust.”
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