The Spirit in the Wheels by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 2, 1915

The Spirit in the Wheels

By F. M. W.

THE prophet Ezekiel was given a vision of a wonderful divine mechanism. There were wheels within wheels, all moving in perfect order. Every description of the operation of this wonderful living machine concludes with the statement, “For the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.” This was the motive power. This must be the motive power of all organizations if they would prove effective in Christian service. We may have perfectly organized conferences and churches and auxiliary organizations. These organizations may meet and discuss plans and pass resolutions, but all this will prove to be fruitless effort if the spirit of the living creature is not found within the wheels to operate and control.

Speaking of the need of the Spirit of God in organization, the Christian Standard of August 14 makes the following truthful and pertinent observation:—

The power of the Spirit is retained by the continuation of prayer and study of the Bible. Life produces organization, but organization cannot produce life. The church can organize and harness up auxiliaries, but they never can take the place of the Holy Spirit. Any auxiliary in the church that is the result of life will be a success as long as you have life to keep them alive; and all forms without life are nothing but brakes on the church, and we would be better off without them. Strive to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, and then the promise will be yours.

Let us heed this lesson, and recognize at all times the source of our power in the work of God. When we meet together to devise methods of work and to lay plans for its prosecution; when we meet in the business sessions of our conferences, and in all the board and committee meetings of our institutions, how necessary that we seek for the wisdom and power that come only through the work of the Holy Spirit! Sometimes, we hope not often, we have known committee meetings to be held without prayer. Let us make God our partner in all of our planning. Let us seek him for wisdom. Better to spend more time in prayer and less time in the discussion of resolutions. Our great need today is more prayer, more of the Holy Spirit’s power in our personal work, and in our denominational activities. Then will we see more fruit of our labor.

F. M. W.