The Kingly Power
by E. G. White
All the emphasis and insertions in square brackets have been added by us.
[Published in Testimonies To Ministers and Gospel Workers, pages 477-478].
LLM 229.002 Loma Linda Messages (402) MS. 73 - '07 August 15, 1907.
Jehovah is Our King
God has revealed many things to me which He has bidden me give to His people by pen and voice. Through this message of the Holy Spirit, God's people are given sacred instruction concerning their duty to God and to their fellow-men.
LLM.229.003
A strange thing has come into our churches. Men who are placed in positions of responsibility that they might be wise helpers, to their fellow workers, have come to suppose that they were set as kings and rulers in the churches, to say to one brother, Do this, to another, Do that, and to another, Be sure and labor in such and such a way. There have been places where workers have been told that if they did not follow the instruction of these men of responsibility, their pay from the conference would be withheld.
LLM.229.004
It is right for the workers to counsel together as brethren; but that man who endeavors to lead his fellow-workers to seek his counsel and advice regarding the details of their work, and to learn their duty from him, is in a dangerous position, and needs to learn what responsibilities are really comprehended in his office. God has appointed no man to be conscience for his fellow-man, and it is not wise to lay so much responsibility upon an officer that he will feel that he is forced to become a dictator.
LLM.229.005
A Constant Peril
For years there has been a growing tendency for men placed in positions of responsibility to lord it over God's heritage, thus removing from church members their keen sense of the need of divine instruction and an appreciation of the privilege to counsel with God regarding their duty. This order of things may be changed. There must be a reform. Men who have not a rich measure of that wisdom which cometh from above, should not be called to serve in positions where their influence means so much to church members.
LLM.230.001
In my earlier experience in the message I was called to meet this evil. During my labors in Europe and Australia, and again at the San Jose camp meeting I had to bear my testimony of warning against it, because souls were being taught to look to man for wisdom, instead of looking to God who is our wisdom, our sanctification, and our righteousness. Recently the same message has again been given me, more definite and decisive, because there has been a deeper offense to the Spirit of God.
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