p. 4 | Living Our Faith by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 14, 1915

Living Our Faith

By F. M. W.

THIS age, above any preceding time in the world's history, is an age of luxurious living. The luxuries of a few years ago have become, in our estimation, the necessities of today. Time and conditions have educated us to this change so gradually that we hardly realize it until we compare our conveniences at the present time with what we enjoyed ten, twenty, thirty years ago. We could not, if we would, altogether control these changes in our experience. But just as far as lies within our power we should seek to maintain, in all of our living, a spirit of simplicity.

Our fellows around us who have no expectation that the Lord is soon coming, whose hopes are centered in this life, may erect fine mansions, clothe themselves in luxurious apparel, and surround themselves with every convenience which money can procure. We cannot justly criticize them for this; but we who have been intrusted with a solemn message of warning to those whose hopes are centered in this world, should be careful not to permit this spirit of luxurious living to enter into our lives. To the extent that it does, our hopes will be centered in this life and our affections placed upon the things of this world; and to the extent that we become like the world, the power of the message which we would bear is lessened and its force parried. It is right and proper that we should have homes, but let our homes be furnished in such a manner as will say to our fellows that we believe indeed that the Lord is soon coming.

It is a duty which we owe to ourselves and to the cause which we represent, to dress with dignity and propriety. As a rule, it is a waste of money to buy cheap material for apparel; but we should seek to avoid that display in dress, that conformity to fashion for fashion's sake, which will make it appear that there is no difference between us and the world, notwithstanding our high and holy profession. It is our daily life that preaches the message more loudly than our words. The great test of one's religion is not found in his profession, but in that which he possesses. Are we commending, by lives of good works, the holy faith we profess? Are we saying to the world that we are pilgrims and strangers here, that we are looking forward to the possession of a better country? or while professing faith in the near coming of our Lord, are we actuated by the same spirit of worldliness which characterizes those who have not a hope in the Master's speedy return?

These are questions which should be considered by every reader. Let each ask himself, What is my influence in my community? I profess to have light in advance of others around me. Has the possession of this light made me better than they? Has it made me more loyal in my relationship to God? Has it made me a truer husband and father? Has it made me more honest in my business dealings? Does it lead me to set the example in my community of an earnest, devoted, God-fearing Christian? If it has done this, well and good. If the profession we make, however, has not accomplished this for us, we need to take diligent heed unto our ways and inquire into the cause. And if in our search we find we have a name to live for Christ and are yet dead, if we are hypocritical in our profession, if we are not doing the best we know in living up to the light that God has given us, may we seek for repentance and reformation of life. It is high time that those who profess faith in Christ's return manifest that faith in their practical living.

F. M. W.