4:91 Corinthians 4:9

God set forth the apostles last as men condemned to die, made a public spectacle to the world and to angels and to men.Ms 25, 1906, par. 2–4+2 That place meant lowly suffering service rather than exalted reigning, in hunger and hardship and reviling answered with blessing and endurance.Ms 25, 1906, par. 2–4+3 Not only apostles but all believers now live continually on that same public display.6T 13.2+2 Nothing is hidden, for every act and even idle words are seen by God and faithfully recorded for review in the judgment.Ms 100, 1902, par. 18+2 God, Christ, angels and unfallen worlds watch with deep interest how believers bear the cross and fight temptation, rejoicing over victory and sorrowing over lukewarmness.4T 34.3–35.2+2 People also watch who cannot read the heart, observing the life and manners and judging Christianity and God himself by the conduct of its professors.Ms 97, 1893, par. 11–12+2

God set forth the apostles last, as men appointed to death, made a public spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.Ms 25, 1906, par. 2–4+4 As ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God, they were placed in open exposure before heaven and earth rather than in exalted reigning.Ms 25, 1906, par. 2–4+2 Their lives were observed in the world as in an educating school, with suffering and shame witnessed by the whole universe watching how the cross is borne.Ms 117, 1898, par. 18+2 That display belonged to hardship and contempt, for they were hungry and thirsty, poorly clothed, persecuted and reviled, yet answered reviling with blessing and persecution with endurance.Ms 97, 1899, par. 6–8+1 Their ministry joined preaching with laboring with their own hands, as Paul did while serving at Ephesus, and such manual work did not lower or diminish his ministry.Ms 97, 1899, par. 6–8+1

The true position so defined is lowly, self-denying, suffering service, given for diligent study and self-examination of where ministers and physicians stand.Ms 25, 1906, par. 2–4+1 It is not great talents, self-sufficient men, or occasional Christian action that advances the Redeemer's cause, but humble men who rely wholly upon God and live in vital union with the life of Christ through earnest prayer and living faith in word, spirit, and works.Ms 25, 1906, par. 2–4+1 A faithful steward under this word keeps a conscience void of offense, handles the Master's goods in means or property as not his own, keeps everything in order under great accountability, avoids mean and selfish dealing with fellow stewards, and does not exalt his own wisdom.Ms 25, 1906, par. 2–4 In that exposure human deficiencies stand apparent before angels and men, calling every soul to have a true living experience and to be a faithful minister and steward who can bear the gaze.Ms 93, 1893, par. 11–13+1 Righteousness must go before him so that the glory of God will be his rearward, for the most splendid workmanship is God's building in human character and a faithful representation of Christ.Ms 93, 1893, par. 11–13+1

Christ himself was made such a spectacle, watched in every act during his final conflict with Satan and enduring every test without sin, retaliation, or flaw in perfect obedience to the Father as the sinless sacrifice for the human race.ST Nov 25, 1897+2 When the chief priests and elders bound him and led him away to Pontius Pilate to be put to death, with bound hands like a sentenced criminal led as a sheep to slaughter, he was put on open display before the world, angels, and men.ST Nov 25, 1897+1 Through humiliation and suffering he became that spectacle as humanity's substitute and surety, bearing the consequences of sin to redeem transgressors of God's law and make salvation possible through his merits and perfect character.ST Nov 25, 1897+1 His example calls people to follow him, receive him as Saviour, and choose obedience to God.Ms 105, 1894, par. 22–23

Love for souls makes a person a laborer together with God and a partaker of the sufferings of Christ, set forth in the same way as a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.Lt 228, 1907, par. 17+2 Faithful ministers become that spectacle through reproach, suffering, self-denial, and arduous and exhausting labor for souls, even while opposing counsel works against God, pressing on through hardship, resisting worldly distractions, and giving themselves wholly to God's service.2T 709.1–710.1+2 Workers who have sacrificed and given generously to advance the cause live as an object lesson witnessed by heaven and earth, testing the sincerity of others' religious principles, while God knows and records their labor, privation, and self-denial.Lt 228, 1907, par. 17+2 Those grown old in his service deserve love, honor, and deep respect, and the hardship remembered with Christ ends when souls are saved and the faithful enter the joy of their Lord, showing that the hope of seeing God's face is worth every effort and sacrifice.7T 293.2–294.1+3

The spectacle named in the verse is not limited to the apostles, for all believers and God's people are now set on display before the world and angels and men, living continually in public view.6T 13.2+4 Their lives are therefore a public witness whose influence should be holy, faithfully representing the truth in holy conduct and godliness while looking for the day of God.6T 13.2+2 Even idle words matter under that gaze, for they are recorded and will be alarming when brought to account.Lt 14, 1862, par. 11 Devising and scheming that dishonors Christ is inconsistent with such a calling, and the mission of those so displayed is to continue Christ's work of preaching good news to the poor, healing the brokenhearted, freeing captives, restoring sight to the blind, and liberating the oppressed.8T 235.1+1 This present word to believers includes Christian scholars, whose conduct and faithful work are observed by heavenly intelligences as well as by people.Ms 51, 1893, par. 33+1

Nothing is hidden in that exposure, for every act is seen by God and faithfully recorded, with nothing concealed from Him, to be reviewed before the judgment, bringing constant accountability.Ms 100, 1902, par. 18+4 Remembering this watchfulness brings desire to be purged from fretfulness and harshness and from lack of sympathy and tenderness, since those evils are tares amid the wheat and must be destroyed.Ms 100, 1902, par. 18 Forgetting it leads to devising, planning and scheming that makes Christ ashamed and dishonors Jesus in spirit and works, which God does not approve, while unfaithful lives that do not adorn the doctrine cause Bible truth to be blasphemed.Ms 159, 1903, par. 27–29+1 Remembering it requires laying all human ambition and boasting in the dust, abasing sinful self instead of exalting it, never sitting on the judgment seat, and becoming humble, faithful, pure vessels who manifest the Christ life by daily holiness and reveal the beauty of sanctified character.Ms 159, 1903, par. 27–29+1 What a person is at heart is revealed in life, with thoughts, words and actions flowing from inner character, and influence giving life or dealing death according to abiding in Christ or not, so that in the judgment believers will be brought face to face with those they might have helped into right, safe paths by choice words of counsel where there was daily connection with God and living interest in saving souls.ST Nov 21, 1892+1 Heavenly intelligences watch what kind of character is being developed, while God observes and the Judge of all weighs moral worth.MYP 413.1

God, Christ, angels, archangels, unfallen worlds and the whole heavenly universe watch with deep interest the Christian race and the conflict with Satan, observing how believers bear the cross, fight temptation, and use the power given them.4T 34.3–35.2+4 The Monarch of the universe and multitudes of angels watch with deep interest as Christians strive in the contest, marking self-denial, sacrifice and persevering efforts, and reward accords with perseverance and faithfulness.4T 34.3–35.2+2 Angels and archangels look on with most earnest interest to see what influence the truth is having on mind and character and how much Christ crucified is appreciated as the gift of eternal life, expecting a faithful response to His sacrifice which frees from sin and makes possible sharing the divine nature and a place with Christ.ST Sep 9, 1889+1 Lukewarmness, neglect of salvation and ineffective service therefore bring sorrow and disappointment, for God has given power and ability to serve, and believers are to grow in faith and love, use gifts for God, and work with Christ for the good of others.ST Sep 9, 1889 The heavenly universe likewise watches the conflict of those serving God, while Satan watches for opportunity to take advantage of failure or impulsive action, and being such a spectacle involves living under control of the Spirit of God and not personal feelings, devoted to Christ's service under the Holy Spirit's direction and answering His prayer for oneness with the Father by honoring His plainest injunctions rather than lightly regarding them and displaying disunity.Lt 16j, 1892, par. 2+1

People also watch, and though they cannot read the heart they observe the life, watch actions, examine manners and weigh character in human judgment.Ms 97, 1893, par. 11–12+2 Many who do not study the Scriptures judge Christianity by the conduct of its professors, so words and actions are noticed and lives shape the impressions others form of Christian faith and teaching, requiring careful following of Christ as visible explanations of the truth.ST Nov 29, 1899+2 Conduct must therefore be carefully guarded lest it become a stumbling block or turn observers away, and the change that begins in the heart becomes visible in spirit, words, expression of the countenance and actions of the life.Ms 97, 1893, par. 11–12+1 Those chosen as missionaries are watched to see the effect of faith and religion, judged by whether they are industrious and enterprising, whether they appear ambitious and scheming, and whether they show themselves people of prayer, self-control, patience, kindness and unhurried speech, from which observers decide whether religion is real though not understanding weaknesses.Lt 22, 1902, par. 24–26 God's servants are thus on display as His representatives, and people judge Christ by the character of those who represent Him, forming through them their opinion of God and of Christ's religion and coming to know God and Jesus Christ whom He sent, so those in sacred positions must show His mercy, tenderness, patience and love rather than give cause for denunciation, and when religion is brought into practical service to bless others and bear much fruit in good works, those who see glorify the Father and Christ is not ashamed to call them brethren.Lt 71a, 1894, par. 19–21+1

The world where this watching occurs is the educating school, the lower preparatory school getting ready for the higher school above, where believers live as if appointed to death under observation.Ms 117, 1898, par. 18+1 All who learn in Christ's school are under the training of heavenly agencies while continually watched by the world and by angels and by people, and because they are so watched they must never forget their position.Lt 257, 1903, par. 14–15 They must represent Christ, practice here the Christlike politeness of the higher school, help one another become worthy of admission there, become pure and noble, cherish a true idea of what it means to be a child of God, speak encouraging words, and lift up feeble hands and strengthen feeble knees.Lt 257, 1903, par. 14–15

The watched life makes the principles of God's kingdom visible to the universe, for God's people stand on display before the world and angels and men to reveal the Father and to live in holiness and godliness while awaiting Christ's coming.Ms 166, 1899, par. 19–20+3 Every soul that develops righteous character and withstands the wicked one testifies against Satan and proves his charges against the divine government false.Ms 41, 1892, par. 28–30 That testimony contrasts Satan's degradation by sin with God's recovery through the grace of Christ, and through eternal ages the exaltation of the redeemed will remain a witness to God's love and mercy.Ms 41, 1892, par. 28–30 God's servants bear witness that God is good and that goodness is supreme, even through suffering, and believers reveal the Saviour through works of righteousness.ED 154.2+1

Believers are Christ's representatives in the world as Christ represented the Father, made a spectacle unto the world and to angels and to men for this purpose.8T 134.1+2 Their mission continues the work the Father gave Christ, preaching good news to the poor, healing the brokenhearted, freeing captives, restoring sight to the blind, and liberating the oppressed.8T 134.1+1 As Christ revealed the Father, they are to reveal Christ and thereby the Father, and though Christ is invisible to natural sight they behold Him by faith and make Him known.RH Jun 16, 1904+1 That revealing is done by staying in close companionship with Christ and beholding His image through His Word, then setting forth Jesus in practical good words and works, manifesting His tenderness and love and showing others the way to walk.Ms 220, 1902, par. 6 It requires clear discernment between the false and the true, living and speaking and acting as children of the light and trying in everything to please Him who gave His life to make them His representatives.Ms 78, 1899, par. 16–18 They represent Christ in a dark world with untainted morals, recognized as His sons and daughters and His jewels, and those who have washed their robes in the Lamb's blood will reign with Christ in white.Lt 82, 1887, par. 16 Their faith and works testify to the approaching Saviour and warn of preparation for judgment.2T 631.2–3

The Holy Spirit's work in the renewed mind and character is seen in its fruits, giving visible proof that heart and character have been changed according to God's will.Ms 1a, 1890, par. 18–20+1 Lives are watched to see whether the Spirit has truly changed the heart, so words and example are to represent Christ.Lt 19, 1895, par. 23–25 Those who are one with Christ and labor with God display the refining and ennobling work of the Spirit and their belief in the truth.STA 47.1–48.1+1 Converted people display God's glory rather than human glory through transformed character and Christlike love, witnessing by looking to Him and letting His light shine through their lives.ST Sep 26, 1900 Every genuine Christian carries forward a vast, sublime experiment before the world and angels and men, often unconsciously, by living the Word and not merely professing it, with self hid with Christ in God and no struggling for recognition.Lt 152, 1899, par. 9–12 It is working out salvation with fear and trembling by the sanctification of the Spirit, examining self closely lest the Lord be denied by word, spirit, or gesture, seeing and choosing God's ways and will while leaning upon the Lord Jesus.Lt 152, 1899, par. 9–12 The inner life then shines outwardly in humility and meekness, in doing righteousness and sinning not, in kindness and thoughtfulness, in low opinion of self, and in trust in the mercy and love of God.Lt 152, 1899, par. 9–12

Christ's disciples are scattered through towns, villages, and cities as lights in the world's moral darkness, communicating God's truth to those in spiritual darkness.ST Jul 31, 1879+2 Their faith and works show the truth of salvation and warn people to prepare for the coming Saviour and judgment.ST Jul 31, 1879 As they follow the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount and seek Christian character, they become channels by which heavenly truth and the way of salvation are made known.ST Apr 2, 1894 Through obedient, loyal, commandment-keeping people sinners are to behold the Sun of Righteousness and be saved by light reflected from the church by the ministry of the Word.Ms 147, 1897, par. 40–42 Ministers and people are to catch the light of God's purposes, receive it and diffuse it, reflecting the rays of the Sun of Righteousness, and every true disciple is bound to make Christ appear as the sin-pardoning Saviour, exhibiting God's forbearance, holiness, meekness, mercy, and truth.Ms 147, 1897, par. 40–42 They need not try to shine of themselves; they will shine if heart and mind are enlightened by the Sun of Righteousness, shining brighter and brighter by catching more and more of the bright beams from the Redeemer's face and reflecting still more light to scatter moral darkness, and those who profess to follow Christ are to receive light and let it shine rather than let it go out.Ms 147, 1897, par. 40–42+1

God makes Spirit-filled believers a spectacle unto the world and to angels and to men, and He is glorified in them.Ms 62, 1902, par. 12+2 They are men and women who humble themselves before the only true and living God, worship and exalt no man, receive His Holy Spirit, and go into all the world to preach the gospel to every creature.Ms 62, 1902, par. 12 They are true messengers of healing, taught of God, imbued with His Spirit, and experiencing sanctification of the Spirit as sons and daughters of God with a great work to do.RH Mar 4, 1909+1 They accept the Word of God as the man of their counsel, impart what they have received, diffuse its light, faithfully give that word to others, and speak the words of Christ.RH Mar 4, 1909+2 In conversation and deportment they give evidence of daily conversion to the principles of truth.RH Mar 4, 1909+2 The worker is not left without a pattern but is given Christ's example to follow, and following it glorifies God by unselfish aims and purposes, for living out Christ's example is itself a way of preaching the gospel and makes it evident that love to God and love to fellow men whom Jesus died to redeem is the motive power of life.1MR 134.3+1

Faithful stewards put on display before the world and angels and men must openly show their colors with clear decided testimony for right, especially amid the perils of the last days and manifestations of Satan's power, including Christian temperance against intoxicating drink and tobacco.Ms 82, 1900, par. 52–54+1 They are to make open courageous confession of faith rather than hiding religion or hiding light under a bushel to keep peace and companionship with neighbors, for shrinking from obedience makes one a stumbling block.Ms 69a, 1896, par. 28–30+1 Living by God's standard rather than the world's practices makes them stand out as odd or extreme, and obeying truth by example and teaching what God's law requires may make them seem foolish or singular and bring alienation, yet they must obey God rather than follow others.SCE 16.1+1 This means manifesting moral independence to believe and obey all Scripture, standing as a faithful soldier of Jesus Christ even when neighbors deem it foolish to advocate the law of the Lord as perfect converting the soul, being separate and singular in practice and lifting the cross.Ms 69a, 1896, par. 28–30

Lives on display before the world, angels, and humanity are therefore to reflect holy conduct and godliness while looking forward to the day of God and awaiting Christ's coming.6T 13.2+1 They are to rise above worldly aims and show undivided devotion to Jesus through wholehearted love and obedience, making visible to the universe the principles of God's kingdom.Ms 166, 1899, par. 19–20+1 Obedient followers are thus separated by holy distinctive character from the world and its affections and lusts, since profession of Christianity alone does not make one God's child or a recipient of His promises.2T 441.1+1

That daily influence marked by all heaven is told in dress and manners either in favor of Christ and sacred truth or in favor of the world, and all must answer to God for the influence exerted.4T 641.4+1 Neglect of dress and coarse rough manners hurts the truth, while neatness, modesty, simplicity, plainness in dress and zeal in good works marks believers as peculiar and reflects the truth well.MYP 353.1–2+1 This calls for pure minds, careful habits and dress, choice words and refined conduct in preparation for the society of heavenly angels as God's sons and daughters of value.Ms 20, 1887, par. 9–11+1 Yet there is to be no controversy over outward apparel as the test, but certainty of the inward adorning of a meek and quiet spirit through surrender of heart, soul, and mind to obedience to God's commandments, since outward apparel can display false prudence and mock modesty while the heart still greatly needs inward adorning.Ms 167, 1897, par. 19+1

Constant observation by world, angels, and men keeps words and thoughts untainted and forbids sharp or cheap words on the campground or elsewhere, where testimony of heavenly association requires gentle speech lest unbelievers receive an unfavorable impression.Ms 74, 1900, par. 10+1 Cutting or condemnatory speech and angry accusations and harsh words can turn seekers away and harm both speaker and hearer and bruise souls, so truth must be presented with love while the Holy Spirit reproves, and victory through Jesus brings praise to those who triumph in His strength.Lt 11, 1894, par. 3+1 Every hasty, fretful, impatient word and all retaliation must be restrained before it is spoken because of its influence, and outbursts of temper occurring under heaven's gaze must be repressed while wise well-chosen words give life.Lt 272, 1903, par. 9–10+1

In the home even parents' words and tones are heard by angels, and children are quick to hear every word and mark every intonation of the voice.ST Feb 17, 1904+1 Parents must therefore restrain anger and speak with care, using the same Christian talk at home as at church and forbidding careless rough words, impatient speech and retaliation in the family.ST Feb 17, 1904+1 Their course is to honor Jesus and reflect learning from Him so that holy angels attend at their side and Christ can enter and dwell as an abiding guest, and others take knowledge that they have been with Jesus.ST Feb 17, 1904+1

In daily business among watching men and women for whom Christ died, believers represent Christ and bring God's will and ways and works into everything by joining diligence in business with serving the Lord.Ms 2, 1869, par. 2–5+1 A blameless life filled with self-denial and good works lets light shine before men so they glorify the Father, with circumspection in words and acts and fitly spoken words showing the peace of God ruling the heart.Ms 2, 1869, par. 8–9+1 Prompt neat orderly dealing shows the reforming power of truth, while inconsistent conduct gives critics cause to dismiss faith; a worldly-minded avaricious close selfish life loving the world and eagerly pursuing earthly treasure dishonors God, denies the pilgrim faith seeking a heavenly country and waiting for Christ's appearing, and gives beholders no confidence in the truth of His near coming.5MR 295.2–3+1 The whole being, with reason, hearing, sight, and intelligence held as gifts in trust, is to serve and glorify Christ rather than self.Lt 100, 1900, par. 8–10

Everything done or said comes under God's notice, and what a person is at heart is revealed in character through thoughts, words, and actions flowing from within.ST Nov 21, 1892+1 Influence therefore goes out affecting associates as a savor of life unto life or of death unto death according to whether one abides in Christ, and principles of truth must transform character so that the bought servants of God live as seeing Him who is invisible and act everywhere as representatives of Jesus.Lt 19, 1892, par. 12+1 Where there is daily connection with God there is living abiding interest in saving souls with choice words of counsel directing others into right safe paths, and in judgment believers will be brought face to face with those they might have helped.ST Nov 21, 1892+1 Remembering this display should lead to living and working in a different spirit, with earnest Christian life strengthening others rather than serving only personal interests.Lt 6a, 1893, par. 14–15+1

Because life and influence are thus seen, friendships and companionships with men or women must be formed with great carefulness.Lt 43, 1898, par. 19–21 Unsanctified frivolous connections are offensive to God, produce fatal results to spirituality, lower the standard of religious principle by their influence, and sap the foundation of religious faith in those who are watching.Lt 43, 1898, par. 19–21

Those entrusted with sacred work, leadership, and publishing live on public display before the world and before angels and men, and their conduct testifies to their love for the truth and must match the sacred work given them.Lt 12a, 1893, par. 14+2 They are to work as in the presence of heavenly intelligences, with loyalty and faithfulness as those bought with a price, standing firm in the faith with the assurance of being more than conquerors through Him who loved them and gave His life for them.Ms 82, 1903, par. 22+2 Diligence rather than inactivity or carelessness is required, with truthful speech and purity, honesty, fidelity and integrity, in private life as well as public ministry, so that those who look to them learn to depend on God rather than on human wisdom or personal influence.Lt 12a, 1893, par. 14+1 Careful thinking, earnest praying, wise planning and solid intelligent labor are required, including heeding the counsel of brethren, not rushing to secure large congregations, and cutting off everything with the semblance of theatrical display and expensive preparation, since outward show gives no strength to the message.Lt 49, 1902, par. 17–22 Walking carefully before God means carefulness in public teaching and publishing, giving no needless occasion for strife, avoiding known clashes with fellow leaders, doing nothing that hurts the cause, praying, keeping faith and a clear conscience, seeking God's favor rather than human applause, and obeying and acting on prayer even at personal cost, maintaining righteousness and integrity at any cost.9MR 155.3–4+1

Christian scholars, students, teachers and schools live under constant observation by heavenly beings and by people on earth, so conduct, speech and faithful duty are a public witness bearing grave responsibility because important interests are involved.Ms 51, 1893, par. 33+4 God's abiding presence and heavenly blessing are needed on every portion of the school buildings because that witness is always exposed, and the institutions established according to God's design are to remain pure in principle and practice and be recognized as the Lord's.Ms 81, 1897, par. 8+1 Dishonoring God by words is especially wrong for those Christ favored by giving His own life to purchase freedom from slavery to sin, calling for self-examination over what real satisfaction such a course has brought.Ms 81, 1897, par. 8 Christian scholars live under the observation of humanity and heavenly beings and are accountable to God for how they use their abilities and fulfill their duties, requiring deep thorough Scripture education after the schools of the prophets and a high elevated standard preparing students to meet God.FE 230.2+1

When God's people practice what they profess they are set forth as a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.CH 621.1+3 For Seventh-day Adventists this means sincere health reform, living out profession in eating and drinking, standing for Christian temperance against intoxicating drink and tobacco, and showing as faithful stewards of Christ's grace a public example through conduct.CH 621.1+3 Such sincere practice shows far greater zeal for the salvation of those ignorant of the truth and surprises the world.RH May 27, 1902+1

Cultivated love for one another makes believers such a spectacle to the world and to angels, as living stones giving light and influencing others for good, so that when each member seeks to honor God the church becomes a power that is felt.3MR 235.3+2 The work and cause of truth are likewise on public display, so the church's condition, conduct and unity are seen by human and heavenly observers, and those who claim to give the last warning to the world are watched to see whether disunion and failure to love one another testify against their claim to follow Scripture.21MR 334.4–335.1+2 Internal divisions and faults, as in the difficulties at Ligonier and in Healdsburg, are part of that spectacle, bringing truth into disrepute and giving Satan opportunity.21MR 334.4–335.1 Earnest and solemn preparation is therefore required for cleansing of the soul-temple, bringing truth from the outer court into the sanctuary of the soul where the Holy Spirit stamps upon the soul the truth Christ has placed in the sacred Word, cleansing the heart from all disunion, all strife, and all desire for supremacy.2MR 41.5–42.2

Public trial vindicates faithfulness when a believer gives up Sabbath work rather than deny the truth and becomes a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.Ms 3, 1861, par. 34+2 His case is watched by friends and relations, by old employer and new employer, and by family to see how he will come out, and Sabbathkeepers otherwise spoken against and regarded by some as socially inferior show by loyalty to Jesus and to God's commandments that faithfulness does not ruin life, while heavenly angels observe and rejoice when a person remains true.Ms 3, 1861, par. 34+2 Enduring discharge, loss of wages, and a week without work, the Lord opens the way and gives the same wages with better conditions and the Sabbath free, proving that faithfulness under public trial is vindicated and becomes a blessing to others and a reproof of doubt.Lt 33, 1898, par. 4–8 All who accept truth are on display and must show their true colors by surrender of heart, soul and mind to obedience to God's commandments and by inward adorning of a meek and quiet spirit rather than outward apparel showing false prudence and mock modesty, standing ever committed to the right and meeting the test God has given, the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, with inconsistent conduct of professed believers otherwise giving critics grounds for reproach.Ms 3, 1861, par. 34+1

Practical self-supporting missionary training in building simply and substantially, cultivating the land, caring for stock, and treating the sick and injured for work in foreign fields makes God's people a public witness watched by heaven and earth.Lt 32a, 1908, par. 11+2 That education is a treasure of great value worked after the Lord's directions under special light and must not be hindered, and when spread from the Madison school to many more in other schools it causes the message to be quickly carried to every country and brings souls out of darkness into light.Lt 32a, 1908, par. 11+3

Knowingly sinning, misusing God's light and privileges, and engaging in immoral or indecent conduct makes believers a spectacle of moral looseness that defiles soul and body.SLP 27.2 Selfish ambition and building up one's own work at the expense of greater needs make a sad spectacle to angels and men.6MR 415.3 Misuse of large talents of intellect and influence to make sport of the servants God has chosen to do His sacred work pleases the enemy and squanders God-given powers, and continuance in that unprofitable exhibition brings only sorrow.Ms 60, 1905, par. 4–5 Quarreling talk and glorifying self before watching angels of God and unbelievers must stop, with prayer in its place and own will and way given up for God's will and way, since yielding to Satan's temptation to glorify self makes believers miserable and greatly hinders their work.Lt 88, 1902, par. 5 A system of high wages rewarding men in responsibility above justice and righteousness, turning the publishing house into false paths contrary to Christ's instruction in the Old Testament and the New, and binding men in confederacy to sustain each other's interests is robbery toward God, answered in His own time by judgment exposing unfaithful workers who corrupt His sacred work for selfish gain.1MR 269.4–270.1 Those bought with a price must reveal faith and hope and love, copy Christ's pattern, let light shine in good works, do nothing that cannot be done to the glory of God and under His blessing, and have no need for worldly diversions such as the billiard table, the theater, and the dancing hall.5MR 127.2–3

Faithfulness is on display before the whole universe, which watches the closing work of the conflict between Christ and Satan and the beginning of the judgment of the living, calling God's people not to be ashamed of their faith or ruled by ambition but to remain loyal and true.5T 526.1 Every person is on open display, evidencing by precept and example the deliberate choice of sides and in what measure he respects spiritual and eternal realities, deciding with his family in these last precious hours of probation an eternal destiny, with no middle ground under Christ's banner or Satan's.Ms 69a, 1896, par. 33–34 Those on the Lord's side from free willing obedience to His commandments appear as distinctly and definitely God's chosen, having received Christ fully as Saviour and set every faculty consecrated to His service, forming character after Christ's likeness as obedient members of the Lord's family, made possible because Christ clothed His divinity with humanity and was sacrificed to redeem the world from transgression of God's law and to bring moral power and the virtue of His righteousness to elevate sinners to obedience through His merits.Ms 69a, 1896, par. 33–34 Christians must therefore make it their life work to be men and women of uncommon goodness, living before those watchers with deep accountability to God and clear realization of what He desires them to be and do, not slighting or abusing talents, since the great day is upon them when God will call for an account of how talents were used.Lt 13, 1902, par. 3 Everyone whose name is on the church books is pledged to Christ's service and is to be such a spectacle by earnest devotion to the cause of the coming King, constantly learning to reflect light, becoming dead to worldly inducements and living unto God, so that words of the mouth, modest dress and humble spirit testify that he is a laborer together with God, arising and shining amid moral darkness, awakening from iniquity, setting a Christlike example, and showing the sanctifying power of truth and grace to a world greatly needing to see it, with home institutions serving as such a spectacle of unselfish stewardship and love for others and stewardship of means for unselfish world-wide fruit.RH Feb 11, 1902+2