Our Life by F. W. Paap

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 31, 1914

Our Life

By F. W. Paap

F. W. PAAP

“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh. when no man can work.” John 9: 4.

THESE important and solemn words spoken by Christ reveal his life, his attitude, his deep concern. He was a worker. He improved every opportunity, and placed a full face value on the present — today. Paul, the great apostle to the Gentiles, writing to the Galatians (chap. 6: 10), says, “As [or since] we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” We are not to become weary in well-doing. Christ our Saviour “went about doing good.” It is not sufficient to simply be good; we must do good.

This is a science that must be mastered, — the science of true Christianity,—“a science as much deeper, broader, higher than any human science as the heavens are higher than the earth. The mind is to be disciplined, educated, trained; for we are to do service for God in ways that are not in harmony with inborn inclination.” — “Testimonies for the Church, Vol. VIII, page 314.”

We are amid the perils of the last days. Heaven is expending every energy to lead us or attract us from ourselves and earthly things, knowing that the curtain is about to be lifted, and every case decided either for weal or for woe. Our sanctification will be the result of a constant conflict with self. We shall need to learn what it means to die daily. Our will and our desires every day will conflict with duty and the will of God. Instead of following inclination, we shall do God’s will, however crucifying to our nature. “Christian integrity must be sought with resistless energy, and maintained with a resolute fixedness of purpose.” — “Id., page 313.” “No one will be borne upward without stern, persevering effort in his own behalf. All must engage in this warfare for themselves. Individually we are responsible for the issue of the struggle. Though Noah, Job, and Daniel were in the land, they could deliver neither son nor daughter by their righteousness.” — Ib.

True religion consists in doing the works of Christ. We do not do to earn his favor; we do not do to make ourselves Christians, but because we are Christians. “Christ places the salvation of man, not upon profession merely, but upon faith that is made manifest in works of righteousness. Doing, not saying merely, is expected of the followers of Christ. It is through action that character is built.” — “Mount of Blessing, page 215.”

“Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.” Matt. 7: 24. “They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.” Dan. 12: 3. “God expects personal service from every one to whom he has intrusted a knowledge of the truth for this time. . . . There are many ways in which church members may give the message to those around them. One of the most successful is by living helpful, unselfish, Christian lives.” — “Testimonies for the Church, Vol. IX, page 30.”

We must work, winning our way by the tender ministry of love. We must leave no means untried to rescue sinners from the power of the enemy. “God is waiting for men and women to awake to their responsibilities. He is waiting for them to link themselves with him. Let them mark the signal of advance, and no longer be laggards in working out the will of the Lord.” — “Id., Vol. VII, page 13.”

From every angle that we view the Christian life, we see that it means service. Daily we must renounce inborn inclinations. We must put on the armor and go forth to the warfare, willing to do and dare for God. Soon the King of kings and Lord of lords is to lead forth the armies of heaven. His reward is with him to give to every man according as his work shall be. There will be two classes in that day: those who have improved their opportunities, those who have done well, those who, for his sake, have ministered to man’s necessities; and those who have neglected opportunities, those who have failed, those who have neglected this blessed ministry. Read Matt. 25: 34-46.

“Have you so deep an appreciation of the sacrifice made on Calvary that you are willing to make every other interest subordinate to the work of saving souls? The same intensity of desire to save sinners that marked the life of the Saviour, marks the life of his true follower. The Christian has no desire to live for self. He delights to consecrate all that he has and is to the Master’s service. He is moved, by an inexpressible desire to win souls to Christ.” — “Id., page 10.”

Christ has set us the example. He expects great things of his children. Shall we not, with a new and clearer vision, be about our Father’s business? The day hastens on apace that will try every man’s work. How shall we stand in that great day?