Choosing a Leader

Christ died that man might not be bound hopelessly to Satan's chariot as the trophies of his victory. Who then will link with Satan? Who will choose to wear his badge? Who will choose him as their leader, refusing to stand under a banner stained with the blood of the Captain of their salvation? Christ died for every son and daughter of Adam. It was for us He manifested this amazing love. How can the subjects of His love be indifferent, standing in sin and disobedience, refusing to confess Christ? How can they love to do evil? How can they prostitute their reasoning faculties, and place their influence on Satan's side? By doing this they weaken their moral power and efficiency, instead of strengthening every faculty to do the will of Him who so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.1NL 82.5

The Lord has greatly honored men by giving Christ as their ransom, that they might be recovered from the enemy's service. But are they willing to be recovered? Will they accept the precious gift Christ Jesus, or will they refuse to do Him service? Christ declared, “He that gathereth not with Me scattereth abroad.” Those who try to do well in their finite strength will fail. But those who accept Jesus are upheld by a higher than human power. They confess Christ. They become His soldiers in their school associations. They will realize that they are enlisted to make the school the most orderly, elevated, and praiseworthy institution in the world. They will place every jot and tittle of their influence on the side of Christ and heavenly intelligences.1NL 83.1