Are we Awake? by M. S. Avery

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 22, 1874

Are we Awake?

By M. S. Avery

We, as a people, profess great and sacred truths; and that we are living in the last days of earth's history is plainly to be seen by any close observer of the events that are continually transpiring.

Without a doubt the second advent of our divine Lord is near, even at the door. Soon his mediation in Heaven is finished; and very soon the angelic throng will escort him from the bright courts of glory down to this dark world of sin.

Are we awake to this, and to the fact that he is coming for his people only; those who have waited for and followed him; and to call from the dusty bed of ages, all the righteous who yet rest in hope, waiting for the day of deliverance, the fulfilment of the promise, when their shackles shall be broken, and they shall live again?

We know the world, with all its delusive charms, is passing rapidly, and can but a little longer be our abiding place; and do we feel the importance of securing an interest in Heaven? or shall we remain indifferent, seek the honors and applause of the world, and finally with it pass away?

How can believers of our Bible faith live in apathy, and neglect their souls salvation? Oh! that we may each study more earnestly to be approved of God, to know his word, and to know ourselves, and understand just what we must be daily, in order that our lives and profession may be acceptable to him.

Do we love the world, and the selfish pleasures of it, less than when we believed? Are we better neighbors, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives? are we better parents, better children? are we better Christians?

Is home made happier, pleasanter or better, for our religion? are the inmates of that sanctuary joyful in our presence, or only in our absence? Have we a kindly look and word for all? or are smiles and kindness, reserved only for certain persons, places, and occasions; but harsh, stern, and bitter words, dealt unsparingly to the home circle? There is need of watchfulness, that our faith and hope be not in vain, and that “no man take our crown.”

We may possess much regard for the Sabbath, we may attend all the great gatherings of our people, and love to listen to the soul-inspiring truths that are there taught; we may dwell with delight on the glorious themes of inspiration, and loudly and earnestly contend for them, yet all this will not avail, unless the daily life corresponds therewith; for without the “meek and quiet spirit” of the Master, we are none of his.

Then if we would render to God an acceptable service, we must “put off the old man with his deeds,” and be renewed in the heart, walking no longer in darkness, but let the sweet fruits of the spirit, among which are love, gentleness, &c., be manifest in all we do. For God looks at the heart, and although his throne is in Heaven, yet his eyes behold and his eyelids try the children of men. Oh! that we may all be doers of the word, and not hearers only; for God is not mocked and we cannot deceive him, for he knoweth them that are his. Then inasmuch as we have named the name of Christ, let us depart from all iniquity. It is time that we awake to these things; and may grace and strength be given us to overcome fully all the evils of our natures, doing all to the glory of the Lord, that by our example we may gather with him, and not scatter abroad; and then when weary of earth's pilgrimage, we can look up in confidence, and contemplate the Christian's home in glory; the palms, the robes, and the crowns that await us. Life in the kingdom is worth all our effort; let us awake then, press forward, overcome, and victory will soon be ours.

M. S. Avery.