p. 11 | Which Standard? by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 28, 1910

Which Standard?

By F. M. W.

IN the great so-called Christian church of to-day, mighty influences are at work. With the earnest thinking there is much to commend, as manifested in some of the great missionary movements looking toward the giving of the gospel to all the world in this generation. It is to be regretted, however, that other subtle and powerful influences are seeking to undermine faith in the inspiration of the Word of God, in the divine character of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in other great fundamentals of Christian faith.

God has children to-day in every church fold,—God-fearing men and women who, according to the best light they possess, are endeavoring to live for him, and to further the interests of his kingdom in the world; but with many, and we fear the great majority of those who profess his name, vital, practical Christianity is at a discount. They have adopted the standards of the world, and are living on the low level of worldly influences instead of seeking to attain the high and holy standard set for the church of God. No statistics are needed to show that the great Christian church is succumbing to the world. Ichabod is written over the door of many a sanctuary. Churches which once possessed simplicity of faith and practise have grown rich and populous, and with increasing numbers and popularity has come a wide departure from the simplicity and purity of Christian living.

To what extent have these influences, so mightily affecting the church at large, made an impression upon Seventh-day Adventists? Is this people to-day standing in the simplicity of earnest Christian living which characterized the pioneers in this message? These are indeed questions which we do well to consider. Have we brought into our experience worldly standards? Do we view sin to-day with a greater toleration and more favor than we did twenty-five years ago?

The standards of many professed Christians around us have changed with the times. We are told that this is a progressive age, and that we must keep pace with the progress of the world. This is indeed true, so far as all that constitutes true progress is concerned. We

should seek to keep abreast of the times in the knowledge of all that is worthy of thought and study. But this does not involve changing the standard of moral conduct or Christian living.

The world around us is bent upon pleasure. Many professed Christians have partaken of this spirit. The apostle, speaking of the professed church of God in the last days, says that men shall be “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” Have we been affected by this spirit? And do we to-day determine our relationship to the pleasures of the world by the world’s standard or by the standard of God’s Word?

The Word of God enjoins plainness and simplicity of dress. The world, on the other hand, has its standard; and the standard of the world has largely become the standard of the great professed church. Which standard is ours?

The Scriptures of truth clearly require a reverential regard to be paid to the Sabbath of the Lord. The world to-day makes of the Sunday sabbath a day of pleasure. This spirit is largely permeating the churches around us. Which standard do we follow in our Sabbath-keeping? Is the Sabbath observed by this church as conscientiously as of old? Do we use it in the spirit of true Sabbath observance? or has it degenerated with some of us into a day of physical relaxation, social converse, or seeking our own pleasure in the physical comforts of resting and eating?

Do we seek to make the Sabbath a day of holy joy to our families, or are our children left to pursue their fancies at pleasure? We have in this matter a duty which we can not lightly regard.

We might extend the list of comparisons; but those already given are sufficient to bring before us the principle involved. A vital question for us to consider is this: Is the Seventh-day Adventist Church succumbing to the influences which are so mightily operating in other churches, bringing about their spiritual demoralization? We know that with many, and we hope the large majority, this is not the case. But there are those who need to return to their first love. God has set this people as watchmen upon Zion’s wall. We must keep awake and alert to the evils which threaten on every side. We must stand in that spiritual condition where we shall recognize dangers, and give warning of their approach. We must not permit in our lives the light of truth to go out in darkness, or the banner of truth to trail in the dust. God’s standard must be our standard, and we must hold it erect, steadfast and unwavering in our Christian experience. This only is our salvation in these days of spiritual declension.

F. M. W.