p. 159 | The Lord’s Servants by G. W. Colcord

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 29, 1873

The Lord’s Servants.

By G. W. Colcord

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men.” 2 Tim. 2:24.

My mind has been called, of late, to the above text, by the deportment of a public speaker, a professed minister of the Lord Jesus. I requested him to show the people wherein I had taught error—when, lo! he turned upon me, using such language, and making such gestures, that, to say the least, the people declared his demeanor wrong.

We should never try to build up self, nor the cause we love, on the mistakes of others; this is wrong. To imagine yourselves to be right, simply because we can see faults in others, is truly a superficial conclusion. “But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” 2 Cor. 10:12.

That all our hearts may be more fully inclined to the soul-purifying service of Him who said, “Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart,” do I offer the following thoughts:—

Our calling is to be servants, not of self, but of the Lord. How high, how holy, the vocation! As high as perfection’s mark, Phil. 3:14, and as holy as Heaven. Heb. 3:1. “And who is sufficient for these things?” No one, innately; but he who is willing to “deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow” the Lord, may say, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Oh! for that consecration that will be accepted in Heaven.

But further: Having heard the call, and become his servants, how it becomes us to yield a full and willing service, in truth; nothing short of this will be acceptable in the sight of our Maker. And until we realize this truth, we are not standing where we should. God has spoken; shall we not all give ear? “The servant of the Lord must not strive”—must not contend for the superiority—“but” he must “be gentle unto all men.” Toward those who oppose our faith, should we manifest this lovable spirit of gentleness, just as fully as toward those in unison with us.

This just requisition has reasons appended: 1. “A wrathful man stirreth up strife,” but it is appeased by him who “is slow to anger.” Prov. 15:18. 2. To allow the spirit of unsanctified contention to rule in our hearts, proves us carnal. 1 Cor. 3:3. 3. Strife is seed sown for a fruitful harvest of “every evil work.” James 3:16.

Its presence is to be deprecated in all; but especially so in the labors of the Lord’s ministers. “Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some of good will.” Phil. 1:15. Two classes are here brought to view: One preach “Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction;” “the other of love, knowing that” he is “set for the defense of the gospel.” Verses 16, 17. Popular ministers often “strive for masteries” because they fear the loss of their people’s favor—apprehend that the God-fearing members of their flock will see and cherish the light of truth, and, as a result, they will be compelled to sustain a decrement of their fame; a decrease in the membership, and a diminution of their hire. For a better description, see Isa. 56:9-12; Eze. 34:2, 3; Matt. 15:14; 23:1-8.

Dear brethren, while we would strive to “declare all the counsel of God,” may we have wisdom “to feed the church of God;” to reclaim those who “err from the truth;” and to save souls from the second death. This is our calling—but how little we realize it! Lord, help us to comply with the requirements of thy word more and more perfectly, that at last it may be said to us, “Well done.” G. W. COLCORD.