Understanding Ellen White

1. Begin with a healthy outlook

Our mind-set influences our daily lives more than most people think. Those, for example, who are always looking for the negative in life have no trouble finding it. The same can be said of those with a positive outlook. Thus one’s outlook is of crucial importance in how we read Ellen White’s writings (and also Scripture). This section sets forth three suggestions that will make our reading more profitable. UEGW 66.2

First, begin your study with a prayer for guidance and understanding. The Holy Spirit, who inspired the work of prophets across the ages, is the only One who is capable of illuminating the message in their writings. An attitude of prayer softens us and opens our minds, hearts, and lives toward a sincere desire to know God’s truth and to apply it to our lives. UEGW 66.3

Second, we need to approach our study with an open mind. No person is free of bias, but we don’t need to let our biases control us. To the contrary, we need to become aware of our biases toward or against any topic and their effect on what we read and how we react to that reading. Thus part of our prayer for the Spirit is that He will help us to keep our minds open and balanced. Ellen White treated the problem nicely when she wrote that “if you search the Scriptures to vindicate your own opinions, you will never reach the truth. Search in order to learn what the Lord says” ² She could have said the same regarding her own writings. UEGW 67.1

Third, a healthy mind-set in the reading of Ellen White is that of faith rather than doubt. As she put it, “God gives sufficient evidence for the candid mind to believe; but he who turns from the weight of evidence because there are a few things which he cannot make plain to his finite understanding will be left in the cold, chilling atmosphere of unbelief and questioning doubts, and will make shipwreck of faith.” ³ UEGW 67.2

The three factors we have discussed dealing with a healthy outlook are closely related. A positive desire for the Holy Spirit to guide us into truth will naturally lead to openness of mind and a posture of faith. Likewise, an atmosphere of doubt leads to close-mindedness and a reticence to ask for the Spirit’s guidance. It is safe to say that the fruit of our reading will depend to a great extent on the attitudes we bring to the task. UEGW 67.3