“Show your colors to men and an angels. We are safe only when we are committed to the right. Then the world knows where we shall be found in the day of trial and trouble.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 96
“What is the Sentinel for?–It is to be as the voice of the watchman on the walls of Zion, ready to sound the danger signal. We should cry aloud, and spare not, and show the people their transgressions. We are not to cringe, and beg pardon of the world for telling them the truth. We should scorn concealment. Unfurl your true colors to the gaze of men and angels. Let it be understood that Seventh-day Adventists can make no compromise. In our opinions and faith there must not be the least appearance of wavering. The world has a right to expect something of us, and will look upon us as dishonest, as hiding our real sentiments and principles out of policy, if we present even the semblance of being uncommitted.” –The Review and Herald, January 31, 1893
“Nearly all persons can speak loud enough to be heard in ordinary conversation, and why should not the same voice and talent be used when they are called upon to bear testimony or offer prayer? When speaking of heavenly and divine things, why not speak in distinct tones, in a manner that will make it manifest that you know what you are talking about, and are not ashamed to show your colors? Why not pray as though you had a conscience void of offense, and could come to the throne of grace in humility and yet with holy boldness, lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting? Do not bow down and cover up your face as if there were something that you desired to conceal; but lift up your eyes toward the heavenly sanctuary, where Christ your Mediator stands before the Father to present your prayers as fragrant incense, mingled with His own merit and spotless righteousness. You are invited to come, to ask, to seek, to knock, and you are assured that you will not come in vain.” –Christian Education, p. 127
“The Lord calls upon you to show your colors. Stand as eternal health reformers, and do not be in such a condition that when they ask you if you are a health reformer, you will blush for shame. No; you want to say, Certainly, I am; certainly I am a health reformer in every respect; and I want to help others to be health reformers. This work is the right hand of the gospel. It is this health reform, and this healthful living, that is cleaving the way for us right to the hearts of thousands who have nearly killed themselves with their improper diet. Now let us begin to save them.” –The Review and Herald, January 7, 1902
“‘Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.’ We must free ourselves from the customs and bondage of society, that when the principles of our faith are at stake, we shall not hesitate to show our colors, even though we are called singular for so doing. Keep the conscience tender, that you may hear the faintest whisper of the voice that spoke as never man spoke. Let all who would wear the yoke of Christ show an inflexible purpose to do right because it is right. Keep the eye fixed on Jesus, inquiring at every step, Is this the way of the Lord? The Lord will not leave any one who does this, to become the sport of Satan’s temptation.” –The Review and Herald, May 9, 1899
“We are living amidst the perils of the last days, and we shall see many manifestations of Satan’s power. As faithful stewards of the grace of Christ we are to show our colors, ever remembering the words, Ye are ‘a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.’” –Manuscript Releases, vol. 20, p. 32
“God calls upon us to lift up the standard. As God’s standard-bearers we are ever to show our colors, revealing in our lives that we are keeping the commandments of God.” –Australasian Union Conference Record, April 1, 1901
Ellen G. White