Untitled article by John Nevins Andrews

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · February 11, 1868

THE BLESSING OF GOD.

By John Nevins Andrews

WHY is this so often withholden when we so earnestly desire to receive it? It is for a sufficient reason. We do not seek it with the right object. We desire the blessing of God not that we may be thereby made a blessing to others, but merely that we may be personally benefited and made happy. God does not bless us for this purpose. We are not to be made simply a reservoir of God's blessing, with all its goodness shut up in ourselves; but we receive his mercy and grace that we may be made a living fountain of blessing to others. The blessing of God is given us for the same reason that God sends sunlight and rain upon the earth.

It is not sent that it may simply add benefit and blessing to the earth, but that it may make the earth the fruitful source of blessing to mankind. When we ask the blessing of God that we may thereby honor him and benefit our fellow-men, we shall find that it will be freely and graciously given. Some err even here. They would like to honor God if they could thereby honor themselves. They are very willing to do good to others if they can do it by performing some great thing. If it is to labor patiently in obscurity, and to suffer in silence; if it is to bear heavy burdens known only to God; or to set an example of patience, humility and meekness, under the continued trial of innumerable petty vexations, they have no heart for this kind of work at all. If the Lord has some great thing for them to do they would gladly accept. But the Lord gives man his work to perform in such a manner that self shall be crucified and slain. Vain ambition has to be uprooted and destroyed. God never blesses us to foster and cherish this pernicious evil.

Many seek the blessing of God simply that they may feel better. Such wonder that their souls are left in barrenness. They receive not because they ask amiss, that they may consume it upon their lusts. But is there no way that we may have the best frames of mind secured to us? Undoubtedly there is. But this is never to be obtained by simply aiming for it. There is a higher and nobler object to be sought. It is the power of God and the benefit of our fellow-men. Seek the blessing of God that you may be fitted to do this work in any way that he shall call. Leave the frames of feeling out of the account. God will give you that which is best, you will receive his blessing when you seek it thus.

J. N. ANDREWS.