Today’s Manna

"Obstinacy is often confounded with independence. . . . True independence never disdains to ask advice of the experienced, and it treats the counsel of others with respect. God desires His people to be disciplined and brought into harmony, that they may see eye to eye. This does not mean that they are to yield up their individuality. Individuality should not be sacrificed, but it should be refined and elevated. That personal independence which leaves one to trust to his own judgment, to be self-willed, and to despise the counsel of his brethren, is not what is needed at this time.

"When one loses hope and courage, and is driven hither and thither by this or that idea, and by what this or that one may say; when he is aimless and unstable, and accomplishes little, he needs more self-reliance and independence. But when one has a high opinion of himself, and thinks that his labors are of more real consequence than they are; when he pleads for personal freedom and self-direction in his work, he needs to humble himself before God. In many cases we can yield our will, and even our judgment, to that of others without sacrificing principle." ¹