SELF by S. O. James

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 27, 1901

SELF

By S. O. James

S. O. JAMES.

An immoderate love for self is said to constitute sin. Sin is a lie, and the most deceptive thing in the universe. In fact, it is the only truly deceptive thing.

God’s work and ways may be, for a time at least, obscure and mysterious, but never deceptive. Satan was deceived when he regarded himself as able to improve upon God’s arrangement. He thought himself to be much wiser than he really was, else why should he wish to rule? Also, in attempting to war with God, he must have placed too high an estimate upon his own power.

Satan’s character seems the more unlovely, and his ways detestable, as viewed in contrast with the character of God and His Son. What an example the Eternal Father had set! Though having all power to create the worlds, He was better pleased to confer this honor upon another. Jesus, in turn, has ever honored the Father. Both desired Lucifer’s highest happiness, and were well able to give him all the desires of his heart had those desires been kept in the bounds of right; but by becoming selfish he lost all.

“Oh, flee, my soul, from such a foe! And say with every breath, Let Jesus live within my heart, And self be put to death.”