9T 186, 221
(Testimonies for the Church Volume 9 186, 221)
Never was there a time when it was more important that we should deny ourselves and take up the cross daily than now. How much self-denial are we willing to practice? (9T 186.1) MC VC
A Life of Grace and Peace VC
In the first chapter of the second epistle of Peter you will find the promise that grace and peace will be multiplied unto you, if you will “add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” 2 Peter 1:5-7. These virtues are wonderful treasures. They “make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir.” Isaiah 13:12. (9T 186.2) MC VC
“If these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:8. (9T 186.3) MC VC
Shall we not strive to use to the very best of our ability the little time that is left us in this life, adding grace to grace, power to power, making it manifest that we have a source of power in the heavens above? Christ says: “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.” Matthew 28:18. What is this power given to Him for? For us. He desires us to realize that He has returned to heaven as our Elder Brother and that the measureless power given Him has been placed at our disposal. (9T 186.4) MC VC
Those who will carry out in their lives the instruction given to the church through the apostle Peter will receive power from above. We are to live upon the plan of addition, giving all diligence to make our calling and election sure. We are to represent Christ in all that we say and do. We are to live His life. The principles by which He was guided are to shape our course of action toward those with whom we are associated. (9T 186.5) MC VC
If Christians were to act in concert, moving forward as one, under the direction of one Power, for the accomplishment of one purpose, they would move the world. (9T 221.1) MC VC
The principles that should actuate us as workers in God’s cause are laid down by the apostle Paul. He says: “We are laborers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9. “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” Colossians 3:23. And Peter exhorts the believers: “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 4:10, 11. (9T 221.2) MC VC
There are great laws that govern the world of nature, and spiritual things are controlled by principles equally certain. The means for an end must be employed, if the desired results are to be attained. God has appointed to every man his work according to his ability. It is by education and practice that persons are to be qualified to meet any emergency which may arise; and wise planning is needed to place each one in his proper sphere, that he may obtain an experience that will fit him to bear responsibility. (9T 221.3) MC VC