The Only Thing of Importance by G. B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 21, 1909

The Only Thing of Importance

By G. B. Thompson

G. B. THOMPSON

On the tomb of a celebrated English sculptor, designed by himself, the following original inscription is said to be chiseled: “What I was as an artist seemed of some importance while I lived; but what I really was, as a believer in Christ Jesus, is the only thing of importance to me now.”

How true! And it is sad that any allow the sordid things of life to obscure the great truth here expressed. Character, not reputation, is the essential thing. What we are, not what people think we are, is the important thing.

To be right with God should be our chief concern. To believe in Jesus, and know that his blood atones for our transgressions, is worth more than all the empty baubles of the earth.

We may deceive ourselves; we may seek the approbation of man more than the favor of God; we may hide in the heart some secret sin; we may cherish some evil propensity unknown to even our dearest friends; we may neglect some plain duty enjoined by the Lord in his Word, but in the judgment of the last great day, when the Lord looks into the records of men, it will be found out. Many, as a result, who passed as Christians, as believers in his name, will find the door shut.

The approbation of man may seem to be of value to us here, and many strive to win this at all cost. But the approbation of Jehovah is of more value. When the record of life is made up, when our life-work is done, and our hold on the treasures and fame of earth is palsied by the hand of death, the only thing which will be of value to us will be an abiding faith and trust in Jesus Christ as our Redeemer and Saviour. Let us not be faithless, but believing.

Takoma Park, D. C.