Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

they shut out the light which had been shining in their hearts, and as the
result they are left in darkness. Thus the words of Christ are verified: "If
therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!"
Matthew 6:23. For a time, persons who have committed this sin may appear
to be children of God; but when circumstances arise to develop character and
show what manner of spirit they are of, it will be found that they are on the
enemy's ground, standing under his black banner.
Confessing or Denying Christ
In our mingling in society, in families or in whatever relations of life we
are placed, either limited or extended, there are many ways wherein we may
acknowledge our Lord and many ways wherein we may deny Him. We may
deny Him in our words, by speaking evil of others, by foolish talking, jesting
and joking, by idle or unkind words, or by prevaricating, speaking contrary
to truth. In our words we may confess that Christ is not in us. In our
character we may deny Him by loving our ease, by shunning the duties and
burdens of life which someone must bear if we do not, and by loving sinful
pleasure. We may also deny Christ by pride of dress and conformity to the
world, or by uncourteous behavior. We may deny Him by loving our own
opinions and by seeking to maintain and justify self. We may also deny Him
in allowing the mind to run in the channel of lovesick sentimentalism and to
brood over our supposed hard lot and trials. No one can truly confess Christ
before the world unless the mind and spirit of Christ live in him. It is
impossible to communicate that which we have not. The conversation and
the deportment should be a real and visible expression of grace and truth
within. If the heart is sanctified, submissive, and humble, the fruits will be
seen outwardly and will be a most effectual confession of Christ.
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