Gods Sabbath

446

E NTERING INTO G OD ’ S S ABBATH R EST

Force is Unacceptable

Initially, the church leaders entertained the idea that respect for their position of authority would lead the laborers to conform to their directives, but when this did not eventuate, they resort ed to the use of force. In their increasing determination to “save” the church, they demanded submission to their policies as far as it lay in their power to do so. They threatened to withdraw their support from Paul and his workers. “If Paul would conform his methods to certain policies which they advocated they would acknowledge and sustain his work; otherwise, they could no longer look upon it with favor or grant it their support.” The Acts of the Apostles , 401.2. These tactics have met with considerable success whenever they have been used. The only souls who can resist such pres sures are those who have a sound knowledge of God’s ways and an inflexible determination to follow them. People who resort to such forceful methods are thereby identifying themselves as en emies of God and His church, no matter how well-meaning, ear nest, zealous, self-sacrificing, or hardworking they might be. In stead of concentrating on the tasks the Lord has given them to

How Good and Bad Motives Intermingle

Desire for Harmony

Inclination to rule

Enforcing the own opinion

Indirect (Withdrawal of Support)

Direct (Measures of Force)