Self-sufficiency

Some people know how to climb the ladder of success but not how to get off it. Alvin Toffler (1928–2016) warned, “Nothing is more dangerous than yesterday’s success.”16 Alonzo T. Jones (1850–1923) accepted the Adventist message and was baptized at Walla Walla, Washington, on August 8, 1874. In 1878, he was ordained as a minister and became an influential thought leader. Together with Ellet J. Waggoner, he played a crucial role in preaching righteousness by faith at the 1888 General Conference Session in Minneapolis and afterward. But his association with Dr. John H. Kellogg fueled self-sufficiency and his post-1901 anti-organization bitterness.

Jones tirelessly attempted to undermine Arthur G. Daniells’s leadership as General Conference president. As early as September 19, 1892, Ellen White had stated, “It is quite possible that Elder Jones or Waggoner may be overthrown by the temptations of the enemy; but if they should be, this would not prove that they had had no message from God or that the work that they had done was all a mistake.”17 Unfortunately, they lacked humility and failed to live the message they themselves had preached so effectively to thousands of other people.

Eventually, all three —Kellogg, Waggoner, and Jones— ended up leaving the church. In 1907, Jones was asked to turn in his ministerial credentials, and the following year he was disfellowshiped from the church.

He requested a hearing at the 1909 General Conference Session in Washington, DC. There he presented a long self-justifying and accusatory speech and met with key church leaders three times. At last, after an extended appeal for reconciliation, President A. G. Daniells reached his hand across the table and said, “Come, Brother Jones, come.” Jones arose and slowly extended his hand, then he suddenly pulled it back and declared, “No, never!” and sat down again.18 Jones never rejoined the church.

Far more important than starting well is ending well.

Pride and self-sufficiency have a high price.

A. T. Jones’s story could have had a different ending had he remained humble and thankful for what the Lord had accomplished through him.