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To Brethren in Responsible Positions
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girded about with infidelity. To them crooked paths seem straight;
they are living in continual violation of God’s truth; corrupt prin-
ciples are interwoven into their life practice, and wherever they go
they sow seeds of evil. In the place of leading others to Christ their
influence causes them to question and doubt. They unsettle minds in
the truth by entering into speculative theories which draw them away
from the truth. They help to forge the fetters of doubt and unbelief,
faultfinding and accusing; and souls stumble over them to perdition.
The blood of souls will be upon those who, while they profess to be
in the service of God, are doing the work of His enemy.
What Ought we to be?
Knowing this, what manner of persons ought we to be? Shall we
exalt human wisdom and point to finite, changeable, erring men as a
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dependence in time of trouble? or shall we exemplify our faith by
our trust in God’s power, revealing the net of false theories, religions,
and philosophies which Satan has spread to catch unwary souls? By
thus doing the word of God, we shall be lights in the world; for if the
word of God is practiced, we show to all those who come within the
sphere of our influence that we reverence and respect God, and that
we are working under His administration. By a humble, circumspect
walk, by love, forbearance, long-suffering, and gentleness, God
expects His servants to manifest Him to the world.
God requires those to whom He has given sacred trusts to rise
to the full height of their responsibilities. Man is placed here in the
world on test and trial, and those who are given positions of trust
must decide whether they will exalt self, or their Maker; whether
they will use their power to oppress their fellowmen, or to exalt and
glorify God.
Increased responsibilities bring increased accountability. He who
would be a faithful servant must give entire and willing service to the
greatest teacher the world ever knew. His ideas and principles must
be kept pure by the power of God. Every day he must learn to become
worthy of the trust placed in him. His mind must be quickened by
the divine power. His character must be uncontaminated by the
influence of his relatives, his friends, or his neighbors. At times he