Special Instruction Relating to The Review and Herald Office, and The Work in Battle Creek

Example of Christ

Christ's life of humiliation should be a lesson to all who desire to exalt themselves above their fellow men. Though he had no taint of sin upon his character, yet he condescended to connect our fallen human nature with his divinity. By thus taking humanity, he honored humanity. Having taken our fallen nature, he showed what it might become, by accepting the ample provision he has made for it, and by becoming partaker of the divine nature. PH080 13.1

In humility Christ began his mighty work of lifting the fallen race from the degradation of sin, recovering them by his divine power, which he had linked with humanity. Passing by the grand cities, and the renowned places of learning and supposed wisdom, he made his home in the humble and obscure village of Nazareth. The greater part of his life was passed in this place, from which it was commonly believed that no good thing could come. In the path which the poor, the neglected, the suffering, and the sorrowing must tread, he walked while on earth, taking upon him all the woes which the afflicted must bear. His home was among the poor. His family was not distinguished by learning, riches, or position. For many years he worked at his trade as a carpenter. PH080 13.2

The Jews had proudly boasted that Christ was to come as a king, to conquer his enemies, and tread down the heathen in his wrath. But the humble, submissive life our Saviour led, which should have enshrined him in the hearts of his people, and given them confidence in his mission, offended and disappointed the Jews, and we all know of the treatment he received from them. If the angels of God had not been round about him to protect him, the people he came to save would have killed him. PH080 14.1

Christ did not exalt man by ministering to his pride. He humbled himself, and became obedient to death, even the death of the cross; and unless human pride is humbled and subdued, unless the stubborn heart is made tender by the Spirit of Christ, it is not possible for him to impress his divine similitude upon us. He, the humble Nazarene, might have poured contempt upon the world's pride, for he was commander in the heavenly courts; but he came to our world in humility, in order to show that it is not riches or position or authority or honorable titles, that the universe of heaven respects and honors, but those who will follow Christ, making any position or duty honorable by the virtue of their character, through the power of his grace. PH080 14.2

No human being is warranted to lift himself up in pride. “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” PH080 14.3