Living In The Light

September 11, The Real Character Of The Church

“You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles?”
—Matthew 7:16 LL 269.1

The real character of the church is measured, not by the high profession she makes, not by the names enrolled upon the church book, but by what she is actually doing for the Master, by the number of her persevering, faithful workers. Personal interest, and vigilant, individual effort will accomplish more for the cause of Christ than can be wrought by sermons or creeds. LL 269.2

True Christians, the world over, will be Christlike. Said the Savior, “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.” And again, “He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit.” This evidence is conclusive. If Christ dwells in the heart, the precious fruits of His Spirit will as a natural result be manifested in the life. If Satan controls the mind, evil traits will as surely be apparent. LL 269.3

Those who profess to be disciples of Christ, while in works they deny Him, are serving Satan in disguise, robing themselves in the garments of righteousness to conceal a worldly, selfish, unregenerate nature. Their profession presents a false light to the world. In the field, in the workshop, in the family circle, in the church, they reveal the sad fact that their religion consists in hollow formalism. They are constantly exerting an influence contrary to true godliness. LL 269.4

Our Savior has made it the duty of His followers to prove to the world that while Christianity will lead to industry and economy, to energy and zeal in the interest of the church and the cause of God everywhere, it will also condemn avarice, over-reaching, and every other form of dishonesty. We need God’s presence to control, His wisdom to guide us in all the affairs of life. We cannot afford to separate ourselves from Him in the smallest transaction. No bargain is ever made in which God has not an interest. We cannot exclude Him from any matter in which the rights of His offspring are concerned. Unwavering integrity marked the character and the life of Christ. It was one of the principles of Heaven, thus exemplified on earth.— Review and Herald, September 6, 1881. LL 269.5

Further Reflection: Ask God now to help your works match your profession of faith. LL 269.6