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Welfare Ministry
we need to study his case. We are as near to Christ as he was. Yet if,
as with Judas, association with Christ does not make us one with Him,
if it does not cultivate within our hearts a sincere sympathy for those
for whom Christ gave His life, we are in the same danger as was Judas
of being outside of Christ, the sport of Satan’s temptations.
We need to guard against the first deviation from righteousness; for
one transgression, one neglect to manifest the spirit of Christ, opens
the way for another and still another, until the mind is overmastered
by the principles of the enemy. If cultivated, the spirit of selfishness
becomes a devouring passion which nothing but the power of Christ
can subdue.—
Testimonies for the Church 6:264, 265
.
Pure Religion Is Doing Deeds of Mercy and Love—True godli-
ness 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
[38]
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....
Pure and undefiled religion is not a sentiment, but the doing of
works of mercy and love. This religion is necessary to health and
happiness. It enters the polluted soul temple, and with a scourge drives
out the sinful intruders. 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. Christ is formed
within, the hope of glory.—
The Review and Herald, October 15, 1901
.
To become a toiler, to continue patiently in well-doing which calls
for self-denying labor, is a glorious work, which Heaven smiles upon.
Faithful work is more acceptable to God than the most zealous and
thought-to-be holiest worship. It is working together with Christ that
is true worship. Prayers, exhortation, and talk are cheap fruits, which
are frequently tied on; but fruits that are manifested in good works, in
caring for the needy, the fatherless, and widows, are genuine fruits,
and grow naturally upon a good tree.—
Testimonies for the Church
2:24
.