A Matter of Great Moment

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 4, 1913

A Matter of Great Moment

One of the most important qualifications of the true Christian is frequently given the least attention by those who are confidently expecting the Christian’s reward.

God has told us very specifically some of the most important characteristics of those who shall be accounted worthy to inhabit the palaces of eternity. We read:—

“Jehovah, who shall sojourn in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh truth in his heart; he that slandereth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his friend, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor.” Ps. 15: 1-3.

Three times in this short scripture, inspiration makes reference to the work of the tongue. The redeemed soul will speak truth, he will not slander “with his tongue,” and he will not take up “a reproach against his neighbor.” But if probation should close today, how many of us who profess the name of Christ would be able to pass that qualification test? It is a standard that few measure up to. The natural tendency is all the other way. If the course of a brother or sister does not meet with our approval, our first inclination is to talk the matter over with some one else. But that is not what God expects us to do. “Go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone.” What gossip killers Christians would be if they would arm themselves with that weapon and use it unflinchingly! And wherever gossip is killed, souls are saved.

We cannot overestimate the importance of that instruction and the importance of coming up to the Christian qualification test above mentioned. All that heaven has for us depends upon how we relate ourselves to this matter; for we read again: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Prov. 18:21. And that, too, has a double-edged application; for it means death or life not only to us, but also to those who may be affected by our doings or may follow our course—upward, if it be upward; or downward, if it be downward.

The psalmist sets before us an ideal purpose in regard to this matter: “I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.” Ps. 39: 1. This is an expression of the purpose of Christ. He would not take