Two Classes-To Which Do You Belong? by G. B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 28, 1916

Two Classes—To Which Do You Belong?

By G. B. Thompson

The time for the beginning of the work of the annual Harvest Ingathering, October 1, is right upon us. This is a splendid opportunity for all our people to engage in one grand rally in missionary work. It is hoped that as far as possible all will take an active part in this work of soliciting funds for the advancement of our work in foreign fields, at the same time placing in the hands of those not of our faith a splendid paper setting before them an interesting statement of the work we are carrying forward in the dark parts of the earth where the light of the gospel shines but dimly.

Some have already begun this work, and are meeting with encouraging success. Our needs in the regions beyond are greater than ever in the past. It is hoped that the amount collected this year will be greatly in excess of any previous year.

It is well at this time to remember our Meroz: “Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the Lord, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.” Judges 5:23.

What had the inhabitants of Meroz done that they should be cursed?—Nothing. That was the trouble. When others were in the field campaigning for the Lord, the people of Meroz did nothing. They belonged to the stay-at-homes, or the do-nothings. Their sin was not of commission, but of omission.

To those found on the left hand the Lord will say, “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” Matt. 25:41. What reason is assigned why they are among the lost? “Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.” Verse 45.

They had opportunities to help the Saviour in the person of his people. They could have fed the hungry, given water to the thirsty, clothed the naked, and visited the sick. But they omitted to do these things; and inasmuch as they “did it not,” they are among the lost.

These scriptures contain a very solemn and important lesson. To every man the Lord has given a work. Opportunities come to us, opening before us avenues of labor. If we fail to respond, we shall miss the blessing, and as a result some soul may fail to find the light and be saved who otherwise might have been led to the Lord.

The Harvest Ingathering is an opportunity for every church and every isolated believer to engage in a good work. Let us all do our very best in this annual campaign. G. B. THOMPSON.