Words to the Young

«We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)» «Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you; and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.»

Shall we obey the injunction to come out from the world with its selfish pleasures, and claim the promise that we shall be the sons and daughters of God? Is it not inducement enough that is offered,—«I will receive you; and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty»? Is it not enough that we are to be members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King? Christ is our example in all things, and we are to copy the pattern. Consider his unpretending life. His voice sounds in invitation, saying, «Come unto me, all ye that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and 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.» «He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.» What a precious assurance is contained in this promise! What greater inducement could be presented to us to become the sons and daughters of God? Who will put on the whole armor? Who will enlist under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel? Be assured that Jesus, the Prince of life, has been tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin. He overcame in his human nature in order that you might have before you the power of his example. Through overcoming temptation on every point, he has opened for you a door of access to God. It is through Jesus Christ our Advocate, and it is a door that no man can shut. Divine enlightenment may come to every struggling, tempted child of God in order that he need not fall in the strife with the powers of darkness, but be a conqueror in every battle.

Jesus says, «I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. . . . Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.»

We must put forth an earnest, continual effort in the army of the Lord, in order that Satan shall not succeed in alluring us from our integrity. Our only safety is found in constant prayerful watchfulness. «It is a faithful saying: for if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: if we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us.» «Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.» We read in the cross of Christ that God is love, and that he will impart to us his excellences if we desire him to do so, in order that we may impart blessings to those around us. The chief end of life is to glorify God. While worldlings live to please themselves, and to get all the enjoyment possible, the Christian should live to bring honor to his Master, and blessing to mankind. Worldlings forget God in their eagerness for pleasure; but the word of God draws a dividing line between the follower of Christ and the pleasure-seeker. He who imitates Christ will show forth his self-denial and self-sacrifice, and will conscientiously consider every action lest he should dishonor God in any of his ways. Just where the conscience of the Bible Christian warns him to forbear, to deny himself, to stop, just there the worldling steps over the line to indulge his selfish propensities. On one side of the line is the self-denying follower of Jesus Christ, on the other side of the line is the self-indulgent world-lover, pandering in fashion, engaging in frivolity, and pampering himself in forbidden pleasures. On this side of the line the Christian cannot go. It is no place for him; for it is a path of darkness, where only unrest of spirit is found.

May the Lord help us to make a success of perfecting Christian character, that we may be fitted for translation to heaven. It is fidelity that is needed among both young and old; it is a purpose to follow the Lord fully that is demanded at this time. It is not feeling and mechanical activity that are needed, but a devoted spirit to work for the Master. It is not parade and show that are essential, but patient, earnest effort, persevering work. It is workers who have made a complete consecration that are looked for, to cooperate with the angels of heaven. At this time we need Calebs and Joshuas to cry, «We are well able to go up and possess the land.» Caleb and Joshua stood boldly before the people, and did not fear their rage, though the multitude caught up stones to strike them to the earth. The strong voice of Caleb did not falter as he rang out the words of encouragement, «We are well able to go up and possess the land.»

God blessed Caleb and Joshua. While cowardly Israel were turned back into the wilderness to fall into graves in the desert, Caleb and Joshua were spared to enter into the goodly land; for they had correctly and nobly reported for God. Our power is not in our talents of education or means, neither is it in our popularity; it is in self-sacrifice, our willing obedience to Jesus Christ. Those who truly surrender all to him, will carry a weight of influence, and will carry others along with them, because they walk in the light. Brain power will be inefficient, purse power of little account with God; but heart power, thorough godliness, humble fidelity, will bear a weight of influence that will be irresistible. Mrs. E. G. White. —

«Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.» «Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.»

When you present your petitions to the Lord, it should be in humility, without boasting of superior attainments, but with real soul hunger for the blessing of God. Christ always knows what is cherished in the heart. We must come in faith that the Lord will hear and answer our prayers; for «whatsoever is not of faith is sin.» Genuine faith is the faith that works by love, and purifies the soul. A living faith will be a working faith. Should we go into the garden, and find that there was no sap in the plants, no freshness in the leaves, no bursting buds or blooming flowers, no signs of life in stalk or branches, we would say, «The plants are dead. Uproot them from the garden; for they are a deformity to the beds.» So it is with those who profess Christianity, and have no spirituality. If there are no signs of religious vigor, if there is no doing of the commandments of the Lord, it is evident that there is no abiding in Christ, the living vine.

Jesus said: «He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me, shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, . . . and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.» We are to take God’s words into the very heart, and believe them as the words of one who will not deceive us. Make the promises of God your living trust until you can say with Paul, «I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.» «With the heart, man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.»

If we have this quality of faith, we shall be able to bear an intelligent testimony in meeting, and it will be of a character to edify those who listen. We want our character and conduct both to be of such a nature as will be expressive of our faith. The religion of Jesus Christ means progress; it means to be ever reaching upward to a holier and higher standard. The Christian whose heart has been touched with the beauty of the Saviour’s character, is to put into practice that which he learns in the school of Christ. We must be apt pupils in the school of Christ, readily learning that which he teaches us from day to day.

The talents which God had given us we are to employ to his honor and glory. The Lord has given us reason and intelligence, and he expects us to use them in the right direction. Thus we shall increase them; for a higher power than that of man’s alone, works in us to will and to do of God’s good pleasure. The ability which we possess is not of our own creating. The apostle asks, «Who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?» Our talents belong to God, and to him we should render them in joyful service, becoming workmen that need not be ashamed.

Jesus represents us as his children. He declares that he is our Father, and that we are to come to him as children come to an earthly parent. He says: «If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?» A parent would not believe that a child was very hungry if he should come and ask in a whisper for something to eat. The hungry, thirsty child comes to ask for bread in real earnestness, and if the parent fails to give attention, the child takes hold of the parent, and reminds him or her of his wants, and will finally become importunate, so that you cannot put him off with an excuse. The hungry child does not cease to plead till its wants are supplied. The Lord says, «The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.» Let no unbelief separate you from the source of your strength. Live by faith on the Son of God.

It is certainly proper for us to manifest the same zeal in religious matters that we manifest in our earthly, temporal concerns. We should manifest zeal proportionate to the value of the object of which we are in pursuit. But how does the devotion we manifest in eternal things compare with the zeal we manifest in the things of this world? Does our devotion to God call forth the same animation that we reveal when in the service of the world? The eternal interests are as much higher than temporal interests as the heavens are higher than the earth; and when we consider this fact, how can we account for the attitude of indifference, the want of earnestness, that many manifest in their religious life? Many do not seem to realize what claims God has upon them. Those who profess to be soldiers of Jesus Christ should realize that it is their duty to work for the interest of the cause of God, to strengthen his kingdom, and to magnify his name. We see that wisdom, tact, and skill are exercised in connection with temporal matters, and that much study and zeal are put forth in order to make this fleeting life a success in earthly things; but how few seem to feel under any obligation to devote to God the very best of their ability!

Ask yourselves the question, «What is my life toward God and toward my fellowmen?» There is no one that liveth to himself. No life is lived on neutral ground. Our conceptions of life may be influenced by the enemy of all righteousness, so that we do not realize its vast importance; but although we may not be awake to the importance of life, it is nevertheless true that we cannot cast off our responsibility, and live without reference to the future, immortal life, and still do our duty to God and to our fellowmen. Each one is a part of the great web of humanity, and each one has a far-reaching influence. We cannot fulfil the obligations that rest upon us in our own strength alone. We must have divine aid in meeting our responsibilities, that our influence may have a right direction, and be an influence that will gather with Christ.

All our talents of time, ability, and influence were bestowed by God, and are to be given back to him in willing service. The great object of the life which God has given is not the securing of temporal advantages, but the securing of eternal privileges in the kingdom of heaven. The Lord has bought all that there is of us by the precious blood of Christ; and it is the worst kind of robbery that could be practised to withhold from him his own. «What! know ye not that . . . ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price [even with the precious blood of Christ]: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.» Mrs. E. G. White. —

«He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much; and he that is unjust in the least, is unjust also in much.» God requires us to be faithful in the smallest details of life,—to guard our words, our spirit, and our actions. To do this, we need to acquire perfect self-control, and this will demand of us constant, ceaseless watchfulness. While we educate ourselves to place our entire trust in God, we shall not be justified in outbursts of passion, and in the utterance of words that we shall be ashamed to meet in the judgment. But when the will of God becomes our individual will, we shall find everything moving in a harmonious way. If we are consistent in little things, we shall be able to be consistent in larger matters.

Were self kept under control, serious errors in home and business life would be avoided. Among the members of many families there is practised the habit of saying loose, careless things, and the habit of tantalizing, of speaking harsh words, becomes stronger and stronger as it is indulged, and thus many objectionable words are spoken that are after Satan’s order, and not after the order of God. Should those who indulge in speaking words of passion, study the Guide Book, and with a serious mind seek to know its requirements, and to do them,—should they make practical its injunctions,—what a transformation would there be in the conduct and conversation! Burning words of passion should never be spoken; for in the sight of God and holy angels they are as a species of swearing. The directions of God’s word are to be implicitly obeyed. «All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.» Every relation in life, every position of responsibility, every affection and habit, every emotion of the mind, is to be brought to the great standard of righteousness, the commandments of God, which are exceeding broad. We must have simplicity of heart that we may understand, and willingness of mind to practise, all the teachings of God’s word.

In order that the soul may become a vessel unto honor for the glory of God, it is necessary for it to be sanctified and prepared to every good work, and the whole mind must be molded by the Holy Spirit. Divine power will combine with human effort, when we seek earnestly to be complete in Christ Jesus. The Lord will help every one who seeks him with all his heart. He shall have the light of life, and that light shines from the living oracles. As the light of the sun sheds its warmth throughout all the world, so the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness will shed health-giving rays into the heart. But he who does not walk in the light, will be left at last in darkness.

Let every youth consider the parable of the ten virgins. All had lamps, that is, an outward semblance of religion; but only five of them had the inward piety. Five of them were wanting in the oil of grace. The Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, the Holy Spirit, was not abiding in their hearts. Without the oil of grace, of what use was it to bear about a lamp of profession? However high may be the profession, however high may be the position held by a professor of religion, if the oil of grace is wanting, he has nothing with which to feed his lamp, and it cannot send forth clear, shining rays of light.

It is possible to have just enough religion to deaden the conscience, deceive the senses, and ruin the soul; just enough outward appearance of sanctity to have a name to live, while we are dead. We can do no good thing except as we are in cooperation with divine agencies. «Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.» The Lord is soon to come, and it is a solemn thought that those who might be workers together with God, are not wearing the yoke of Christ.

The reason why the Bridegroom delays is because he is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but all should come to repentance. O the precious longsuffering of our merciful Saviour! O that each of the dear youth would appreciate the value of the soul that has been purchased at infinite cost on Calvary! O that each one would place a proper estimate upon the capabilities that have been given him of God! Through Christ you may climb the ladder of progress, and bring every power under the control of Jesus. You may represent the character of Jesus. In spirit, in thought, in word, and in action, you may make manifest that you are moved by the Spirit of Christ, and your life may wield a power of influence over others.

We are living in altogether too solemn a period of the world’s history to be careless and negligent. God has given you moral powers, and has made you susceptible to religious influences; he has provided opportunities and facilities that are favorable to the development of a Christlike character; and it now remains with you as to whether or not you will cooperate with divine agencies, and make your calling and election sure. Will you not seize, appreciate, and appropriate every help that has been provided? You must pray, believe, and obey. In your own strength you can do nothing; but in the grace of Jesus Christ, you can employ your powers in such a way as to bring the greatest good to your own soul, and the greatest blessing to the souls of others. Lay hold of Jesus, and you will diligently work the works of Christ, and will finally receive the eternal reward. Be faithful in that which is least.

A little lad was once permitted to accompany a railway engineer, and he noticed that the engineer knelt down and closed his eyes at every station, as they stopped to take in passengers or to let them out. Finally the little lad asked the engineer what he was doing when he was kneeling down before the engine started. The engineer said, «My little lad, do you ever pray?» The boy replied, «O yes, sir. I pray every morning and evening.» Then the engineer told him that he was praying when he knelt down, saying, «There are perhaps two hundred passengers now on this train, and their lives are intrusted to my care. A little mistake on my part, a failure to do my duty, a little neglect, a little inattention to signals, might send these souls into eternity. So at every station I ask the Master to help me. He has helped me during all the years I have been on the engine, and not a single human being of the thousands that have been carried on my train, has been marred. I have never had an accident.»

Are we as solicitous as was this engineer to be faithful in that which is least? Do we realize that solemn responsibilities are resting upon us to represent Christ to the world in good works? Do we understand that the eternal destiny of souls will be decided by the course we take? Souls are perishing for the words of life. Shall their blood be found upon our garments? God has done his part in the work, and now he wants the cooperation of living human agents. His plan is not something untried; it has been fully developed. «The blood of Jesus Christ his son cleanseth us from all sin.» Who will lay hold of the work of cooperating with heavenly agencies for the indispensable work of saving the souls of those who are perishing? Who will become living channels of light? Who will seek God earnestly, and find him to the joy of their souls? God will work through you to the salvation of many.

When Jesus is comprehended by faith, and brought into the inner sanctuary of the soul, the Holy Spirit will mold and fashion the character after the likeness of Christ. Lessons will then be daily learned in the school of Christ. The character of the tree will be known by its fruits. «By their fruits ye shall know them.» The Christian will shine as a light amid the moral darkness of the world. He will be tender of heart, and considerate of the feelings of others. The word of God instructs us to be «wise as serpents, and harmless as doves,» and it is the duty of every Christian to bring himself under discipline to the rules of the Bible, that he may be «a workman that needeth not to be ashamed.» The work coming from the hands of those who do this, will be as lasting as eternity. It will not be mingled with a shred of selfishness, and it will not be loose, careless work. Mrs. E. G. White.