Chapter 3

CODE OF CONDUCT

 In this chapter, the Bible Workers and the Minister will also be guided through the pen of inspiration and the rules in various aspects which had been set in this handbook.

I. Principles of Conduct

Platform Conduct—But things that are wrong often transpire in the sacred desk. One minister conversing with another in the desk before the congregation, laughing and appearing to have no burden of the work, or lacking a solemn sense of their sacred calling, dishonors the truth, and brings the sacred down upon the low level of common things.—Testimonies For The Church 2:612, 613 (1871). Ev 145.2

Men in every position of trust need to take their place in the school of Christ, and heed the injunction of the Great Teacher: ‘Learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.’ We have no excuse for manifesting one wrong trait of character. ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.’ In your dealing with others, whatever you see or hear that needs to be corrected, first seek the Lord for wisdom and grace, that in trying to be faithful, you may not be rude. Ask Him to give you the gentleness of Christ: then you will be true to your duty, true to your position of trust, and true to God, a faithful steward, overcoming natural and acquired tendencies to evil. LV 86.1 http://srwritings.org/en/read/lv/86.1

The time has come when, in the name and strength of God, the church must act for the good of souls and for the honor of God. A lack of firm faith and of discernment in sacred things should be regarded as sufficient to debar any man from connection with the work of God. So also the indulgence of a quick temper, a harsh, overbearing spirit, reveals that its possessor should not be placed where he will be called to decide weighty questions that affect God’s heritage. A passionate man should have no part to act in dealing with human minds. He can not be trusted to shape matters which have a relation to those whom Christ has purchased at an infinite price. If he undertakes to manage men, he will hurt and bruise their souls; for he has not the fine touch, the delicate sensibility, which the grace of Christ imparts. His own heart needs to be softened, subdued by the Spirit of God; the heart of stone has not become a heart of flesh.” LV 83.1 http://srwritings.org/en/read/lv/83.1

Evangelist’s Personality — The position of our ministers calls for health of body and discipline of mind. Good sound sense, strong nerves, and a cheerful temper will recommend the gospel minister anywhere. These should be sought for, and perseveringly cultivated.—Testimonies For The Church 3:466 (1875). Ev 147.

Decorum is necessary in the desk. A minister of the gospel should not be regardless of his attitude. If he is the representative of Christ, his deportment, his attitude, his gestures, should be of such a character as will not strike the beholder with disgust. Ministers should possess refinement. They should discard all uncouth manners, attitudes, and gestures, and should encourage in themselves humble dignity of bearing. They should be clothed in a manner befitting the dignity of their position. Their speech should be in every respect solemn and well chosen.—Testimonies For The Church 1:648, 649 (1868). Ev 145.1

DEPORTMENT, noun  ( kilos ) the way that a person behaves, stands, and moves especially in a formal situation

GESTURE, noun, verb ( galaw, kumpas ): a movement of your body (especially of your hands and arms) that shows or emphasizes an idea or a feeling

: something said or done to show a particular feeling or attitude

DISGUST, noun, verb ( pagkainis, pagkayamot )  a strong feeling of dislike for something that has a very unpleasant appearance, taste, smell, etc.

: annoyance and anger that you feel toward something because it is not good, fair, appropriate, etc

REFINEMENT, noun, ( kapinuhan, kagandahang asal ) the act or process of removing unwanted substances from something : the act or process of making something pure

: the act or process of improving something

: an improved version of something

UNCOUTH, adjective (pangit, masagwa, magaspang ) behaving in a rude way : not polite or socially acceptable

II. General Guidance from the Pen of inspiration

These guidances should be embodied in the lifework of the Bible Worker, Ministers, Officers and members in the Association.

A. A Warning against Hypocrisy

In sharp contrast to the example of benevolence shown by the believers, was the conduct of Ananias and Sapphira, whose experience, traced by the pen of Inspiration, has left a dark stain upon the history of the early church. With others, these professed disciples had shared the privilege of hearing the gospel preached by the apostles. They had been present with other believers when, after the apostles had prayed, "the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost." Acts 4:31. Deep conviction had rested upon all present, and under the direct influence of the Spirit of God, Ananias and Sapphira had made a pledge to give to the Lord the proceeds from the sale of certain property.  {AA 71.2}

B. God requires order and system

"God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." 1 Corinthians 14:33. He requires that order and system be observed in the conduct of church affairs today no less than in the days of old. He desires His work to be carried forward with thoroughness and exactness so that He may place upon it the seal of His approval. Christian is to be united with Christian, church with church, the human instrumentality co-operating with the divine, every agency subordinate to the Holy Spirit, and all combined in giving to the world the good tidings of the grace of God.  {AA 96.1}

C. Conduct pertains to the Spiritual Warfare

As an important factor in the spiritual growth of the new converts the apostles were careful to surround them with the safeguards of gospel order. Churches were duly organized in all places in Lycaonia and Pisidia where there were believers. Officers were appointed in each church, and proper order and system were established for the conduct of all the affairs pertaining to the spiritual welfare of the believers.  {AA 185.2} 

This was in harmony with the gospel plan of uniting in one body all believers in Christ, and this plan Paul was careful to follow throughout his ministry. Those who in any place were by his labor led to accept Christ as the Saviour were at the proper time organized into a church. Even when the believers were but few in number, this was done. The Christians were thus taught to help one another, remembering the promise, "Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them." Matthew 18:20.  {AA 185.3} 

D. Prudent Conduct Towards the SDA/unbelievers

When Peter, at a later date, visited Antioch, he won the confidence of many by his prudent conduct toward the Gentile converts. For a time he acted in accordance with the light given from heaven. He so far overcame his natural prejudice as to sit at table with the Gentile converts… Gal. 2:13,14 {AA 197.3)

E. Great Heart of Sympathy acts a principle of conduct

His great heart of sympathy took in all classes. "I am debtor," he declared, "both to the Greeks, and to the barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise." Romans 1:14. Love for the Lord of glory, whom he had so relentlessly persecuted in the person of His saints, was the actuating principle of his conduct, his motive power. If ever his ardor in the path of duty flagged, one glance at the cross and the amazing love there revealed, was enough to cause him to gird up the loins of his mind and press forward in the path of self-denial.  {AA 246.1} 

F. Putting aside all Personal Feelings

Then, putting aside all personal feelings over the course of those whose conduct revealed such     strange perverseness, and keeping his soul stayed upon God, the apostle wrote to the church at Corinth one of the richest, most instructive, most powerful of all his letters.  {AA 300.4} 

G. Remarkable Clearness to deal with Various Questions

With remarkable clearness he proceeded to answer the various questions brought forward by the church, and to lay down general principles, which, if heeded, would lead them to a higher spiritual plane. They were in peril, and he could not bear the thought of failing at this critical time to reach their hearts. Faithfully he warned them of their dangers and reproved them for their sins. He pointed them again to Christ and sought to kindle anew the fervor of their early devotion.  {AA 301.1} 

H. All conduct must be in Harmony with the Teaching of the Truth

And they had endeavored to bring their conduct into harmony with their teaching, that the truth presented might commend itself to every man's conscience.  {AA 330.1} 

"We have this treasure," the apostle continued, "in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." God could have proclaimed His truth through sinless angels, but this is not His plan. He chooses human beings, men compassed with infirmity, as instruments in the working out of His designs. The priceless treasure is placed in earthen vessels. Through men His blessings are to be conveyed to the world. Through them His glory is to shine forth into the darkness of sin. In loving ministry they are to meet the sinful and the needy, and lead them to the cross. And in all their work they are to ascribe glory, honor, and praise to Him who is above all and over all.  {AA 330.2} 

I. Everything Should be for God’s glory

"All things are for your sakes," he said, "that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God." Not for self-aggrandizement did the apostles preach the gospel. It was the hope of saving souls that led them to devote their lives to this work. And it was this hope that kept them from ceasing their efforts because of threatened danger or actual suffering.  {AA 332.1} 

J. Earnestness and Evident Sincerity in all conduct

The apostle spoke with earnestness and evident sincerity, and his words carried with them a weight of conviction. Claudius Lysias, in his letter to Felix, had borne a similar testimony in regard to Paul's conduct… AA 421.3

K. In the midst of violence and cruelty conduct should found faultless

So violent and cruel had been the course of Felix that few had ever before dared even to intimate to him that his character and conduct were not faultless. But Paul had no fear of man. He plainly declared his faith in Christ, and the reasons for that faith, and was thus led to speak particularly of those virtues essential to Christian character, but of which the haughty pair before him were so strikingly destitute.  {AA 423.2} 

Napakatindi at malupit na naging kurso ni Felix na kakaunti pa ang naglakas-loob kahit na malapit sa kanya na ang kanyang ugali at pag-uugali ay hindi walang kasalanan. Ngunit si Paul ay walang takot sa tao. Malinaw na idineklara niya ang kanyang pananampalataya kay Cristo, at ang mga dahilan para sa pananampalatayang iyon, at sa gayon ay humantong sa pagsasalita ng partikular sa mga birtud na mahalaga sa katangiang Kristiyano, ngunit kung saan ang mayabang na pares sa harapan niya ay napakahirap. {AA 423.2}

L. Deepest and Tenderness Feeling as Christian

The apostle well knew the severity which masters exercised toward their slaves, and he knew also that Philemon was greatly incensed because of the conduct of his servant. He tried to write to him in a way that would arouse his deepest and tenderest feelings as a Christian. The conversion of Onesimus had made him a brother in the faith, and any punishment inflicted on this new convert would be regarded by Paul as inflicted on himself.  {AA 457.4} 

M. Unerring Rules of Conduct for Christians

John was a teacher of holiness, and in his letters to the church he laid down unerring rules for the conduct of Christians. "Every man that hath this hope in him," he wrote, "purifieth himself, even as He is pure." "He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked." 1 John 3:3; 2:6. He taught that the Christian must be pure in heart and life. Never should he be satisfied with an empty profession. As God is holy in His sphere, so fallen man, through faith in Christ, is to be holy in his sphere.  {AA 559.2}

N. Working in the Principle of Love

True sanctification comes through the working out of the principle of love. "God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." 1 John 4:16. The life of him in whose heart Christ abides, will reveal practical godliness. The character will be purified, elevated, ennobled, and glorified. Pure doctrine will blend with works of righteousness; heavenly precepts will mingle with holy practices.  {AA 560.1} 

O. Entire Course of Conduct is Patterned to His Master

That the believer should recognize his body as the temple of the Holy Spirit, and that therefore he should clothe that body in neat, modest, dignified apparel. Further, that in eating and drinking and in his entire course of conduct he should shape his life as becometh a follower of the meek and lowly Master. Thus the believer will be led to abstain from all intoxicating drinks, tobacco, and other narcotics, and the avoidance of every body-and-soul-defiling habit and practice. 1 Cor. 3:16, 17; 9:25; 10:31: 1 Tim. 2:9, 10; 1 John 2:6.

III. Rules in Various Aspects

A. Attendance: Bible Worker and Minister Presence in time

This aspect deals with the principles where the Bible Worker and Minister must be aware of in fulfilling his God given task.

1.      The Principle of Punctuality:

a.   Change your method and learn how to live.

b.  Make it your determined purpose by ceaseless effort to live right.

c.       Be systematic with punctuality – never late to start, never late to stop, be like God {Zech. 12:8}

d.  Do not waste your life before the mirror or in useless so-called home duties or satanic pleasures. {1SC 17 p. 9}

e.   Must attend to the Annual Session, Seminars, Training, Workshop, and other related Continuing Education Program of the Association (CEP).

2.      The Principle of Connectivity:

a.   See to it that you are easy to contact.

b.   Reachable by the National office at any time, appointed time or scheduled time.

c.   Making self-available at any time of emergency, in season or out of season.

d.   Taking notes to attend to your appointments and commitments.

e.   Inform the National Office in case you are not reachable on any particular circumstances.

3.      The Principle of Integrity:

a.   Have an undivided attention to any instructions and orders.

b.  Have a sound mind to accept any appointment and assignment.

c.   Ensure that you attend at the right time, at the right place and at the right spirit.

4.      The Principle of Commitment:

a.   When time, place and people are concerned – be considerate to comply with the agreement to attend.

b.  Be a man of honor. Mean what you say, by telling yes or no.

5.      The Principle of Family Unity:

a.   Attend the Annual Meeting with your family especially your wife.

    B.  Submission of Report

This aspect demands rules for the Bible Worker and Minister to abide – ensuring that the personal, missionary and financial information be communicated to the National Office through reports to be submitted.

1.  The rule of Promptness

The reports are expected to be submitted on time.

2.  The rule of Neatness, Clarity and Completeness

The reports should be neat, readable (clear) and complete.

3.  The rule of Exactness and Order

The reports should be submitted on time to the proper department or office where it would be intended.

C.  Work Performance:

This aspect illustrates how the Bible Worker and Minister do their own plans, activities, financial expenditures (budget), records, etc.

1.  Being Accurate

a.   The ability to finish his planned activities accurately.

b.  The determined spirit to correctly complying with his own plan.

c.   The untiring effort to perfectly accomplish his duties and responsibilities.

2.  Being Prudent

a.   The ability to use or spend the money wisely.

b.  The sensibility of decision to appropriate and estimate his expenses in the field.

c.   The economical spirit of the Bible Worker and Minister.

d.  The ability to spend the allotted budget accordingly.

3.  Being Organized

a.   The ability to organize the things necessary in the field.

b.  The ability to compile personal daily routine, weekly, monthly and accomplishment records/reports for further reference.

c.   The ability to organize the old and new members in his field.

4.  Being Resourceful

a.   Ability to look for any means to fill in the necessary things to achieve the plan.

5.  Having the Initiative

a.   The ability to initiate any program for the advancement of the work.

6.  Being responsible

a.   Attentive to his duties.

b.  Performing his duties and responsibilities.

7.  Being Logical

a.   Being at work as God’s real servant, logical thinkers, not bait hunters {2TG No. 24, p. 23}

b.      The decisions made in all matters are liberal, based on sound logic and reason, not on emotions, partiality, or on respect of persons, nor on selfish gain. {CFL p. 3)

8.  Being Loyal

a.   Loyal to the Present Truth, the Shepherd’s Rod, the HQ as the true appointed agency or reformatory movement in these last days.

b.  Participate in any local, and national initiated programs.

c.   Performing his duty circumspectly, without any conflict of personal interest. {PK 30}

d.  Teach only what is taught in the SRod, SOP and the Bible.

9.  Be a minute Man

   a.   God’s servant must be on time and considerate time as precious gift from God.

   b.   Has the spirit of urgency where every moment is essential part of life and development.

D.  Respect of Person

This aspect deals with how the Bible Worker and Minister behave and conduct themselves with others, and with his role as God’s servant.

1.      Being Tactful

a.   Very careful in using word that may hurt and harm others emotionally.

b.  Avoiding censuring spirit of contempt, discord and strife.

c.   He knows that God has not made him a judge of His people, or corrector of heretics.

d.  He does what Truth says, and those who wish to fall in line may do so, but never tries to push them over to his side. {CFL p.5}

2.      Being humble

a.   Do not resent criticism, but is grateful for it and puts into use all that is constructive.

b.      Makes no excuses for blunders, but uses them as stepping stones to improvement. {CFL p. 3}

c.   He is truly humble and thankful He gives God the glory for all his deeds and accomplishments

d.  He shares the glory with his fellow workers and fellowmen.

3.      Being Careful

a.   Searching and finding the beauty that is in all God’s creation, and seeks to put art into all he does.

b.  Never sits with the scornful {Ps. 1:1}, never eats where the drunkards do, is particular in choosing his company

c.   Never makes enemies, and always seeks to make friends

d.      He therefore never wastes his time looking for specks or beams in another’s eye. {Mat. 7:1-5}

4.      Being Positive

a.   Thinking positive, helpful thoughts, and he is serene, useful, happy man, in great demand.

b.  Even his enemies have certain respect for him.

5.      Being Modest

a.   Does not try to attract attention to himself, but rather to his cause.

b.  He is modest in dress, speech, and manners, and he refuses to bask in the reflection of another’s glory.

6. Being Considerate

a. The ability to perform the work carefully and applying the spirit of consideration and avoiding conflict among others.

b.  Thinking for others benefit not only for self.

E.  Compliance with laws, rules, policies and guidelines

This aspect deals with how the Bible Worker and Minister conduct or relate himself with the establish laws, rule, policies and guidelines.

1.      Obedient to the Laws of God

a.   Maintains faith in a better future

b.  He does all to live and to serve, and so he eats for strength, not for drunkenness.

c.   He keeps his hands off that which God has pronounced unclean.

2.      Avoid the spirit of fanaticism

a.   He is never fanatic, neither is he lax.

b.  He walks in the middle of the road where the light shines brightest.

c.   He is not carried with every wind of doctrine.

3.      Respect Authorities

a.   He minds authority, and shuns quackery.

b.  He gets into the “guest” chamber {Matt. 22:11}

c.   Remains consecrated, the man whom God has endowed with discernment and ability will not manifest an eagerness for high position, neither will he seek to rule or control. {PK 31.2}

F.  Care of Property (documents, Property, equipment)

This aspect depicts how the Bible Worker and Minister use and administer the documents, property and equipment own by the Association.

1.      The Bible Worker and Minister are expected to take good care of the Association’s Property.

a.   Being responsible for the things entrusted by the Association.

b.  Being careful of using the property and equipment of the Association.

2.      Exercise prudence in any things in the office.

a.   There should be prior permission to take documents, resources, equipment before taking it out.

b.  Follow the rules and regulations of the National Office with regards to the utilities, documents, equipment and others.

3.      The association’s property, supplies, materials should be used solely for the association advancement cause.

4.      Office documents, rules, guidelines, and other confidential files should not be allowed to the public.

a.   Exercise prudence in dissemination of confidential article in any documents of the association.

b.  Disclosing of the information – (e.g. personalize information, confidentially of the files gathered).

c.   The office operational equipment should be used only by the in charge person.

G. Health and Safety

1.   General Principles

   a.   Adhere to the general guideline for his own safety at all times.

   b.   In his where he is working – he must be free from any hazardous situation, environmental factors which may cause diseases – health and safety principles..

2.   Specific

a.   Follow or comply with safety rules, common safety practices

b.   Personal hygiene

c.   Safety precaution

d.   Abide with the health principles and laws.

·         Reform our health lifestyle

·         Check our table for unhealthy foods.

e.   Care for the cleanliness and orderliness

f.   In case of sickness the BW or Minister to inform whatever disease is contagious or not so that the National Office –

·         Worker should not compromise safety

·         Observe safety.

·         Yearly check up - being implemented.