We have discussed who are the watchmen; faithful and unfaithful. What qualifies them to stand on the walls of Zion? What attributes do they possess that helps them to be faithful? And who is an antagonist to the faithful watchmen?
The Bible, as we read before in who were the watchmen, stated that both God and man set up watchmen individually. These watchmen were to declare what they saw. So, from this we can infer that there were requirements for their ability to see and their ability to convey that information to others. The man of God’s appointment would be a man of humility, fidelity, meekness, prayer, honesty, integrity, and faith; for example Elijah, and Samuel. The watchman of man’s appointment would hopefully have these qualities as well.
The Spirit of Prophecy also has insightful statements on the qualifications of the watchman. These qualities we need if we are to be found faithful. They are as follows:
Converted 1,
watching and praying always 2,
not a lover of worldly pleasures, gain or mammon 3,
personal life exemplary example as Christ’s representative 4,
constant watchfulness and vigilance 5,
does not jest, joke, or engage in worldly conversation 6,
thorough in their work 7,
meek with a deep love to God and fellowman being tender and courteous 8,
connected with God, realizing their responsibility, taking higher stand for God in sincere devotion 9,
wise, rightly understanding and able to explain the word of God, doesn’t conform to worldly practices, contends for the faith and is spiritually minded 10,
will give up all that diverts their affection for God, speaks the truth 11,
bear a plain testimony, has a thorough knowledge of Bible prophecy and practical lessons from it, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead, having developed a breadth of mind and moral courage 12,
will move understandingly bearing burdens, fearlessly declaring the truth making their voices heard above those who object, doubt, criticize 13,
able to teach others how to labor for others, self denying 14,
will sound the alarm among the people, dismissive of doubts and evil surmising’s, fair and noble in dealing with brethren 15,
lay self in the dust; no boasting or ambition, pure and holy, working according to God’s plans and thoughts 16,
have Holy Spirit’s power in their life 17,
fully consecrated to God 18,
no rivalry, avoids misunderstanding or dissension but not at the expense of truth, not jealous of other workers 19,
walks humbly with God, unassuming in manner, guileless in conversation, gives all the glory to God, gives a straight testimony even if it makes foes-even to those of high position, will cry aloud and spare not, will not be found in a neutral position in a crisis but will stand firmly on the side of righteousness and truth even at the peril of their prosperity and loss of friends 20,
does not ‘sleep’ but is vigilant, listening to God’s voice 21,
not partial with wrong doers or practicing hypocrisy in dealing with a wrong doer 22,
leaves self out, raises voice in earnest prayer for power from on high, possessing a pure and strong faith, puts away all prejudice and evil speaking and thinking, sets affections on things above, have eyes open to see the needs of those around them, prays for outpouring of Holy Spirit, feels a burden for the perishing 23,
determined, energetic, have strength and courage, actuated by love of God and a desire to save sinners 24,
lives close to God so that they are able to discern the impressions of the Holy Spirit, using every faculty of their being in the work 25,
forgetful of self, not realizing their own weariness, cold, and hunger when searching for the lost sheep 26,
does a thorough work with people until they are truly converted, willing to visit and pray with people in their homes, able to give godly instruction, having a heart filled with deep and fervent love, holding every thing in subjection to the claims of Christ 27,
allows Holy Spirit to impress their mind with ideas to help those in need, does not give tame/formal discourses, not a people-pleaser but answerable to God 28,
does not talk a lot of self but of Christ, thorough in work, willing to move to different conferences 29,
earnestly searches their heart, persevering in prayer, claims God’s promises, willing to work fast and go steadily forward 30,
has Holy Spirit show them the work that needs to be done, has more than a theory of truth, has Holy Spirit working on their heart which is seen in the outward transformation of character 31,
willing to make adjustments in our institutions at once with a spirit to restore and not to destroy, speaking words of correction in humility of mind, speaking words of reproof with words of encouragement, cheerful but not light and trifling, praying for discernment and Christ like spirit, sincere/ true to the brethren not doing him wrong or suffering him to be unfaithful in the discharge of his duty 32,
puts away all prejudice of evil thinking and evil speaking, setting affections on things above 33.
These qualities we would hope to see developing not only in our own lives but also in our watchmen: our ministers, doctors, evangelists, publishers, editors, canvassers, lay members that God will prepare to give the 3 angels messages, conference workers and Conference Presidents.
Satan will try to disrupt and prevent the watchmen from doing their duty. Who are these antagonists of the faithful watchman? Those who try to destroy the influence of the watchman, who give and spread false reports, criticize, and maintain decided opposition to them (34).
In summary, the faithful watchmen are totally immerse in God’s will and plans and have put Him first and foremost in their lives. Their character is completely transforming to God’s character and they realize the solemnity of the work before them. They are faithful and declare what they see.
“He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness; but a false witness deceit….Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are His delight” (Proverbs 12:17, 22).
Endnotes:
1. 1T 469.3-470.1
2. 2T 283.2-283.3
3. 2T 440.1-441.1
4. 2T 548.1-549.2
5. 2T 706.1
6. 3T 240.4-241.1
7. 4T 317.1-317.2
8. 4T 396.1-398.1
9. 4T 527.1
10. 5T 15.2-16.1
11. 5T 83.1
12. 5T 251.1-252.1
13. 5T 262.3
14. 6T 431.1-431.3
15. 8T 195.1-195.4
16. 8T 234.1-235.2
17. 8T 304.1-304.3
18. GW 421.1-421.2
19. DA 181.4-182.2
20. RH Sept 4, 1888 par 10
21. RH Dec 6, 1892 par 9
22. RH Dec 1, 1896 par 10
23. RH Nov 12, 914 par 6-17
24. ST Jan17, 1884 par 13-14
25. GW 14.2-15.2
26. GW 16.1
27. GW92 43.1-43.2
28. GW92 263.2-264.1
29. GW92 449.1-450.1
30. 1SM 126.1-126.4
31. 2SM 56.2
32. PH080 3.1
33. GCB July 1, 1902 par 2
34. 5T 294.3