WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT.
By Stephen N. Haskell
Those things which are most important should be attended to first, afterward other things of less importance. The Bible teaches that if we seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all things else will be added. This is generally explained to mean conversion, or, as the expression is frequently used, to give the heart to the Lord. When an individual has had an experience so that he can say, I have done this, the idea prevails that this is all that is necessary, regardless of any special faith or interest in the work of present truth, which is now being carried forward in the world. There are thousands who will make a fatal mistake here. A Christian experience entirely disconnected from the special work of God will be of no account in the time of trouble to those who live at that time. This special work is to prepare a people for that event, and therefore it is of the utmost importance to those who are called to act in connection with it. When Gideon placed the fleece of wool on the floor that he might more perfectly understand the will of God concerning him by observing whether dew fell on it or not, nothing in the world was of more importance to him than its appearance, as in the morning he received an answer to his inquiry. The breaking of the pitcher at the right time, and the cry, “The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon” was of no less importance. What would a religious experience have been worth at the time of the flood if it had not been connected with the building of the ark? So it is now in the closing scenes of this world's history. In Rev. 7, we learn that God's angels hold the four winds, which represent the warring elements throughout the world, that a specific work may be accomplished in the earth. This work is symbolized by the angel ascending from the east; and the fact that the winds are held for its completion, proves it to be the most important work in the world. God's especial providence overrules the rise and fall of nations, so that if not directly contributing to the advancement of his cause they are made to assume such positions that its progress is not hindered. A Christian experience connected with this work is invaluable, and one outside of it is of but little worth. It is the same as the third angel's message of Rev. 14; and the greater sacrifices that can be made for its advancement, the more closely we can have our lives interwoven with it, the more devotedly and efficiently we can serve its interests, and the more valuable will be our Christian experience. The state of Europe, the crumbling condition of society, are sure indications of the return of our Lord, but the greatest evidence lies in the progress of the work of God. Therefore to every true believer nothing can be more interesting than to learn of the progress of this work, and not a week passes during which some new achievement gained by present truth is not brought to our knowledge. Wherever our ministers go there are accessions to the truth; wherever the banner of truth is unfurled, victory is sure to follow. This is God's work, and he is leading it on to certain victory. A few more years, and the conflict will be over. The urgent calls for means will then be in the past. The pressing need for men to fill positions in the cause of God will then have ceased. Then the burden-bearers will wear the crown. It is men and women of influence that are now wanted to recommend the truth of God to others, and also means to carry the work forward. Nothing in the world can be so important as this work. There is an importance to it that is not realized. Salvation is in it, and those are wanted to engage in it who will not count their lives dear unto themselves, but who will labor with untiring zeal the short time that remains for labor. S. N. HASKELL.