Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

Cause in the East 389become sound doctrine: that the aged men be sober, grave, temperate,sound in faith, in charity, in patience.... Young men likewise exhortto be sober-minded. In all things showing thyself a pattern of goodworks: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, soundspeech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary partmay be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” This instructionis written for the benefit of all whom God has called to preach theword, and also for the benefit of His people who hear the word.The truth of God will never degrade, but will elevate the receiver,refine his taste, sanctify his judgment, and perfect him for the companyof the pure and holy angels in the kingdom of God. There are somewhom the truth finds coarse, rough, odd, boastful, who take advantageof their neighbors if they can, in order to benefit themselves; they errin many ways, yet when the truth is believed by them from the heart,it will work an entire change in their lives. They will immediatelycommence the work of reformation. The pure influence of truth will [416]elevate the whole man. In his business deal with his fellow men he willhave the fear of God before him, and will love his neighbor as himself,and will deal just as he would wish to be dealt by. His conversationwill be truthful, chaste, and of so elevating a character that unbelieverscannot take advantage of it, or say evil of him justly, and are notdisgusted with his uncourteous ways and unbecoming speech. He willcarry the sanctifying influence of the truth into his family and let hislight so shine before them that they by seeing his good works mayglorify God. He will in all the walks of life exemplify the life of Christ.The law of God will be satisfied with nothing short of perfection,of perfect and entire obedience to all its claims. To come halfway toits requirements, and not render perfect and thorough obedience, willavail nothing. The worldling and the infidel admire consistency andhave ever been powerfully convicted that God was of a truth with Hispeople when their works correspond with their faith. “By their fruitsye shall know them.” Every tree is known by its own fruits. Our words,our actions, are the fruit we bear. There are many who hear the sayingsof Christ, but do them not. They make a profession, but their fruits aresuch as to disgust unbelievers. They are boastful, and pray and talk ina self-righteous manner, exalting themselves, recounting their gooddeeds, and, like the Pharisee, virtually thanking God that they are notas other men. Yet these very ones are crafty, and overreach in business