Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

Chapter 45—A Dishonest Steward[228]I was shown that the Spirit of God has had less and less influenceupon F, until he has no strength from God to overcome. Self andself-interest have been prominent with him for some length of time.Pride of heart, a set, unsubdued will, and an unwillingness to confessand yield his wrongs, have brought him to the dreadful position he isin. Long has the cause been injured by his injudicious course.He has been exacting, which has encouraged a spirit of faultfindingin the church. He has been severe where it was uncalled for, and haslorded it over those upon whom he dared to exercise authority. Hisprayers and exhortations have led the brethren to think that he wasa devoted Christian, which has prepared them to be affected by hiswrong course. He has been notional, and his oddities have had a badinfluence upon the minds of many. Some have been so weak as toimitate his example. I saw that he had done far greater injury thangood to the cause.Had he received the instruction given of God, and been corrected,he would have obtained the victory over these strong habits and besetments.But I saw that he had so long let these habits control him thatthe strong foe has bound him. His deal has not been correct. Dishonestyhas been gaining upon him, and he has taken from the treasurymeans that he had no right to, and has used it to his own advantage. Hehas considered that he had better judgment in disposing of means thanhis brethren. When means was placed in his hands to be applied, andthe giver named the individuals who were to receive it, he has actedfrom impulse, taken the liberty to apply it to suit himself, instead ofcarrying out the wishes of the giver, and has used what portion of ithe saw fit for his own benefit. God has frowned upon these things.A dishonest course has been gaining upon him. He has consideredthat he was the Lord’s steward, and could apply the means, even ofanother, as he saw fit. Every man is to be his own steward.He has rejected the counsel and advice of his brethren, gone onin his own strength, followed his own will, and has rejected every220