1893

March 1, 1893

Safety in Following Christ

EGW 

Jesus said, “I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of Him that sent me.” The will of Christ was in harmony with the will of the Father before he came into our world. The spirit that should characterize everyone who believes in the Lord Jesus should be a spirit of resignation to the will of God. There is altogether too much selfish, human independence among those who profess to be Christians, and this spirit imperils the soul. SSW March 1, 1893, par. 1

The fallen angel whom God had made covering cherub, was ruined by his selfish, independent will. God had made him noble, had given him rich endowments. He gave him a high, responsible position. He asked of him nothing that was unreasonable. He was to administer the trust given him of God in a spirit of meekness and devotion, seeking to promote the glory of God, who had given him glory and beauty and loveliness. But Lucifer abode not in the truth. He fell from his integrity. Let everyone learn the lesson which he should learn from this wonderful history. SSW March 1, 1893, par. 2

Satan will use every device, every deceptive influence in his power, to lead us to follow his example. The greater the blessings received from God in intrusted talents, the more earnest will be Satan's effort to corrupt and pervert their use. Those whom God has favored by giving capabilities to use in his service, Satan will seek to deceive so that they shall use their gifts to work against God. But let there be no uplifting of the soul unto vanity. SSW March 1, 1893, par. 3

Superintendents and the workers in our Sabbath schools have a very important, broad field to cultivate. They need to be baptized with the Holy Spirit of God, that their minds may be impressed to use the very best methods, and follow the best plans to make their work wholly successful. The Lord will work with their efforts, for the youth are the purchase of the blood of the only begotten Son of God. The Lord loved these youth and gave Jesus to die, that “whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” SSW March 1, 1893, par. 4

There is a great work of education to be carried on. The teachers should often pray for and with the children and youth, that they may “behold the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world.” They should teach the youth their accountability to God, and help them to understand what Jesus expects of them. Exert every influence you can possibly command to interest them in the Scriptures. Labor for their souls, that they themselves shall become zealous workers, using their talents to impart to others that which has been imparted to them. SSW March 1, 1893, par. 5

Christian women may exert an influence for good over the youth and children. Their capabilities are God's intrusted talents, and should be wholly consecrated to the Master's service. Many are quick to discern, and efficient to execute, but they need to be closely connected with God. They will seek for new methods and ways by which to develop character and educate the youth how to use the talents God has given them. SSW March 1, 1893, par. 6

In selecting officers from time to time be sure that personal preferences do not rule, but place in positions of trust those whom you are convinced love and fear God, and who will make God their counselor. Without the love and fear of God, however brilliant the intellect may be, there will be failure. Jesus says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” This matter of choosing officers should not be left to the control of the Sabbath school scholars. To change the officers frequently will be an advantage to the school; for one man's mind is not to mould all other minds. He may have some excellent qualifications and yet in some things be deficient. Another chosen may be efficient where the other was lacking. Different minds and qualities will bring in fresh ideas, fresh lines of thought, and this is essential. But above everything else, select those who in the simplicity of their souls are walking in the truth, who love and fear God, and take their lessons in his school. Such will carry the scholars forward and upward. Under wise teachers the scholars will gain increased interest for the word of God, and have deeper insight into the Scriptures. Let Christ be the theme of every lesson. The lessons which Christ has given to his disciples are of the highest importance. SSW March 1, 1893, par. 7

(To be continued.)