E. G. W by Ellen G. White

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Mar 16, 1876

E. G. W

By Ellen G. White

Murmurings.

SATAN has had great power over the minds of parents through their undisciplined children. The sin of parental neglect stands marked against many Sabbath-keeping parents. The spirit of gossip and tale-bearing is one of Satan's special agents to sow discord and strife, to separate friends, and undermine the faith of many in the truthfulness of our position. How many families season their daily meals with doubt and questionings? They dissect the characters of their friends, and serve them up as a dainty dessert. A precious bit of slander is passed around the board, to be commented upon, not only by adults but by children. In this God is dishonored. Jesus has said, “Inasmuch as ye have done this to the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

There are many who find a special enjoyment in discovering and dwelling upon the defects, whether real or imaginary, of those who bear the heavy responsibilities in connection with the institutions of God. They overlook the good that has been accomplished, the benefits that have resulted from arduous labor and unflinching devotion to the cause; and fasten their attention upon some apparent mistake, some matter that, after it has been done and the consequences have followed, they fancy could have been done in a better manner with fairer results. When the truth is, had they been left to do the work, they would either have refused to move at all under the attending discouragements of the case, or would have managed more indiscreetly than those who did the work, following the opening of God's providence.

But these unruly talkers will fasten upon the more disagreeable features of the work, even as the lichen clings to the roughness of the rock. These persons are spiritually dwarfed by continually dwelling upon the failings and faults of others. They are morally incapable of discerning good and noble actions, unselfish endeavors, true heroism and self-sacrifice. They are not becoming nobler and loftier in their lives and hopes, more generous and broad in their ideas and plans. They are not cultivating that charity that should characterize the Christian's life. They are degenerating every day, they are becoming narrower in their prejudices and views. Littleness is their element, and the atmosphere that surrounds them is poisonous to peace and happiness.

The great sin of very many is neglecting to cherish the light which God has given them through his servants. Said Christ to his apostles, “He that receiveth whomsoever I send, receiveth me; and he that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me.” There it is made plain that those who reject the messages of God's servants, reject not only the Son but also the Father.

Again he says, “But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you; notwithstanding, be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the Judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. He that heareth you heareth me, and he that despiseth you despiseth me, and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.”

How awfully solemn are these words! How important that we should not be found rejecting the warnings and admonitions that God delivers through his humble instruments; for in slighting the light brought by his messengers, we slight the Saviour of the world and the King of Glory. Many are running this terrible risk and bringing upon themselves the condemnation of God. The Almighty will not be trifled with nor allow his voice to be disregarded with impunity.