Delays by R. J. FOSTER

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 29, 1867

Delays.

By R. J. FOSTER

How dangerous it is to delay. Even in the smallest matters, it seems hazardous. When we view the works of nature, we see no delay; all move in perfect order; all the celestial bodies move in their proper sphere; all are prompt to move in their appointed time, and without the least delay. So, also, with every part of the human system; each moves with promptness when not crippled by disease. Whenever any thing of a poisonous nature appears in the system, then each organ immediately goes to work to remove it; but if nature was as careless about removing impurities from our systems as we are about removing our imperfections, and turning away from our wrongs, how soon would we fall victims to the spoiler, death!

When any thing foreign to the true principles of nature's laws is found in the system, nature commences immediately to throw off the burden which is so loathsome to her governing principles. Nature may be crippled and rendered unable to act in this renovating work, but she never voluntarily refuses to act with dispatch.

Alas! how different is man! how liable to change! how apt to neglect present duties! how apt to do that which is contrary to the true principles of right! How much sooner might we arrive to a state of perfection, where free from sin we might rejoice in the love of God, if we were as punctual and faithful to perform every duty as is each organ of our body. When we see our imperfections, and the poisonous habits with which we are beset, we are too slow to move out, correct, and cast away those things so baneful to us; which if we would do, we might enjoy that freedom which God in his wisdom has intended we should. How apt are we to say that we must overcome, and even say that we will by the grace of God assisting, yet remain just where we were.

Many depend too much on the grace of God to do the work, while they make no effort on their part. Such should realize that grace is merely favor, and that God has only promised grace sufficient for our day, or enough that we may overcome; in this he intends that we should make an effort on our own part. Not that we are to be molded into a new organization, but merely become by the pardon of our sins a new creature in Christ.

It is much owing to our many delays that we are diseased both physically and spiritually. They who delay to correct those habits which are injurious to their physical nature are very sure to neglect those that injure their spiritual growth and structure. It is utterly impossible for any one to be a perfect Christian, and knowingly indulge in any pernicious habit, even if it be of a physical nature. Hence the necessity of dispatch, that we may set immediately about the work of reform in every respect. When we get a clear view of the true way in which we are to overcome, we can then see, that just as it would be dangerous for nature to delay to throw off the poisons from our systems, so, also, it would be dangerous for us to neglect to leave off every thing that is detrimental to our spiritual progress. If nature should neglect to perform her duties in this respect, she would by each delay become weaker, until death would finally ensue. So, also, if we neglect to leave our wrongs, we shall become weaker and weaker until we shall be unable to resist; then spiritual death must be the consequence.

It is good to trust in God for assistance; but, if we depend on him to do all the work of reform, we shall be like one standing under a falling tree, saying, Lord have mercy and save, yet making no effort on his part. The Lord will not save us in sloth, idleness, carelessness, or neglect; for he requires us to assist ourselves as far as possible.

R. J. FOSTER.

Coopersville, Mich.