Position Powerless to Sanctify.

Are acceptable spiritual sacrifices made to God when men who are placed in positions of great responsibility magnify themselves, and dishonor God? That has been done, and God looks upon their course with displeasure. Instead of growing up into Christ, their living head, manifesting his divine attributes to the world, they have grown earthward. Self has been regarded as of great importance, and selfishness has attached itself to their work. Devotion to God has not been seen; spiritual life in Jesus Christ has not been developed. {SpTA06 36.2}

God cannot give his wisdom to men who look upon their position as sufficient excuse for turning from Bible principles to their own finite judgment, as if a position in the work of the Lord gave them liberty of speech, and power to pass resolutions, and devise plans and methods that are not in accordance with God's will. Such need to learn that elevated position has no power to sanctify the heart. God permits them to hold these positions, that he may prove whether they will reveal the character of God or the character of weak, finite humanity, which has never been fully under God's discipline; but positions have no power to develop a man's character. It rests wholly with the man himself to prove whether he will work himself, which means that Satan will work him, or whether he will be worked by the Holy Spirit. {SpTA06 37.1}

"Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner." Have we all made Christ our righteousness? Has he been placed as the honored memorial stone of the corner? Have his lessons of humility been cherished, and have they been acted upon? Have his lessons of mercy, justice, and the love of God been exemplified in our lives? {SpTA06 37.2}