What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Spiritual Approach to Holding onto Church Offices"
Answer
A spiritual approach to church offices requires the deepest humility and the willingness to deny oneself, because pride and the pursuit of precedence prevent fellowship with God. Whoever seeks offices or clings to them in order to impose one's own will or elevate oneself acts without the necessary repentance and harms the spiritual strength of the congregation. A true servant of God is distinguished by forgetting himself, seeking the counsel of fellow believers, and proving his suitability through faithfulness in small matters as well as a sanctified family life.
Danger of Seeking Precedence
»In the congregation at Battle Creek a self‑denying, humble spirit is needed. I have been shown that many harbor an unholy desire for precedence. Many love to be flattered, and they jealously guard against contempt or neglect. ... Nothing is more essential for fellowship with God than deepest humility. ... While you are so eager to be the first, remember that you will become the last in God's favor if you fail to cultivate a gentle and humble spirit.«
Willfulness and Spiritual Immaturity in Offices
»There are some who always tend toward the worldly... They are weak when genuine help is needed in the congregation. This spiritual weakness is the result of their own unwillingness to bear burdens where they could be of greatest assistance. Yet when it comes to carrying out any personal plan or design, they are ready to assume every responsibility; imposing their own way is their intention. If this were a sanctified path, it would not be so bad; but it is not.«
The Danger of Self‑Confidence and Independence
»People who act according to their own strong character traits and refuse to join with others who have long experience in God's work will be blinded by self‑confidence and unable to distinguish between falsehood and truth. It is not safe to choose such individuals as leaders in the congregation; for they would follow their own judgment and plans, regardless of the judgment of their brothers. ... The enemy often persuades people to believe that God is guiding them when, in reality, they are merely following human impulses.«
Caution in Appointing to Offices
»One should not hastily choose leaders so that men are ordained who are in no way suited for responsible work—men who must first be converted, uplifted, refined, and purified before they can serve God's cause in any capacity. ... It is far better to examine a man before he is placed in office than after; better to pray and seek counsel before the decisive step is taken than to labor to correct the consequences of a wrong step.«
The Spirit of the True Shepherd
»The spirit of the true shepherd is characterized by self‑forgetfulness. He loses sight of himself so that he may work God's works. ... The apostle emphasized several general principles that should be observed by all who are united in the church community. The younger members of the flock were urged to follow the example of their elders in practicing Christ‑like humility: "Likewise, you younger ones, submit yourselves to the elders. Yes, submit to one another and clothe yourselves with humility; for God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
EGW Vision helps you find topics, statements, and quotes faster, especially when many original sources are not yet fully available in your language. The tool searches semantically, groups relevant content by topic, and presents matching results as clearly as possible in your language.
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