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WISDOM

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 31, 1876

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 48, No. 10.

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WISDOM

By J. Sawyer

“For the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” Luke 16:8.
Wisdom demands respect wherever it is found. Whether seen in the insects that creep around our feet, in the animals that venture forth to ensnare their prey, or in dignified man in the common pursuits of life, all are ready to commend it.
“And the lord commended the unjust steward because he had done wisely.” We here seem to have an account of a man who had failed in some respects; but this steward had so agreed with his lord’s delinquents in regard to the debts that their confidence was retained. Confidence is a very important item in a business man’s account—especially when he resumes a suspended trade.
The children of this world. We understand by this that a class is spoken of who are engaged in transactions which have a bearing only on this present life.
The children of light. This is a class whose hopes and expectations may reach beyond this life; they believe in a kingdom that is superior to this sin-cursed earth. Their aspirations reach beyond the decaying scenery of earth to a state of unalloyed bliss and immortality.
The keen observation of Jesus had established this fact in his mind, that in worldly pursuits men exercised better judgment than the disciples did in their religious enterprises: that is, worldly minded men were wiser in their plans than the heavenly minded in theirs.
Do you suppose, dear reader, that he desired that fact to be stereotyped and handed down for future use, during the next eighteen centuries? Was it a fact that he could rejoice over? We are inclined to think it was a lamentable fact; and although we said wisdom always demands our respect, yet we have reason to infer that, while Jesus looked approvingly on worldly men’s wisdom, he grieved that his followers were satisfied with a mediocrity of attainments and let worldly men outstrip them in plans and enterprises. He preferred to see every disciple accomplish a successful work.
Said he, “The ax is laid unto the root of the trees; every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire.” Luke 3:9.
From Palestine the light must go forth to all parts of the world. He himself gave the solemn commission: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Here was a great enterprise. It required wisdom to accomplish it; such wisdom as would favorably cope with men’s worldly wisdom.
In the 9th verse he refers to an instance of such wisdom: “Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.” The unjust steward followed this plan. He said to one of his lord’s debtors, “How much owest thou unto my lord?” And he said, A hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.” The steward kept the customer’s friendship. He acted wisely. And the lord commended the unjust steward.
How different from the example set forth was the wisdom of the children of light: “A certain man made a great supper, and bade many; and sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.” One who was bidden said, “I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it; I pray thee have me excused.” We here have an illustration of a lack of wisdom among professors of religion eighteen hundred years ago. The invited guest, through his covetousness, lost sight of the dignity and importance of the invitation. What folly! Expecting a home with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, he cared more about looking at his land than he did about looking forward to a glorious inheritance. Yes, he wanted to see his farm; and perhaps in that very decision it became an idol, and as soon as he saw it, he became joined to it.
“And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them.” Although the call to this important supper had been made, whereby he was to be honored by being brought in company with superiors, noblemen, and his own lord even, yet the satisfaction of proving his oxen surpassed this exalted privilege. In view of such indifference on the part of professors, the Saviour declares the lamentable fact: “The children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.”
Is it any better in these last days? When men behold curses and dreadful judgments following each other in quick succession, as warning after warning goes forth to men, announcing that the great day of the Lord is at hand, do they receive such wisdom as will safely direct them in the closing scenes of the world’s history? God would have men act consistently. It is best to be on the safe side, and act as the Spirit of God and an enlightened reason dictate.
At the last anniversary of the colored people in one of our cities, there was a grand rally. A fine band of instrumental music was in attendance, many rode in fine carriages, and it seemed that all had means to enjoy the jubilee in a commendable manner. Knowing that this class of citizens consisted mostly of common laborers, I inquired of one how they managed to appear so well and make such a display. He replied: “We colored people make calculations for this jubilee all the year. We are determined to make this a great day, and we save a little money every week for this very purpose. In this way we have plenty.”
A beggar boy was once wandering through the streets of a large city. His attention was attracted by the sobbing of a little girl. She had lost a valuable shawl pin and was trying to find it. He found it and restored it to her, and she gave him some cakes and apples for his kindness. A few days after, as the lad happened that way again the girl saw him; but not having any cake and apples this time she gave him a few cards of pins and needles, and told him to go and sell them and with the money buy some food. He made sale of the articles and returned with the most of the money to his little friend, who showed him where he could purchase more goods. This youth was a peddler for a few years, he then became a merchant, and is now one of the richest bankers in Paris.
We have given a few examples to show the wisdom of the children of this world in the last days. Their efforts are many times crowned with marked success. The great object of life is kept in view. Everything must bend to the interest at stake. Is it so with the children of light?
A certain man heard the gospel preached and soon after felt that he must use his ability to promote the cause of the Lord. He had a farm on his hands which was not proving very profitable, and the Lord opened a way for him to sell it. He sold it well; but instead of waiting to see what the Lord would have him do with his means, he acted on his own judgment and made an investment which proved to be a hiding of the Lord’s money.
Another who heard the good news of the coming kingdom felt quite desirous of advancing the work of the Lord. But there was a large farm on his hands. Instead of overcoming covetousness by selling his land and using the means where the opening providence of God directed, one or two more farms added to his cares. He is fast wearing out his life in looking after his land.
It is a solemn thought that just before the second advent of our Lord, when the call goes out, “Come; for all things are now ready,” the guests who are bidden to the great supper will begin to make excuses.
My mind turns to the days of Abraham. He was told to get out of his native land, leave his kindred, and go to a land that God would show him. I follow him down in his history and find that he received no inheritance afterward—“no, not so much as to set his foot on.” When we compare the faith of Abraham with that exhibited in the last days, we can but exclaim: “When the Son of man cometh shall he find faith on the earth?” Abraham never realized so much of the promised inheritance as a place to set his foot on, yet some of his would-be joint-heirs have been clinging to their farms and earthly possessions until they have almost lost sight of the Abrahamic promise. And how do such Christians respond when God calls for means? The same as the guest spoken of in the parable: “I pray thee have me excused.” And God will finally excuse them.
It seems evident from the reading of the word of the Lord that he designed that his people should meet in yearly convocations. Christians are not to forget the assembling of themselves together. Men were made to be social beings. There will be society in Heaven. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and other worthies, will there sit down together. They will sing the song of Moses and of the Lamb in a heavenly meeting. They will go up from month to month to worship before the Lord.
And how is it with those who have the privilege of going up to the yearly feasts appointed in these days? Are they as zealous to meet together as God’s people anciently were to meet at Jerusalem? They often traveled a great distance, to meet in the solemn assembly of the saints. They prepared beforehand for these occasions. Is it so now? Do not many of the strong and healthy stay away? Do not many put off preparation for these annual feasts so long that it becomes impossible for them to attend? This exhibits less wisdom than is shown by the carnal-minded pleasure-seeker, who is generally prepared for anticipated recreations and enjoyments.
The Lord is not pleased with a neglect of these feasts. There is opportunity to reform. Will his people do it? God will bless them always in obeying his injunctions. In the basket, in the field, and in the store-house, their reward will be realized. It is our privilege to have his blessing, and to so use the means intrusted to us, having the requisite wisdom to order all our ways, that all may be to his glory. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God who giveth to all men liberally.” J. SAWYER.