p. 25 | God's Call to Our Young People by W. J. Smith

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 9, 1907

God's Call to Our Young People

By W. J. Smith

“Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee. . . . And I will bless thee, . . . and thou shalt be a blessing.” It is probable that Abraham lived in a home of ease and luxury, amid gross idolatry, and perhaps he himself was much idolized by his father, Terah. In order that God might qualify him to be his missionary to the heathen nations around him, to “be a blessing” to them in making known to them the law and righteousness of Jehovah, he had first to separate Abraham from the associations of his early life. He must go where the influence of kindred and friends would not interfere with his training. He probably was not acquainted with the peoples, climate, and dangers of the new land to which he was being led. He did not hesitate till he was assured of these things. The record says, “He went out, not knowing whither he went.”

By such prompt, unquestioning obedience to the leadings of God's providence, he became the “father of the faithful.” He was also “faithful in all his house,” and the purposes of God to make him “a blessing” were accomplished. Yet “it was no light test that was thus brought upon Abraham, no small sacrifice that was required of him. . . . But he did not hesitate to obey the call. . . . God had spoken, and his servant must obey; the happiest place on earth to him was the place where God would have him to be.”

“Many are still tested as was Abraham. They do not hear the voice of God speaking directly from the heavens, but he calls them by the teachings of his Word and the events of his providence. They may be required to abandon a career that promises wealth and honor, to leave congenial and profitable associations, and separate from kindred, to enter upon what seems to be only a path of self-denial, hardship, and self-sacrifice. God has a work for them to do; but a life of ease and the influence of friends and kindred would hinder the development of the very traits essential for its accomplishment. He calls them away from human influences and aid, and leads them to feel the need of his help, and to depend on him alone, that he may reveal himself to them.”

Our blessed Saviour left “his home of security and peace, left the glory that he had with the Father before the world was, left his position upon the throne of the universe. He went forth a suffering, tempted man; went forth in solitude to sow in tears, to water with his blood the seed of life for a world lost.” We and our children are not called upon to tread any path our Master has not already trod. We have been blessed with light and privileges greater than any people. “For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law?” Deut. 4:7, 8.

To the extent of the great privileges received are we in duty bound to be “kind to the stranger” by making known unto him these saving truths. The Lord in his mercy has started schools and colleges among us whereby our young people, removed from home influences and worldly associations, may prepare themselves for this great work.

As never before in modern times the nations and tribes everywhere are raising the Macedonian cry, “Come over and help us.” The evidences are multiplying constantly that soon our way will be hedged with difficulties. Now is the time to surrender ourselves and our children to walk in “the steps of the faith of our father Abraham.” It is more pleasing for our young people to remain in our homes, surrounded with every comfort, and it is more gratifying to us as parents to see them around us. But the Scripture says, “Christ pleased not himself,” and again, We ought not to please ourselves. The path of self-denial is the path of salvation. We must give our children to the Lord's service if we would keep them to all eternity. W. J. SMITH.