Our Greatest Need by A. E. Christian

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 24, 1912

Our Greatest Need

By A. E. Christian

A. E. CHRISTIAN

Our present needs are outlined in the message to the Laodicean church, and may be classified as follows: (1) Greater knowledge; (2) the true gold tried in the fire; (3) white raiment that we may be clothed; (4) eye-salve, that we may see. Let us consider these needs.

1. “And knowest not.” Here lies one of our greatest dangers. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jer. 17:9. It is hard for us to see ourselves as God sees us. Satan tries to destroy every individual, but especially the workers.

He endeavors to draw a curtain over our eyes so that we shall not see sin in its true light. Many in this way become deceived, thinking they are doing God service, when they only satisfy self.

Let us notice a few examples: The history and work of Moses are familiar. At the age of forty he decided to visit his brethren and begin to set them free. He knew God had called him to that work. See Acts 7:25. He decided to accept the task. He thought to do God service when he slew the Egyptian, and when he tried by physical force to separate the two Israelites. But there were lessons unlearned, experiences not yet attained. The whole history of the Jews is one continuous example on this point.

Paul was no doubt just as sincere when he persecuted the church as when he gave that mighty defense before King Agrippa. Note also the life of Simon the sorcerer, as recorded in Acts 8. He made a start and was baptized. When he saw that the Holy Spirit was received through the laying on of hands, he coveted that gift, and offered money to secure it. “Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.”

2. “Buy of me gold tried in the fire.” There may be different opinions as to what this gold represents, but let us apply it to the ideal Christian character. Christ is our great example. He says: “I can of mine own self do nothing.” Perfect as he was, but cumbered with human flesh, he could not of himself alone accomplish the work his Father had sent him to do. His body, like ours, was a temple for the indwelling Spirit. However, it is not our mere physical form that constitutes this temple, for then all would possess the Spirit. This temple is a complete Christian character.

There are lessons we can learn only by experience and development, which in many can be brought forth only through trials and sufferings. “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” James 1: 2, 3. See Rom. 5: 3-5. These lessons may be hard, but they decorate the temple and fill it with the sweet odors of heaven.

3. “White raiment, that thou mayest be clothed.” The Lord uses filthy garments to represent unrighteousness (Isa. 64:6; Zech. 3:4), and a clean garment to symbolize righteousness received through faith in Christ. Isa. 61:10. Sin in its manifold forms is the worst of all defilements. If the approval of righteous men is to be desired, how much more desirable and important is it that we meet the approval of God! And until we do this, we can not expect success.

4. “Eye-salve, that thou mayest see.” This must refer to the Holy Spirit. It is spoken of as an anointing. See Acts 10:38; 1 John 2:20, 27. The Lord has promised us this Spirit as a comforter, teacher, and director. John 14:16, 27; 15:26; 16:7-13. This is what we so much need in our Christian warfare. The former and latter rain spoken of are two special seasons when the Holy Spirit will be poured out in large measure. The former rain was at Pentecost. Its mighty results are well known. Before the apostles received this power, they unitedly sought God most earnestly. Without it they could never have established the Christian church.

The latter rain will be given just before Christ’s second advent, to finish the gospel work. We are living in that time. There is a most solemn work for us to do. We can never do it without the Spirit. We shall never get the Spirit unless we seek it as the apostles sought it, and for the same object for which they sought it. The thought of the thousands dying every day without Christ, should drive us to the forest or to the chamber, where we, through fasting, prayer, confession, and faith, may receive forgiveness, gain complete victory over every besetment, and receive power from on high that will enable us to rescue perishing souls.

This is our greatest need. O that we may speedily have this need supplied! Then our work will prosper, and Christ’s coming be hastened.