WHY STAND YE ALL THE DAY IDLE?
By M. L. Huntley
No words can express the importance of the truths applicable to the present time. Never has there been a proclamation so freighted with life or death to the world as the third angel’s message. Its acceptance will secure to each an immortal existence, complete in happiness; while those who refuse to heed its solemn warning must drink of the wine of the wrath of God, poured out without mixture, and be forever lost in the darkness and gloom of an eternal death. There is no neutral ground; we either gather with Christ or scatter abroad. It is a battle and a march toward the kingdom of God. To be inactive at such a time is as sinful in God’s sight as open hostilities in ordinary times. Though results of such momentous importance follow the proclamation of this message, God has ordained that man shall be the agent to carry it to his fellow-men. The Spirit of God has brought the truth to bear upon our hearts, revealing the only path of safety, and the fate of those who reject it. Now the question arises, What does God require of us? Shall we be justified in remaining quietly at home, seeking our own comfort and the things of this life? The command is, “Go ye into all the world;” “freely ye have received, freely give.” When imminent danger threatens any portion of the country, and lives are in peril, there are those who will spare no pains to give the warning; but now infinitely more is at stake, and who is stirred? Let us carefully consider what occupies our daily and most earnest thoughts. Is it to devise ways and means to advance the cause of God? The humblest talent can be of service in the cause of present truth. But it requires daily and prayerful study to know how to labor successfully; and this will bring the mind into a condition to be susceptible to the impressions of the Spirit of God. There is a crisis in the experience of individuals when they waver between right and wrong. At such a time a word fitly spoken, or some act of disinterested benevolence, will often turn the scale in the right direction; whereas if the opportunity is lost, the individual passes beyond the reach of help. The true missionary will watch for such openings. God has laid a responsibility upon us which we cannot lay aside. Are we sinful? There is a fountain in which we may wash and be clean. Are we deficient in view of infirmities? “Most gladly,” says the apostle, “will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” By refusing to do what we can in the cause of God, we commit an error that will fall upon us with crushing weight in the judgment. My brother, my sister, why stand ye all the day idle? If you have no money, here are publications without money and without price. Are you unable to explain the truth to others? These will speak for you. Are you pressed with necessary cares and burdens? Remember the lilies of the field, the sparrows that have neither storehouse nor barns. God careth for them—are ye not much better? Do you lack wisdom? Ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally and it shall be given you. The word comes to us, “Go forward.” God will open the way to surmount the difficulties. From the N. E. T. & M. Society paper, entitled, “The Missionary Worker.”