Searching for a recently read EGW quote

[h2ovapor]

Hello friends. Can someone please help me find a quote I recently read in EGW's writings? I cannot remember the exact wording, but she was talking about how as we are so greatly blessed, we become more responsible to those who do not have the blessings (knowledge/light etc) that we have. Thank you in advance for you help.

[phkrause]

On 4/5/2016 at 8:43 PM, h2ovapor said:

Hello friends. Can someone please help me find a quote I recently read in EGW's writings? I cannot remember the exact wording, but she was talking about how as we are so greatly blessed, we become more responsible to those who do not have the blessings (knowledge/light etc) that we have. Thank you in advance for you help.

Does this sound like it?

The meager views which so many have had of the exalted character and office of Christ have narrowed their religious experience and have greatly hindered their progress in the divine life. Personal religion among us as a people is at a low ebb. There is much form, much machinery, much tongue religion; but something deeper and more solid must be brought into our religious experience. With all our facilities, our publishing houses, our schools, our sanitariums, and many, many other advantages, we ought to be far in advance of our present position. It is the work of the Christian in this life to represent Christ to the world, in life and character unfolding the blessed Jesus. If God has given us light, it is that we may reveal it to others. But in comparison with the light we have received, and the opportunities and privileges granted us to reach the hearts of the people, the results of our work thus far have been far too small. God designs that the truth which He has brought to our understanding shall produce more fruit than has yet been revealed. But when our minds are filled with gloom and sadness, dwelling upon the darkness and evil around us, how can we represent Christ to the world? How can our testimony have power to win souls? What we need is to know God and the power of His love, as revealed in Christ, by an experimental knowledge. We must search the Scriptures diligently, prayerfully; our understanding must be quickened by the Holy Spirit, and our hearts must be uplifted to God in faith and hope and continual praise. (5T 743.2)

[h2ovapor]

1. Thank you phkrause. That is a beautiful quote. This one sounds more like the one I remember, although I am not certain it is the one I recently came across:  "Let these privileged ones make the most of their blessings, and realize that they are thus placed under greater obligation to labor for the good of others." Ms6-1891.

[Green Cochoa]

Here are a few more possibilities (excerpts only, where reasonable, for brevity):

. . . Man's responsibilities are proportionate to his opportunities and privileges. God gives to every one sufficient light and grace to do the work He has given him to do. If man fails to do that which a little light shows to be his duty, greater light would only reveal unfaithfulness, neglect to improve the blessings given. . . . {COL 265.4}

. . . the blessings and privileges granted to God's people in the present age exceed those bestowed upon ancient Israel. Christ has been manifested in the flesh; his blood has been poured out, the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world; and now our Mediator stands before the mercy-seat making an atonement for his people. In view of the increased light and greater privileges which we enjoy, we are laid under greater responsibilities than were the Israelites. God has given a light to the world in every soul who is brought to a knowledge of the truth and accepts his service; and he designs that each light shall be the means of lighting many others. We are not to let our light burn dim; we are to catch bright beams from the Sun of Righteousness, and reflect light to the world to the glory of God.  {RH, May 6, 1884 par. 5}  

 Year by year increasing light is shining upon our pathway. The light we had in 1884 is not the light for us this year; if that light has been faithfully improved, we may look for still greater light in the year that is before us. Dear brethren and sisters, the increased light that you receive places you under greater obligation to God. Your Christian growth should be in accordance with the privileges you enjoy. Each day as it passes should find you better prepared to meet new trials and bear new responsibilities. Do you appreciate this fact? Do you realize your duty to others? Consider the influence that every word and act of your life may have upon those around you. A lasting impression may be made, which will react upon yourself in blessing or in cursing. This thought gives an awful solemnity to life, and should drive us to God in humble prayer that he will guide us by his wisdom.  {RH, January 20, 1885 par. 4}  

The blessing that Heaven showers upon men is not simply that they may be made happy. Those who receive it must work for others. I remember at one time we had a special blessing in the Battle Creek church, and many souls were swept into the faith by the heavenly current of God's love. One brother arose and said, "All this blessing means work. It means responsibility, and am I in a situation to bear this responsibility?" There is tenfold greater responsibility resting upon us now than ever before, because of the measure of grace that we have received. Take it up, brethren, and bear it. As you work for God, the light will break in. . . . {ST, April 1, 1889 par. 6}  

 

[h2ovapor]

Wonderful! Thank you Green Cochoa.