p. 74 | BE HUMBLE by M. Wood

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

BE HUMBLE.

By M. Wood

We are taught in the word of God not to despise the day of small things, nor to lean unto our own understanding, nor trust in an arm of flesh. Very many professed followers of Christ, ignore these words of inspiration; and feel that, because they cannot accomplish some great thing, they may be content to settle down and do nothing. It is necessary to be humble in order to be useful in the cause of God. The humble and comparatively weak instrument may take courage from God’s word, being assured that it is “not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord.”

Infinite Wisdom is pleased to employ the weak things of the world to confound the mighty, that God may have the praise; and that no flesh may glory in his presence. Says the great apostle, “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God; for I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. . . . My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power; that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” And again to the Thessalonians he writes: “As we were allowed of God, to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness.”

What a contrast between the great apostle, and the disciples of the present time! Paul deemed it an exalted privilege to bear a part in the gospel of Christ, while laboring with his hands, that he might be chargeable to no man. He felt his dependence upon God. The people of to-day act and talk as though the cause of God absolutely depended upon them. Sad delusion! Said Christ, “God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.” Though every member of the T. & M. Society from Maine to California should withdraw from this, the noblest work in which man may be engaged, it would still go forward until the work of God was accomplished, and the hundred and forty-four thousand had received the seal of the living God.

We are engaged in a work of heavenly origin; had it been of men it would have come to naught long ere this; it would have died in its infancy. But thanks be to God for the cheering reports from every quarter of the field that the Lord of the harvest is still leading on his servants to victory. Man may as well think of dethroning the Almighty, as to think to stay the progress of the last message of mercy. It is destined to soon reap a most glorious harvest.

In the Scriptures we are taught that, while the ambassadors of Christ are willing to spend and be spent in the blessed work of proclaiming the last solemn message of Christ, it is God alone who can give efficacy to the word of his grace, according to the purpose of his will. May all our hopes be in Him whose power can change the

heart, and who can prepare a people unto himself—a people which shall show forth his praise. May the Lord give us a deep and abiding conviction of sin, a growing love for the blessed Saviour, and an increasing relish for holy duties.

M. Wood.