The Review and Herald
November 5, 1901
Judge Not—No. 2
Peace and righteousness and love should fill the heart of every believer in Christ. Let the leaven of truth work by its sanctifying power in your life. Truth is a working element. It leads us on to aggressive warfare, not against our brethren, but against satanic agencies. The battle in which we are called to fight is not a warfare against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Do not think that you are doing God's work by warring against one another. This work is done to the shame of those who claim to believe the truth. RH November 5, 1901, par. 1
Criticise yourself as closely and severely as you know you deserve. Let your anxiety be not to find fault with your brethren, but to obtain more and still more knowledge of Christ, and to exert an influence which shall be a savor of life unto life. “Take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” RH November 5, 1901, par. 2
Christ's death and resurrection have opened before every soul an unlimited source of power from which to draw. This power will enable you to overcome the most objectionable traits in your character. God's supply of grace is awaiting the demand of every sin-sick soul. It will heal every spiritual disease. By it hearts may be cleansed from all defilement. It is the gospel remedy for the curse of sin. It unites human beings with Christ in the performance of good works, enabling them to run in the path of obedience, representing to the world the meekness and lowliness they have learned from the Saviour. RH November 5, 1901, par. 3
He who is wearing Christ's yoke has no time to judge others. His whole time is devoted to the rescue of sinners. He watches for opportunities to show that he has something worth imparting, something of the highest value, even the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ. RH November 5, 1901, par. 4
Christ says to His followers, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit.” But in order to bring forth much fruit, we must be imbued with the vivifying, sanctifying power of Christ; for He says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” RH November 5, 1901, par. 5
Our churches have no excuse for being without faith and without power. Christ says, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 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. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” RH November 5, 1901, par. 6
We are rapidly nearing the end. Strife and war and bloodshed and wickedness of every kind are making our world as it was in the days of Noah. Shall Christians war among themselves, when their one interest should be to advance God's kingdom? RH November 5, 1901, par. 7
The first chapter of 1 Corinthians contains instruction which all who are workers together with God should follow. Paul heard that there was contention among the church-members at Corinth, and he wrote to them, saying, “I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” Those who practice this instruction will reveal in their lives the purity of Christ, and will manifest His love in their dealings with one another. RH November 5, 1901, par. 8
Paul says, “I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” Instead of seeking to find fault with our brethren, let us dwell on the great love of Christ. The Saviour humbled himself to bear the reproach of men. Step by step He descended in the valley of humiliation, that He might stand at the head of humanity, a perfect pattern in human flesh for every son and daughter of Adam. “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Let those who name the name of Christ study His work. When divine inspiration comes to them, there will be repentance and confession and humiliation of soul in every church. RH November 5, 1901, par. 9
Listen, all who have ears to hear: “Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” RH November 5, 1901, par. 10
Let the Church arise in the name of the Lord, and cast off all the works of darkness. “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” Heed the instruction God has given regarding the cultivation of patience, kindness, and long-suffering. Bear with one another, and forgive one another. God has placed us in this world in companionship with one another. Let us walk together in love, bending our energies to the work of saving souls. As we thus serve God in holy companionship, we shall prove that we are laborers together with Him. RH November 5, 1901, par. 11