Members of God's Church ( 10 )
Quotations from the writings of Ellen G. White with the phrase . . .
| When the members of God's church see eye to eye, they will constantly guard the tongue, in order that they may not misuse the talent of speech. This talent is a precious gift. Let us study our words with care, and be a blessing to mankind by refusing to bring reproach upon one of our brethren by passing on to others some evil report that we may hear. If we speak evil of another, reproach will lie at our door. When we all love our neighbor as ourselves, idle, mischievous whisperings will cease. May the Lord by his converting power sanctify our talent of speech, that we may use it to his glory, and in no wise to the injury of souls. {RH, January 6, 1903 par. 9} |
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| There are many who have not a clear, distinct understanding of the relation of man to his fellow-man in the work of God. The members of God's church stand in close relation to one another. All are to use their entrusted capabilities in His service, that each may minister to the perfection of the whole. Each is to work under the supervision of God. By Christ's wonderful union of divinity with humanity, we are assured that even in this world we may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. {TSA 58.4} |
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| But unless the members of God's church today have a living connection with the Source of all spiritual growth, they will not be ready for the time of reaping. Unless they keep their lamps trimmed and burning, they will fail of receiving added grace in times of special need. {AA 55.2} {AG 220.5} {YRP 317.3} |
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| Let us strive with persevering energy for the life to come. The shame and guilt of selfishness and covetousness belongs to man alone. The glory of his repentance belongs to God alone. The best religious culture and the highest advantages have no power to sanctify or to preserve nations or individuals from degeneracy. By uncontrollable fits of passion, man at times gives evidence that he cannot be trusted, that he would sell his Lord, as did Judas, for thirty pieces of silver. The sinfulness of the members of God's church is not chargeable to any neglect on the part of God. "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." The Lord of heaven has bestowed abundant labor upon the human race. The Holy Spirit operates upon the man as the leaven operates upon the meal. It is man's part to submit to be operated upon, to allow his will to be brought into conformity to the will of God. {14MR 144.2} |
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| When the gospel net draws, it gathers both good and bad. God sees the distinction, and those who have discernment will see it also. The members of God's church may be poor, illiterate, obscure, and unknown, but if they love Jesus, if they pray earnestly, their prayers are heard although they have no wealth or much education. They may not know from one week to another where they will obtain their bread, but if they walk reverently before God, seeking by humble prayer to know and do His will, the hiding of God's power is with them. Their influence is saving, and will be felt throughout eternity. Their light does not flicker a little, and then go out. They reveal the similitude of Christ by watching to see how they can be a blessing to others. Wherever they go, their light shines. By them Christ is glorified and His kingdom advanced. {21MR 32.4} |
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| God deals with man in accordance with his faith. Those who, having united with the church, still feel at liberty to find fault with their brethren by passing on to others some evil injury. Every time they work in this way, they place themselves on Satan's side of the controversy, becoming channels through which he communicates darkness, creating doubt and suspicion among God's children. Satan has many, many men and women of opportunity. If they are members of God's church, the enemy is better served than if they made no profession of Christianity. They may go through the outward form of worship, but in word and deed they reveal the spirit of Satan, and, unless converted, will by his devices be led on and on to final ruin. {RH, January 6, 1903 par. 6} |
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| Members of God's Church are to be zealous of good works |
| The unselfish labor of Christians in the past should be to us an object lesson and an inspiration. The members of God's church are to be zealous of good works, separating from worldly ambition and walking in the footsteps of Him who went about doing good. With hearts filled with sympathy and compassion, they are to minister to those in need of help, bringing to sinners a knowledge of the Saviour's love. Such work calls for laborious effort, but it brings a rich reward. Those who engage in it with sincerity of purpose will see souls won to the Saviour, for the influence that attends the practical carrying out of the divine commission is irresistible. {AA 109.4} |
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| The members of God's church are to be zealous of good works, separating from worldly ambition, and walking in the footsteps of Him who went about doing good. With hearts filled with sympathy and compassion, they are to minister to those in need of help, bringing to sinners a knowledge of the Saviour's love. Such work calls for laborious effort, but it brings a rich reward. Those who engage in it with sincerity of purpose will see souls won to the Saviour. . . . {Mar 123.2} |