Halting by A. M. Lindsley

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 27, 1872

Halting.

By A. M. Lindsley

AFTER the light has been set before a person, or a community, so plainly that their judgment is convinced, and admit it, why are some so long in deciding to obey? Is there any plainer reason than this, that they are in possession of a heart that is carnal, that is not subject to the requirements of God, neither indeed can be? Perhaps up to this time they have thought themselves to be very fair Christians, accepting the gospel according to the preaching of the day. But when the Sabbath and other reforms come up, with other points of doctrine which have been erroneously held or understood, they are brought to a stand. It becomes at once a test, and will manifest their true depth of Christian character. Some will manifest the disposition of the foxes of the desert. Dodging from one point of exit to another, they try to elude the final conclusion that their will must yield. Building for themselves a foundation of hay, wood, and stubble, they make ready to settle down again at their ease. But oh! the overflowing storm of God's wrath will soon sweep away the refuge of lies. Better dig deep and lay the foundation sure.

Again, some think they will wait a little, to have a few more move out, before they commit themselves. They had rather travel in a larger company; in other words, it would better suit their tastes to be a little more popular. Such, if not aroused, will sink, through weakness and temptation, beyond the reach of help. Oh, beware in time!

Others, who are wholly convinced, are waiting for a more convenient season. Business would suffer, or friends would scoff—some lion is in the way. We are admonished to seek first the kingdom of Heaven, then all necessary things will be provided for. In fact, there is not a position of doubting or of danger but provision has been made by Infinite Wisdom, if we will only take heed to the sure word. This spirit of lethargy is almost the very atmosphere of Satan, and a very special means by which he binds his enslaved victims till it is too late. He will try to cause us to have too diminutive views of life, by which the mind is dwarfed and rendered imbecile and indifferent in regard to our greatest needs. Oh! that such could have their eyes opened to see the snares of the enemy. Hear the words of the prophet, Jer. 13: 16: “Give glory to the Lord your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness.” See also 2 Thess. 2: 10–12: “Because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie,” &c. And Isa. 66: 4: “I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear,” &c. God loves those who are willing to take his yoke upon them, let it bring more or less of loss in things of this life; but how quickly do such feel the recompense of reward, even here. It is the willing and the obedient that eat the good of the land.

I cannot close without referring to the words of the prophet Elijah to rebellious, backsliding Israel. 1 Kings 18: 21, “How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him.” Read the whole chapter. What could be more thrilling and sublime, showing the power of the prayer of faith, and in demonstrating that “the Lord, he is God.” Now the spirit and power of Elijah is in the preaching of the Advent messages, according to Mal. 4: 5, 6, and God will as surely demonstrate that he is God, and that he is to be obeyed, as he did then. Oh! then no longer halt and stumble into perdition, but flee as a bird from the snare of the fowler. Read the prophecies of the Old Testament concerning the solemn time we are living in, written out as they were moved upon by the Holy Ghost. How sublime and lofty their writings. Read Isa. 3, 27, and onward, Hab. 3, the book of Joel, and others, too numerous to mention here. God's word will not return unto him void, but will accomplish whereto he has sent it. He knoweth them that are his, and will help the trusting, obedient ones, however weak and feeble they may be. A. M. LINDSLEY.