Australasian Union Conference Record
February 1, 1904
Christ Our Efficiency
This world is our school,—a school of discipline and training. We are placed here to form characters like the character of Christ, and to acquire the habits and the language of the higher life. Influences opposed to good abound on every hand. The developments of sin are becoming so full, so deep, so abhorrent to God, that soon He will arise in majesty to shake terribly the earth. So artful are the plans of the enemy, so specious the complications which he brings about, that those who are weak in the faith do not discern his deceptions. They fall into the snares prepared by Satan, who works through human instrumentalities to deceive if possible the very elect. Those only who are closely connected with God will be able to discern the falsehoods and the intrigues of the enemy. AUCR February 1, 1904, par. 1
There are in this world only two classes, those who serve God, and those who stand under the black banner of the prince of darkness. Those who enter the gates of the city of God must, in this world, live in union with Christ. AUCR February 1, 1904, par. 2
The principles of God's government,—the only principles that will endure from everlasting to everlasting,—are to be followed by those who are seeking for entrance into the kingdom of heaven. The line of demarcation between those who serve God and those who serve Him not, is to be kept clear and distinct. AUCR February 1, 1904, par. 3
Let us allow God to control our minds. Let us not say or do anything that will turn a fellow-being from the right way. I feel very sad as I think of how few there are who show that they have tasted the deep blessedness of communion with a risen, ascended Saviour. Men of the world are striving for the supremacy. God's followers are to keep Christ ever in view, inquiring at every step, “Is this the way of the Lord?” A holy desire to live the life of Christ is to fill their hearts. In Him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead. In Him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. AUCR February 1, 1904, par. 4
O that our people could realize what advantages would be theirs if they would look constantly to Jesus. “We all, with open face, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” He is our Alpha and our Omega. Pressing close to Him, and holding communion with Him, we become like Him. Through the transforming power of the Spirit of Christ, we are changed in heart and life. AUCR February 1, 1904, par. 5
Truth will triumph. The Lord God of Israel will bear away the victory. But I see such need of the deep working of grace on minds, such need of the sanctification of body, soul, and spirit, that I plead with the Lord to fill His workers with a realization that without Him they can do nothing. The Lord Jesus Christ is our efficiency, our all and in all. Let there be no lifting up of self unto vanity; for of ourselves we are unable to do any good thing. Let us give ourselves to God in unreserved surrender, learning daily from the One who, though the Majesty of heaven, walked this earth in meekness and lowliness. In His strength we are constantly to reach forward to gain the prize of our high calling in Christ, urging our way through difficulties, keeping our eyes fixed on our Leader, never losing a sense of our need of the higher life. AUCR February 1, 1904, par. 6
Walk humbly with God; not having your own righteousness, but the righteousness which is of Christ, which He imputes to every trusting, believing soul. AUCR February 1, 1904, par. 7
One thing is certain: We must be constantly reaching forward to the excellence to which God wishes us to attain. We must not fail or become discouraged. Perplexities will arise that will try the souls of God's workers. Expecting trials, let us keep ourselves braced by prayer and trust. And we are not to hunt for something to make us sorry. Christ's promise is, “If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” AUCR February 1, 1904, par. 8
Mrs. E. G. White
December 1, 1903.