North Pacific Union Gleaner
April 6, 1910
In Humility of Heart
[Portion of a talk before The Pacific Union Conference, Mountain View, Cal., January 27, 1910.]
“What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” NPUGleaner April 6, 1910, par. 1
“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” NPUGleaner April 6, 1910, par. 2
In these perilous times, when the forces of evil are marshalling their hosts to thwart, if possible, the efforts of God's servants in the earth, it is vitally necessary for every laborer to walk humbly with God. Daily he is to maintain a close connection with heavenly agencies. Light has been coming to me that unless the workers lean heavily on the divine Source of their strength, many will be overcome by the power of the enemy. Satanic agencies will surround the soul of him who cherishes a spirit of independence and self-exaltation, and will seek to destroy his influence for good. NPUGleaner April 6, 1910, par. 3
Christ is the example of every believer. While in the heavenly courts, he chose to lay aside his royal robe and his kingly crown, and come to this earth as one among men, to live a life of poverty and self-denial. When on one occasion during his earthly ministry a certain man said, “I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest,” Christ answered, “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” Night after night he would pray for his flock,—pray that God would give them strength to obey; and then he would lie down upon the ground, as that was sometimes the only place he had to rest for the night. NPUGleaner April 6, 1910, par. 4
When a worker is tempted to think that he is having a hard time, O, let him think of his divine Redeemer, and humble his heart before God! Then he may come to the Source of all strength, and plead for power to bear the burdens that are resting upon him. Those who claim to be laborers together with God are to learn to throw their helpless souls upon the One mighty to save. He is willing to give every humble worker an experience that is of more value than gold or silver or precious stones. NPUGleaner April 6, 1910, par. 5
The One who was exalted above all others in the heavenly courts, as the Son of the Highest, is the One whose hands were nailed to the cross of Calvary. He it is who was mocked and derided by those who would not receive him. There was one poor thief on a cross beside him, who said, “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” To this earnest plea the Saviour responded, “Verily I say unto thee today,”—while hanging on this cross,—“thou shalt be with me in paradise.” NPUGleaner April 6, 1910, par. 6
There are some who are seeking to understand, in a measure, how God worked through his son; but there are many others who do not begin to appreciate his infinite sacrifice in their behalf. Those who have been so indifferent, need to humble their hearts before God. Unless they do this, they will keep exalting themselves in their own estimation, until Christ will be compelled to say: “You can not be with me in my kingdom. You would lead others astray if you were there.” NPUGleaner April 6, 1910, par. 7
God's servants should be very careful that their influence is sacredly kept on the side of truth and righteousness. The Lord Jesus has promised to clothe with the robe of his righteousness those who choose to walk in humility. God expects right-doing and humility of heart from every one who claims to be a follower of the meek and lowly Jesus. NPUGleaner April 6, 1910, par. 8
Those who are standing in responsible positions should understand clearly that they are not rulers over their fellow-workers. Men in responsibility should be Christ-like in deportment. They need to be leaders in every reformatory movement for the purification of the church. They are to reveal that angels of God are constantly round about them, and that they are laboring under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Carefully are they to avoid everything that savors of a spirit of selfishness and self-esteem; for in meekness and humility of heart they are to be ensamples to the flock. NPUGleaner April 6, 1910, par. 9
God will work with those who will work with him. My very soul goes out after God, and I desire that every one who stands in an important position shall learn of the great teacher, who is our Leader. In all their dealings with God's heritage, they are to avoid ruling arbitrarily. We are thankful that such manifestations of arbitrary dealings one with another as have been seen in years past are not seen so often now. Those who are placed in positions of responsibility are to feel that unless God shall help them it will be impossible for them to carry the responsibilities placed upon them. It is so easy for man to become exalted; but God will guide the meek in judgment. He will co-operate with those who remain lowly of heart, and sit at the feet of Jesus. NPUGleaner April 6, 1910, par. 10
Brethren and sisters, will we covenant with God at this meeting that we will not seek for the highest place, and make that the burden of our thoughts? We are to seek to be meek and lowly of heart. Christ can then abide with us by his Holy Spirit. If we have with us the divine Presence, if angels are round about us, then, as we stand before unbelievers, and present the sacred truths of God's Word, a solemn impression will be made upon the minds of those who hear, and souls will be won to the truth. NPUGleaner April 6, 1910, par. 11
“Put on, therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, ... humbleness of mind, meekness.” “Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. Ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” NPUGleaner April 6, 1910, par. 12