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Test of Discipleship

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 30, 1913

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 90, No. 5.

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Test of Discipleship

By Mrs. Chas. O. Hall

MRS. CHAS. O. HALL
Jesus said, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me.” John 14:21. Again, “He that loveth me not keepeth not my words.” John 14:24. How many excuses people make for not obeying God. In talking with the unsaved, and urging them to give their hearts to God, how often we hear them say, “Yes, I know I ought, but not to-night.” When one urges the fourth commandment upon persons he often hears an individual say: “Yes, I believe you are right, but what about my business?” Excuse after excuse, but not one that will stand in the judgment-day. Procrastination is said to be the thief of time; how many have been eternally lost by simply saying, “Not to-night.” An evangelist had some cards printed for his work. On one side of the card was, “What must I do to be saved?” with some Bible quotations. On the other side was “What must I do to be lost?” The answer was,“Nothing.” How awful the thought that from simple neglect a soul may be lost forever.
But not alone among the unsaved do we find disobedience, for, alas, how true it is, that among God’s people few seem to realize that the true test of discipleship is obedience. God says, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God,” but how few even among those professing to be God’s children pay any regard to the command. When the light is come, they still go on thinking they can do as they please, and that they will be justified in so doing.
Then, we must not only obey, but instant obedience is the secret of divine guidance. The blessing is not the same after we have hesitated and then decided to obey. It is the willing and obedient that eat the good of the land. If we continually refuse to obey, refuse to walk in the light, we shall find there is a leakage, and that we are backsliding.
We are told that God’s commands are not grievous. We expect and command implicit obedience from our children; and God, our Creator and Heavenly Father, has a right to the same from his children. “Perfect obedience would be perfect happiness, if only we had perfect confidence in the power we were obeying.” What a vision of rest that brings to our mind! But it can only come as we abandon ourselves without reserve to Jesus Christ. Perhaps the Master is calling you to a life of full surrender, and you shrink and hesitate. You see Christians doing this and that, and God is calling you apart from it all. Perhaps you have doubted that it is necessary for you to do what they are not doing. But when you know what a privilege this is, you will cease to doubt.
Whatever there is of you, let God have it. He will reveal his secrets to you, and you will be led to say, “I delight to do thy will, O my God.” Let us search ourselves honestly and see where we stand before him. May he help us to look within to discover our weaknesses, and then looking up to the Source of all strength, we shall have power, through him, beyond our expectations.
Providence, R. I.