Christian Fellowship
The conflict in which you have to take an active part is found in
your everyday life. Will you not in times of trial lay your desires
by the side of the written word, and in earnest prayer seek Jesus for
counsel? Many declare that it is certainly no harm to go to a concert
and neglect the prayer-meeting, or absent themselves from meetings
where God’s servants are to declare a message from heaven. It is
safe for you to be just where Christ has said He would be.
[141] Those who appreciate the words of Christ will not turn aside
from the prayer meeting, or from the meeting where the Lord’s
messenger has been sent to tell them concerning things of eternal
interest. Jesus has said, “Where two or three are gathered together in
My name, there am I in the midst of them.” Can you afford to choose
your pleasure and miss the blessing? It is indulgence in these things
Living Experience 129
that has a telling influence not only on your own life and character,
but upon the life and character of your associates.
If all who profess to be followers of Christ would be so in deed
and in truth, they would have the mind of Christ, and would work
the works of God. They would resist temptation to indulge self,
and would show that they do not enjoy the frivolous pleasure of the
world more than the privilege of meeting with Christ in the social
meeting. They would then have a decided influence upon others,
and lead them to follow their example.
Actions speak louder than words, and those who are lovers of
pleasure do not appreciate the rich blessings of being in the assembly
of the people of God. They do not appreciate the privilege of influencing
their associates to go with them, hoping that their hearts will
be touched by the Spirit of the Lord. Who goes with them into these
worldly gatherings? Jesus is not there to bless those assembled. But
Satan will bring to the mind many things to crowd out matters of
eternal interest. It is his opportunity to confuse the right by mixing
it up with the wrong.
Through attendance at worldly gatherings a taste is created for
exciting amusements, and moral power is weakened. Those who [142]
love pleasure may keep up a form of godliness, but they have no vital
connections with God. Their faith is dead, their zeal has departed.
They feel no burden to speak a word in season to souls who are
out of Christ, and to urge them to give their hearts to the Lord—
The Youths’ Instructor, April 23, 1912, par. 8, also in The Youths’
Instructor, March 30, 1893, par. 7.
Religion Not a Sentiment
Pure and undefiled religion is not a sentiment, but the doing of
works of mercy and love. This religion is necessary to health and
happiness. It enters the polluted soul-temple, and with a scourge
drives out the sinful intruders. Taking the throne, it consecrates all
by its presence, illuminating the heart with the bright beams of the
Sun of Righteousness. It opens the windows of the soul heavenward,
letting in the sunshine of God’s love. With it comes serenity and
composure. Physical, mental, and moral strength increase, because
the atmosphere of heaven, as a living, active agency, fills the soul.
130 Messages to Young People
Christ is formed within, the hope of glory.—The Review and Herald,
[143] October 15, 1901.
Chapter 37—Faithful in that which is Least
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.”
It is conscientious attention to what the world terms “little things”
that makes life a success. Little deeds of charity, little acts of selfdenial,
speaking simple words of helpfulness, watching against little
sins,—this is Christianity. A grateful acknowledgment of daily
blessings, a wise improvement of daily opportunities, a diligent
cultivation of intrusted talents,—this is what the Master calls for.
He who faithfully performs small duties will be prepared to
answer the demands of larger responsibilities. The man who is kind
and courteous in the daily life, who is generous and forbearing in
his family, whose constant aim it is to make home happy, will be the
first to deny self and make sacrifices when the Master calls.
A Well-Balanced Character
We may be willing to give our property to the cause of God,
but this will not count unless we give Him also a heart of love and
gratitude. Those who would be true missionaries in foreign fields
must first be true missionaries in the home. Those who desire to
work in the Master’s vineyard must prepare themselves for this by a
careful cultivation of the little piece of viney
