Sowing Beside All Waters

Helpful Supervision by Men in Positions of Trust

[Note that in the preceding article, the laymen of the Seventh-day Adventist church are urged to do a large and important, though humble, work as home missionaries. In the article that follows, which appeared in the Review one week later, men in positions of trust are exhorted to supervise the various activities of laymen, so that all work undertaken may be done in such a way as to bring honor and blessing to the cause of God in the earth.] PH078 22.3

The message of God for this time must go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. The Bible is to be opened to the understanding of men, women, and children in every part of the world; but there is so great an indifference to the teaching of the holy word of God, that those who accept the responsibility of enlightening others, must themselves be enlightened, so that they may be able to present the truth with clearness, and in such a manner that it will be recommended to the best judgment of honest minds. PH078 22.4

There are many workers in the cause who are not properly equipped for this great work, and when they are given some measure of success, they are in danger of becoming elated and self-sufficient. They work in their own strength, and do not discern their danger, and therefore do not avoid the perils that are in their pathway. Erroneous ideas will be brought into the work, and presented as a part of the truth to the people, but everything that God has not connected with the truth will only serve to weaken the message and lessen the force of its claims.... PH078 23.1

The work of Christ was to free the truth from the rubbish of error and superstition, that men might behold the true character of God, and serve Him in spirit and in truth. Those who proclaim the truth for today have a similar work to do. The truth must be lifted from the obscurity of men's traditions and errors, that the world may behold the marvelous light of the gospel of the Son of God. There are those who turn away from this great and all-important work, to follow their own way. They have independent ideas and will not receive counsel. They choose to follow their own course.... Instead of leading the people to the firm platform of truth, they lead them to place their feet on the sandy foundations of error. They induce men to wear a yoke that is not the yoke of the meek and lowly Jesus. PH078 23.2

We cannot exercise too great care in sending laborers into the cause of God. If one is left to engage in the work without thorough discipline, he is left to shape his own course. He is left with insufficient experience, with too limited knowledge of the truth, and the old errors which have not been thoroughly uprooted, will bear a part in his teaching and influence. His trumpet will not give a certain sound. The doctrine of truth will be mingled with error.... PH078 24.1

Those who would labor in word and doctrine, should be firmly established in the truth before they are authorized to go out into the field to teach others. The truth, pure and unadulterated, must be presented to the people.... PH078 24.2

God has a special work for the men of experience to do. They are to guard the cause of God. [Notice how fully the general interests of the cause are safeguarded in the paragraphs that follow. Notice, also, that upon the men in responsibility is placed the burden of leadership and helpful guidance.] They are to see that the work of God is not committed to men who feel it their privilege to move out on their own independent judgment, to preach whatever they please, and to be responsible to no one for their instructions or work. Let this spirit of self-sufficiency once rule in our midst, and there will be no harmony of action, no unity of spirit, no safety for the work, and no healthful growth in the cause. There will be false teachers, evil workers, who will, by insinuating error, draw away souls from the truth. Christ prayed that His followers might be one as He and the Father were one. Those who desire to see this prayer answered, should seek to discourage the slightest tendency to division, and try to keep the spirit of unity and love among brethren. PH078 24.3

God calls for laborers; but He wants those who are willing to submit their wills to His, and who will teach the truth as it is in Jesus. One worker who has been trained and educated for the work, who is controlled by the Spirit of Christ, will accomplish far more than ten laborers who go out deficient in knowledge, and weak in the faith. One who works in harmony with the counsel of God, and in unity with the brethren, will be more efficient to do good than ten will be who do not realize the necessity of depending upon God, and of acting in harmony with the general plan of the work... PH078 25.1

Let those who contemplate giving themselves to the work, place themselves in connection with those who have had a good experience in the ways of God, and a knowledge of His cause. Let all seek a clear understanding of the Scriptures of truth. See to it that the living Saviour is your Saviour, and that you are following in His footsteps. Cultivate piety and humility of mind. Combat intellectual laziness and spiritual lethargy. Be ready for every work that you can do for the Master. Instead of catching up every new and fanciful interpretation of the Bible, cling to the message. Let not every influence affect you; but seek to develop a character that is consistent, meek, teachable, and yet firm and cheerful; and with all this, be sober and watch unto prayer. Walk in a perfect way. Let the high, sacred truth you profess be constantly elevating your character, ennobling and refining you, and fitting you for the heavenly courts. The learners in Christ's school must show that they are not unappreciative scholars. Let the sanctifying grace of God strengthen, soften, and subdue your entire nature. You must yourself be what you wish others to be. Christ prayed concerning His disciples, “I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified.” Bring into your life the piety, the Christian courtesy, the respect for one another that you wish to see reflected in those who embrace the truth through your instrumentality.” [The Review and Herald, May 29, 1888.] PH078 25.2