HONOR THE SPIRIT by Milton C. Wilcox

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 18, 1878

“HONOR THE SPIRIT.”

By Milton C. Wilcox

“A word fitly spoken,” says the wise man, “is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Prov. 25:11. The parting admonition of a good old brother brought this text to my mind very forcibly. “My boy,” said he, “honor the blessed Spirit.” And how often have I thought of those words since. Honor the Holy Spirit! How? By our conversation. Not in the way that the apostate people of God did (Isa. 29:13); but in a godly conversation. If we indulge in light, trifling conversation or foolish jesting, we grieve the Holy Spirit, and it is dishonored before those that look to us for better things.

Filthy conversation is one mark of the ungodly. 2 Pet. 2:7; Eph. 2:3. And if we are born of God we ought to put off the old man, and let our conversation be an example to those around us. We should be renewed in the spirit of our mind. Eph. 4:22, 23, 29, 30; 1 Tim. 4:12. The precious blood of the Lamb of God was shed to redeem us from the vain conversation of the world. 1 Pet. 1:18. We must give an account for every idle word. Matt. 12:36, 37. Read also Eph. 5:4, 19.

We can honor the Spirit by our daily life. Every act ought to count on the side of right. A kind word to an enemy, an encouraging smile to the toil-worn laborer, a prayer with the despondent, ministering to the wants of the needy,—all these glorify God and honor the Spirit. Paul could say, Thou hast fully known my manner of life. 2 Tim. 3:10. And his manner of life had been such that he could also say, “I have fought a good fight. . . . Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness.”

We can honor the Spirit by improving the time. The time is fast passing away, and Satan realizes it whether we do or not. Rev. 12:12. Says the apostle, “Redeeming the time; because the days are evil.” And if the reason given was ever applicable in the past, it is tenfold more so now. How expressive the language of Peter, “Hasting the coming of the day of God.” (Margin, 2 Pet. 3:12.) “Go out quickly.” Luke 14:21. At the crossing of Jordan by ancient Israel, “the people hasted and passed over.” Suppose they had lingered. Speaking of the glories of the eternal state the Lord says, “I the Lord will hasten it in his time.” Isa. 60:22. Untiring zeal is required in the Master’s cause. There is no time to lose. There are no promises to idlers. “Work while it is day,” say the Scriptures. May the Lord help his people to so honor his Spirit that they may be honored of him when he comes. Ps. 91:14.

Milton C. Wilcox.