A deeper and wider experience in religious
things is to come to God's people. Christ is our example. If
through living faith and sanctified obedience to God's word we
reveal the love and grace of Christ, if we show that we have
a true conception of God's guiding providences in the work, we
shall carry to the world a convincing power. A high position
does not give us value in the sight of God. Man is measured by
his consecration and faithfulness in working out the will of
God. If the remnant people of God will walk before Him in humility
and faith, He will carry out through them His eternal purpose,
enabling them to work harmoniously in giving to the world the
truth as it is in Jesus. He will use all --men, women, and children--in
making the light shine forth to the world and calling out a people
that will be true to His commandments. Through the faith that
His people exercise in Him, God will make known to the world
that He is the true God, the God of Israel.
"Let your conversation be as it becometh
the gospel of Christ," the apostle Paul exhorts, "that
whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of
your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind
striving together for the faith of the gospel; and in nothing
terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token
of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto
you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe
on Him, but also to suffer for His sake."
"If there be therefore any consolation
in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit,
if any bowels and mercies, fulfill ye my joy, that ye be like-minded,
having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vain-glory;
but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
"Look not every man on his own things,
but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be
in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form
of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made
Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion
as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death,
even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted
Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: that at
the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven,
and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every
tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory
of God the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed,
not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence,
work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is
God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure."
Philippians 1-27-29; 2:1-13.
I have been instructed to present these
words to our people in Southern California. They are needed in
every place where a church is established, for a strange experience
has been coming into our ranks.
It is time now for men to humble their
hearts before God and to learn to work in His ways. Let those
who have sought to rule their fellow workers study to know what
manner of spirit they are of. They should seek the Lord by fasting
and prayer, and in humility of soul.
Christ in His earthly life gave an example
that all can safely follow. He
appreciates His flock, and He wants no power set over them that
will restrict their freedom in His service. He has never placed
man as a ruler over His heritage. True Bible religion will lead
to self-control, not to control of one another. As a people we
need a larger measure of the Holy Spirit, that we may bear the
solemn message that God has given us, without exaltation.
Brethren, keep your words of censure for
your individual selves. Teach the flock of God to look to Christ,
not to erring man. Every soul who becomes a teacher of the truth
must bear in his own life the fruit of holiness. Looking to Christ
and following Him, he will present to the souls under his charge
an example of what a living, learning Christian will be. Let
God teach you His way. Inquire of Him daily to know His will.
He will give unerring counsel to all who seek Him with a sincere
heart. Walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called,
praising God in your daily conversation as well as in your prayers.
Thus, holding forth the word of life, you will constrain other
souls to become followers of Christ.