Our High Calling

compiled from the writings of Ellen G. White by Frank Klin

We must be Christlike. Let us strive to make our lives what Christ designs them to be, full of
the fragrance of love to God and our fellow men, full of Christ's own divine Spirit, full of holy
aspirations toward God, rich in the beauty of Christlikeness. [1]

The line of demarcation between those who serve God and those who serve Him not, is ever
to remain distinct. The difference between believers and unbelievers should be as great as the
difference between light and darkness. When God's people take the position that they are the
temple of the Holy Ghost, Christ Himself abiding within, they will so clearly reveal Him in spirit,
words, and actions, that there will be an unmistakable distinction between them and Satan's
followers. [2]

The meek shall be as David, and David as an angel of the Lord. Every Christian will see in the
face of every other the face of God in benevolence and brotherly love. We need . . . greater
benevolence, greater humility first, then the simplicity of Christ will appear; contention will cease,
because it is an offensive thing and grieves the Holy Spirit of God. No one who truly enjoys the
Spirit of Jesus Christ will be fractious, suspicious, criticizing, accusing. Why? Because Christ is
abiding in the soul temple. Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, the whole multitude of them that
believed were of "one heart and of one mind." The Spirit of Christ animated the whole and
became the whole heart of the whole community. Every pulse beat in concert. [3]

Humanity has in itself no light. Apart from Christ we are like an unkindled taper, like the moon
when her face is turned away from the sun; we have not a single ray of brightness to shed into
the darkness of the world. But when we turn toward the Sun of Righteousness, when we come in
touch with Christ, the whole soul is aglow with the brightness of the divine presence. [4]

Christ's followers are to be more than a light in the midst of men. They are the light of the
world. Jesus says to all who have named His name, You have given yourselves to Me, and I have
given you to the world as My representatives. As the Father had sent Him into the world, so, He
declares, "have I also sent them into the world." John 17:18. As Christ is the channel for the
revelation of the Father, so we are to be the channel for the revelation of Christ. While our
Saviour is the great source of illumination, forget not, O Christian, that He is revealed through
humanity. God's blessings are bestowed through human instrumentality. Christ Himself came to
the world as the Son of man. Humanity, united to the divine nature, must touch humanity. The
church of Christ, every individual disciple of the Master, is heaven's appointed channel for the
revelation of God to men. Angels of glory wait to communicate through you heaven's light and
power to souls that are ready to perish. Shall the human agent fail of accomplishing his appointed
work? Oh, then to that degree is the world robbed of the promised influence of the Holy Spirit! [5]

But Jesus did not bid the disciples, "Strive to make your light shine;" He said, "Let it shine." If
Christ is dwelling in the heart, it is impossible to conceal the light of His Presence. If those who
profess to be followers of Christ are not the light of the world, it is because the vital power has left
them; if they have no light to give, it is because they have no connection with the Source of light.
[6]

In all ages the "Spirit of Christ which was in them" (1 Peter 1:11) has made God's true children
the light of the people of their generation. Joseph was a light bearer in Egypt. In his purity and
benevolence and filial love he represented Christ in the midst of a nation of idolaters. While the
Israelites were on their way from Egypt to the Promised Land, the true-hearted among them were
a light to the surrounding nations. Through them God was revealed to the world. From Daniel and
his companions in Babylon, and from Mordecai in Persia, bright beams of light shone out amid
the darkness of the kingly courts. In like manner the disciples of Christ are set as light bearers on
the way to heaven; through them the Father's mercy and goodness are made manifest to a world
enshrouded in the darkness of misapprehension of God. By seeing their good works, others are
led to glorify the Father who is above; for it is made manifest that there is a God on the throne of
the universe whose character is worthy of praise and imitation. The divine love glowing in the
heart, the Christlike harmony manifested in the life, are as a glimpse of heaven granted to men of
the world, that they may appreciate its excellence. [7]

It is thus that men are led to believe "the love that God hath to us." 1 John 4:16. Thus hearts
once sinful and corrupt are purified and transformed, to be presented "faultless before the
Presence of His Glory with exceeding joy." Jude 24. [8]

Let the gospel message ring through our churches, summoning them to universal action. Let
the members of the churches have increased faith, gaining zeal from their unseen, heavenly
allies, from a knowledge of their exhaustless resources, from the greatness of the enterprise in
which they are engaged, and from the power of their Leader. Those who place themselves under
God's control, to be led and guided by Him, will catch the steady trend of the events ordained by
Him to take place. Inspired with the Spirit of Him who gave His life for the life of the world, they
will no longer stand still in impotency, pointing to what they cannot do. Putting on the armor of
Heaven, they will go forth into the warfare, willing to do and dare for God, knowing that His
omnipotence will supply their need. [9]

The gospel is to be presented, not as a lifeless theory, but as a living force to change the life.
God would have His servants bear testimony to the fact that through His Grace men may possess
Christlikeness of character and may rejoice in the assurance of His great love. He would have us
bear testimony to the fact that He cannot be satisfied until all who will accept salvation are
reclaimed and reinstated in their holy privileges as His sons and daughters. [10]

Those who are ready to do service are those who feed most on Christ. Read and study His word,
drink in the inspiration of His Spirit, and receive of His Grace, not to hoard, but to give to others.
In order to instruct others, the teachers must first be learners of Christ. There are Marthas in
every church, they are intensely busy in religious activities, and they do much good; but we need
also Mary's side of character. The most zealous workers need to learn at the feet of Jesus. [11]

When he who is a colaborer with Christ presses home the truth to the sinner's heart in humility
and love, the voice of love speaks through the human instrumentality. Heavenly intelligences
work with a consecrated human agent, and the Spirit operates upon the soul of the unbeliever.
Efficiency to believe comes from God to the heart, and the sinner accepts the evidence of God's
word. Through the gracious influence of the Holy Spirit he is changed and becomes one with
Christ in spirit and purpose. His affection for God increases, he hungers after righteousness and
longs to be more like his Master. By beholding Christ, he is changed from glory to glory, from
character to character, and becomes more and more like Jesus. He is imbued with love for Christ
and filled with a deep, unresting love for perishing souls, and Christ is formed within, the hope of
glory. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to
them that believe on His name." [12]

1. Our High Calling, page 274 par.5

2. 1902, Spalding & Magan Collection, page 243 par.4
3. 1899, Manuscript Releases Vol. 21, page 155 par.6
4. 1896, Thoughts From the Mount Blessing, page 40 par.1
5. Ibid, page 40 par. 2
6. Ibid, page 41 par. 1
7. Ibid, page 41 par. 2
8. Ibid, page 42 par. 1
9. Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, August 5, 1902 par. 17
10. 1905, Ministry of Healing, page 99 par. 2
11. 1887, Special Testimonies For Ministers & Workers No. 8
12. (Series A, No. 3, 1895) Special Testimonies To Ministers And Workers, page 53, par.1