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The Church in Concert |
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Isaiah
52:7-8 —
An army could do nothing successfully if its different parts did
not work in concert. Should each soldier act without reference to the
others, the army would soon become disorganized. Instead of gathering
strength from concentrated action, it would be wasted in desultory,
meaningless efforts. Christ prayed that His disciples might be one with
Him, as He was one with the Father. . . .
Whatever good qualities a man may have, he cannot be a good
soldier if he acts independently. Good may occasionally be done but often
the result is of little value, and often the end shows more mischief done
than good. Those who act independently make a show of doing something,
attract attention, and flash out brightly, and then are gone. All must
pull in one direction in order to render efficient service to the cause.
. . .
God requires concerted action of His soldiers, and in order to
have this in the church, self-restraint is essential; self-restraint must
be exercised.--Letter
11a, 1886. (3
Selected Messages – 24) Acts
2:1 — Those
who belong to Christ’s army must work with concerted action. They
cannot be faithful soldiers unless they obey orders. United action is
essential. An army in which every part acts without reference to the
other parts, has no real strength. In order to add new territory to
Christ’s kingdom, His soldiers must act in concert. … He calls for a
united army, which moves steadily forward, not for a company composed of
independent atoms. The strength of His army is to be used for one great
purpose. Its efforts are to be concentrated upon one great point—the
magnifying of the laws of His kingdom before the world, before angels,
and before men (MS 82, 1900). (Seventh-day
Adventist Commentary 7A – 155) Said the angel, "List ye!" Soon I heard a voice like many musical instruments all sounding in perfect strains, sweet and harmonious. It surpassed any music I had ever heard, seeming to be full of mercy, compassion, and elevating, holy joy. It thrilled through my whole being. Said the angel, "Look ye!" My attention was then turned to the company I had seen, who were mightily shaken. I was shown those whom I had before seen weeping and praying in agony of spirit. The company of guardian angels around them had been doubled, and they were clothed with an armor from their head to their feet. They moved in exact order, like a company of soldiers. Their countenances expressed the severe conflict which they had endured, the agonizing struggle they had passed through. Yet their features, marked with severe internal anguish, now shone with the light and glory of heaven. They had obtained the victory, and it called forth from them the deepest gratitude, and holy, sacred joy. (Christian Experience and Teachings – 176)
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