That’s Different by George B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 2, 1909

“That’s Different”

G. B. THOMPSON

There is a story told of a somewhat eccentric preacher who was driving along a country road when something about the appearance of a farmhouse attracted him. Its whole air was so peaceful that it looked like an ideal abode. It occurred to him that, fair as it seemed, it might still be lacking in that which was most essential, so, leaving his carriage, he went to the door. A middle-aged woman answered the summons, and he propounded his question without hesitation: “Madam, does Jesus Christ live here?” The woman stared; but though he repeated his inquiry, he received no answer; and when he had gone, she ran out where her husband was chopping wood, and told him of her caller. “Didn’t you tell him we belong to the church?” demanded the husband. The wife shook her head. “Didn’t you tell him we give money every Sunday?” Again the gray head made its negative reply. “’Twasn’t anything like that he wanted to know, John. He wanted to know if Jesus Christ lives here,—that’s different.”

“That’s different.” How true! It is easy to have a form; but there is no salvation in it. Though God himself ordained the form, it is only of value when filled with the power of the Spirit of life. The Pharisees gave money; those who were rich put in much. But the widow gave more than all the rest. The Pharisees paid tithe, and this God ordained; but without an indwelling Christ it is of no value. To give, to pay tithe, to maintain the form, is one thing; but to have an indwelling Saviour—“that’s different.”

Reader, how is it in your home? Does Jesus of Nazareth live there?

Takoma Park, D. C.