Make Your Life an Argument by C. L. Benson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Feb 25, 1915

Make Your Life an Argument

By C. L. Benson

TIMOTHY, a young man in Paul's day, was admonished to let no man despise his youth. His was an age when sports, games, and pleasures of all sorts were regarded as the chief business of the youth who were not Christians. The sensual, vice-addicted Cæsars set this example before the citizens of their domain by precept and example. But not so Paul. His advice to those too young to bear heavy responsibilities, was to “study,” to economize their time, to invest it in a manner that would yield them a harvest of spirituality and intellectuality. Thus they would increase “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man,” prepared to fill their God-appointed place in the world's great work.

Were not these words “written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come”? Our age is parallel, in many respects, to that of Paul's. Everywhere are to be seen young and old frittering away their God-given time and money, merely to gratify the appetites and senses. Should not our own young people seek to make their lives the strongest argument against the present-day worldly standards? The Missionary Volunteer Department has faith to believe, that our Missionary Volunteers will rally to do this. We know that hundreds covet to be God's workmen. “Many a lad of today, growing up as did Daniel in his Judean home, studying God's Word and his works, and learning the lessons of faithful service, will yet stand in legislative assemblies, in halls of justice, or in royal courts, as a witness for the King of kings.” Will you be one? Are you studying? Are you faithful?

No one can know the day or hour when the Lord will pass by and say, “Thou art the man,” and “Thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this.” When least expecting it, we are being observed, tested, tried, in the commonplace activities of life, to see if we will be faithful in the more momentous issues.

The Standard of Attainment examination to be given in March, affords an excellent opportunity to test your ability to give a reason of the hope that is in you, “both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Are you prepared to take this examination? We hope you are.

Paul, a tried, experienced worker, took a fatherly interest in the young people of his flocks. He encouraged and admonished them whenever opportunity afforded. His greatest concern was that they might study God's Word, and become thoroughly rooted and grounded in the truth. Only by founding their faith on a “Thus saith the Lord” would they be able to resist the attacks of Satan successfully.

This real pastoral work is needed in each of our churches today. What an opportunity every church elder has to be a real father in Israel to the lambs of his flock! He is responsible in a large measure for their spiritual condition. The Missionary Volunteer Department desires to cooperate with our church elders in their efforts to enlist the young people in Bible study. They must know for themselves why they are Seventh-day Adventists.

The Standard of Attainment work is designed to arouse each Seventh-day Adventist young person to study our message. In March and September, examinations are held throughout the North American Division under the direction of our local church elders. The questions on both Bible doctrines and denominational history can be secured from your conference Missionary Volunteer secretary. Ascertain the number of old and young who desire to take either or both examinations. The secretary will gladly supply you with the questions.

C. L. Benson.