(D) Moral Independence

The Law of Mutual Dependence—We are all woven together in the great web of humanity, and whatever we can do to benefit and uplift others will reflect in blessing upon ourselves. The law of mutual dependence runs through all classes of society. The poor are not more dependent upon the rich than are the rich upon the poor. While the one class ask a share in the blessings which God has bestowed upon their wealthier neighbors, the other need the faithful service, the strength of brain and bone and muscle, that are the capital of the poor.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 534, 535 (1890).1MCP 267.1

Duty to Obey Individual Religious Convictions—Many are the ways by which Satan works through human influence to bind his captives. He secures multitudes to himself by attaching them by the silken cords of affection to those who are enemies of the cross of Christ. Whatever this attachment may be—parental, filial, conjugal, or social—the effect is the same; the opposers of truth exert their power to control the conscience, and the souls held under their sway have not sufficient courage or independence to obey their own convictions of duty.—The Great Controversy, 597 (1911).1MCP 267.2

Individual Judgment Stifled—Though reason and conscience are convinced, these deluded souls [professors of religion in the popular churches] dare not think differently from the minister; and their individual judgment, their eternal interests, are sacrificed to the unbelief, the pride and prejudice, of another.—The Great Controversy, 597 (1911).1MCP 267.3

Independently to Stand for Right—It will require courage and independence to rise above the religious standard of the Christian world. They do not follow the Saviour's example of self-denial; they make no sacrifice; they are constantly seeking to evade the cross which Christ declares to be the token of discipleship.—Testimonies for the Church 5:78 (1882).1MCP 268.1

Moral Independence When Opposing the World—Moral independence will be wholly in place when opposing the world. By conforming entirely to the will of God, we shall be placed upon vantage ground and shall see the necessity of decided separation from the customs and practices of the world. We are not to elevate our standard just a little above the world's standard; but we are to make the line of demarcation decidedly apparent.—The Review and Herald, January 9, 1894. (Fundamentals of Christian Education, 289.)1MCP 268.2

Moral Independence a Virtue—Our only safety is to stand as God's peculiar people. We must not yield one inch to the customs and fashions of this degenerate age but stand in moral independence, making no compromise with its corrupt and idolatrous practices.—Testimonies for the Church 5:78 (1882.)1MCP 268.3