22
Testimonies to Southern Africa
which we have received from heaven. Our thoughts must not run in
a low, narrow channel, but we must be learners, constantly receiving
clearer views, and higher and holier aspirations. Be sure to pray and
counsel together before coming to decisions and laying your plans,
and then, in the spirit of Christ, push the work unitedly. If one of
your number decides that he cannot co-operate with his brethren, and
has no desire to work because of differences of opinion, the course
to be pursued is without a question. Humble yourselves before God,
and resort to prayer, for you cannot and must not attempt to work at
variance.
From any one who persists in stubbornness and self-will, God will
remove His spirit, and another will wear the crown that was for him.
God accepts only those who will learn of Christ, those who study His
Word, learning lessons of meekness and lowliness of heart, lessons of
obedience, willingness to do his work in God’s way, not their finite
way. The work that is wrought in God will bear the credentials of
heaven, and will show marked results. Personal views should be kept
subordinate in the work of God; you must in all things put Christ
foremost. To present the truth as it is in Jesus, is a work as enduring as
eternity. The work coming forth as a perfect whole from the hands of
various workmen, each acting his part, will bring the commendation of
the Captain of our salvation. You have a work to do, and it is not best
to keep ever before the mind the difficulties and the impossibilities.
Say continually, “Through Jesus Christ who strengtheneth us, we can
do this work.”
[25]
The Captain of the Lord’s host cast down the walls of Jericho, and
heavenly angels are ever ready to minister to the humble, the meek and
lowly ones, to remove obstacles and to save souls. With true courage
you can do a mighty work for the Master, a work that, when weighed
in the scales of heaven, will be pronounced well and faithfully done.
Do not bring hay, wood and stubble to lay upon the foundation stone,
but bring the most precious of materials, gold, silver, and precious
stones which cannot be consumed. An independent judgment that will
show no respect for the judgment of others, must not be cherished in
the hearts of any of God’s workers; no one should feel that he is a
criterion; no one should indulge in self-esteem, for God has told us in
His Word that we should esteem others better than ourselves.