Additional note on chapter 3

Literal peace offerings of joy and thankfulness are no more offered, but their spirit should remain. Few, even among supposedly “good” Christians, rejoice in the peace and love of God as they should and as is their privilege. Though the reason in some cases may be a lack of appreciation for what God has done for them, this is not always so. There are many Christians who fail to understand that it is their privilege to be happy in their religion. They live in the shadow of the cross rather than in its sunshine. They feel that there is something wrong about being happy, that even a smile may be inappropriate, and that laughter, innocent or otherwise, is sacrilegious. They point to the fact that there is no record that Christ ever laughed or even smiled. True, but neither is there any record that He ever combed His hair or bathed. Such individuals seek to carry the burden of the world upon their shoulders, and feel that to spend any time whatever in recreation is not only a waste of time but definitely irreligious. They are “good” Christians, but not happy ones. Had they lived in the time of Christ, and had they been among His followers, they would have questioned the advisability of His attending the wedding in Galilee, and would have followed Him reluctantly if at all. They would have waited most impatiently for Him. Did He not have a great work to do? How could He then waste time at a social occasion? Had they known that He was to have but three years in which to work, they would have been still more perplexed.

This kind of “good” Christians would feel that there was something wrong about Christ’s social activities. How could He spend time in eating and drinking with sinners? Even the Pharisees were perplexed about this as they pointed to the fasting and praying of John’s disciples, implying rebuke to Christ, who was feasting (see Luke 5:29–35).

This is written with a full appreciation of the day in which we live, on the very brink of eternity. If there ever was a time when seriousness and sobriety should characterize the lives of Christ’s followers this is such a time. In view of the approaching crisis, “what sort of persons” ought we to be “in lives of holiness and godliness” (2 Peter 3:11, RSV). All frivolity and lightness should be put aside, and solemnity should take possession of every believer. Great and momentous events are hastening on apace. This is no time for trifling and nonsense. The King is at the door.

These facts, however, should not cause us to forget that we are children of the King, that our sins are forgiven, and that we have a right to be happy and rejoice. The work must be finished, and we are to have a part in it; but some talk as if all depended on them. In their prayers they remind God of what needs to be done, seemingly fearful that He might forget some important matters dear to their hearts. They are “good” souls, anxious at all times to do right, but they have never learned to cast their burdens on the Lord. They are doing their best to carry the load, and though groaning under the burden, are determined never to give up. They struggle on and do much good. They are valuable workers, and the Lord loves them dearly.

But with all their work and striving, this one thing they lack—faith in God. They lack faith that He who began the work will also finish it, that He is as much interested in it as they are, even more, and that He is doing all that can be done at the moment. They find little joy in their religion, but a great deal of worry. They are like Martha, who toiled and worried, but left out the one thing needful. They look disapprovingly on the Marys, complain to the Lord about them, and experience difficulty understanding how Christ could take Mary’s part. Would the meal ever have been ready if there had been two Marys and no Martha? they ask. Such Christians work and are faithful in their work, but inwardly they feel that others are not doing their share and that too much of the load is on them.

The same lesson is emphasized in the story of the prodigal son. The elder son claimed that he had never done wrong. He had always worked hard, and had not wasted his time in feasting and carousing. Now, when the younger son came home after spending his portion of the inheritance in riotous living, he was angry and would not go in to the feast in honor of the returned brother. It was of no avail that the father went out and entreated him. Instead, he rebuked the father, saying that as soon as the prodigal son, who had devoured his living with harlots, came home, the father made for him a feast and killed the fatted calf—but had never done anything for his obedient son (Luke 15:30).

Christians should be happy people, though in the midst of the most solemn events. Christ was cheerful and radiant, even when facing the cross. Why should we not be happy? God has placed a new song in the hearts of those who are redeemed. They are children of the Most High. They are walking with God. They are happy in His love.

Not all Christians have the peace of God in their hearts as they should have, and as they are entitled to have. They have forgotten Christ’s promise, “Peace I leave with you. … Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

The hearts of many are troubled. They are afraid. They worry. Some dear one is outside the fold and they are trying to “pray him in.” Day and night they toil and pray. They leave no stone unturned in their efforts to encompass his salvation. If anyone can be saved by the works of someone else, they are determined that it shall be done. And they do not leave God out of the reckoning. They pray to Him. They entreat Him. They pray as if God needed urging. And at last the dear one turns to God. How happy they are! Now they can rest. Their work is done, their task accomplished.

Does it ever occur to such that God is as much interested in a soul’s conversion as they are? Does it ever occur to them that long before they began to pray and work, God had set agencies in motion that would, if possible, effect the desired end? God cannot save a man against his will, but there are many things God can do, and He is doing them all. He could do still more if we would cooperate with Him and quietly ask if there is anything we can do to help, instead of attempting to direct Him. We are prone to take over God’s work and ask His help, when it would be better if we recognized God’s work and cooperated with Him. The moment such realization comes to a soul, peace comes with it. He will not work or pray less, but he will shift the emphasis. He will begin to pray in faith. If we really believe that God is at work, if we believe that He is interested in men’s salvation, we will pray more than ever; but we will leave the responsibility with God. In joy and gladness let us present our hearts and lives to God, “for a sweet savour.”

Ellen G. White comments

17 2T 61