Are We Losing Our Simplicity? by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 16, 1909

Are We Losing Our Simplicity?

By F. M. W.

Much is being said and written to-day about a return to simple living. It is quite generally recognized that the world has departed a long way from simple, natural methods. This is true as applied to nearly every department of human experience. It is recognized that simple ways belong to our fathers, and that much that they considered luxuries have apparently become to us a part of life's necessities.

The question naturally arises whether Seventh-day Adventists are partaking of this spirit of departure from simple, natural ways. Has the spirit of worldly excess and expenditure found access to our hearts in common with the great majority of mankind? This certainly is a question for consideration, particularly in view of the demands now being made upon us for the carrying forward of great missionary enterprises.

Repeatedly we have been admonished to bind about our supposed wants, that we might have more to give to the needy cause of missions. How many have taken this seriously, and subjected themselves and their doings to careful scrutiny to see wherein proper application of the principle might be made? We are convinced that even among this people thousands of dollars are annually spent in the gratification of personal desires which are positively a detriment, physically and spiritually, to those who indulge in them.

How many costly house furnishings might be dispensed with! How much might be saved in the purchase of personal attire! How much might be given to missions now being spent for candy, chewing gum, and thousands of other useless and positively injurious articles of confectionery and diet! Doubtless thousands of dollars might be saved in these ways, and saved, too, by those who would not only be none the poorer for so doing, but be benefited in both body and soul.

The heroes of the American Revolution pledged to the cause of freedom “their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.” Those who triumph with this cause can do no less. Every call that comes from the unwarned millions is a call to lay aside useless expenditure and dedicate to God the means he entrusts to our care. When the burden of this work rests with weight upon the soul, greater pleasure will be found in giving fifty cents or a dollar to the spreading of the gospel than will come in spending it for some idle pleasure of an hour, or in ministering to some abnormal desire of appetite or inclination.

The call of God is for simple and Christian living. With the demands upon us as a people, the blandishments and foibles of the world should lose their power. Who, in this great hour of opportunity, when all the world is waiting the proclamation of the message, will consecrate himself, soul, mind, and body, to a life of living sacrifice? Who will turn a deaf ear to the siren song of pleasure, the clamors of appetite, the demands of fashion and display, the enchantments of social pleasure, and dedicate himself, his substance, and all his powers to the service of the living God.

Are you losing your simplicity of life and experience? If so, may you return to God, and with the thousands who will triumph with this message, seek that preparation of heart and life that will enable you to be used as an instrument in the accomplishment of this great work.

F. M. W.