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Vital Principles of Relationship
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“Satan exults when men look to and trust in man. The one
who is the object of this undue confidence is exposed to strong
temptations. Satan will, if possible, lead him to self-confidence, in
order that human defects may mar the work. He will be in danger of
encouraging his brethren in their dependence upon him, and feeling
that all things that pertain to the movements of the cause must be
brought to his notice. Thus the work will bear the impress of man
instead of the impress of God. But if all will learn to depend upon
God for themselves, many dangers that assail the one who stands at
the head of the work will be averted. If he errs, if he permits human
influence to sway his judgment, or yields to temptation, he can be
corrected and helped by his brethren. And those who learn to go to
God for themselves for help and counsel are learning lessons that
will be of the highest value to them.
“But if the officers of a conference bear successfully the burdens
laid upon them, they must pray, they must believe, they must trust
God to use them as His agents in keeping the churches of the con-
ference in good working order. This is their part of the vineyard to
cultivate. There must be far more personal responsibility, far more
thinking and planning, far more mental power brought into the labor
put forth for the Master. This would enlarge the capacity of the mind,
and give keener perceptions as to what to do and how. Brethren,
you will have to wrestle with difficulties, carry burdens, give advice,
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plan and execute, constantly looking to God for help. Pray and labor,
labor and pray; as pupils in the school of Christ, learn of Jesus.
“The Lord has given us the promise, ‘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.’ It is in the order of God that those
who bear responsibilities should often meet together to counsel with
one another, and to pray earnestly for that wisdom which He alone
can impart. Unitedly make known your troubles to God. Talk less;
much precious time is lost in talk that brings no light. Let brethren
unite in fasting and prayer for the wisdom that God has promised to
supply liberally.
“Go to God and tell Him as did Moses, ‘I cannot lead this people
unless Thy presence shall go with me.’ And then ask still more;
pray with Moses, ‘Show me Thy glory.’ What is this glory?—the
character of God. That is what He proclaimed to Moses. Let the