ACKNOWLEDGE HIM by A. Smith

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 26, 1878

ACKNOWLEDGE HIM.

By A. Smith

“In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Prov. 3:6. I do not understand that the expression “acknowledge him” has reference to a mere verbal declaration that this or that event in our individual experience is providential. To acknowledge God in all our ways, we must honor him in all we do or say. This agrees with the words of the apostle: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Cor. 10:31.

The question might arise, How can a farmer acknowledge God in all his ways? In the first place, by becoming genuinely converted; for if he is not a true Christian he cannot glorify God, as he practically denies the claims of God upon him. The Christian farmer feels under obligation to use all proper means to care for the property which God has intrusted to him; and if he suffers loss he does not fret or complain, nor does he anticipate loss by expressing a fear that his granary will be broken into, his fruit stolen, his stock diminished by disease, or that his dwelling will be broken into by robbers or destroyed by fire. He retires at night with the sweet assurance, “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.” Ps. 4:8.

What is true of the farmer is true of every Christian, whatever his calling may be.

When Christ was upon earth, he ever dispensed his blessings according to the faith of the people; and to-day he is unchanged. He is able to send angels to guard everything his people possess. Satan inquired of God concerning Job, “Hast not thou made a hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side?” God did not deny this; for it was doubtless true, and is not God able to do the same by his people now? What saith the Saviour? “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them [worth half a farthing] shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Matt. 10:29–31.

Is not fretting and complaining on the part of a Christian very strongly expressed unbelief? Pause, Christian, lest Christ should practically say to thee, “Be it done unto thee according to thy faith.”

If a man would succeed in business, let him honor God by using a just and liberal portion of his means in his cause. Withholding this, God calls robbery. Love is the fulfilling of the law. How can we love one whom we rob? If, then, we rob God, are we commandment-keepers? If a man should rob his employer, would he not be at once dismissed as one unworthy to be trusted? When one talks of loving God, and being happy in that love, we conclude he is financially up to duty, or that he is deceived in himself.

Many are dissatisfied with the lot assigned to them by Providence, and clamor for a change; but this, without the sanction of Heaven, would be wrong. With some, indirectly expressing unbelief and distrust in the providence of God has become a chronic habit,—one which ought to be energetically resisted and overcome. We ought to talk faith, act faith, live out faith, for the honor and glory of God, and to cheer the desponding.

Talk discouragement to a man of business, and it disheartens him; let a chorus of voices dissuade him, and ten to one if he succeeds at all. Talk doubts and fears and darkness in a social meeting, and the very lamps will seem to burn more dimly, and the walls to assume a dingy hue. Let a mother fret and scold, and her little flock will desire to flee from the parental

roof; let a father storm with rage, or talk of coming poverty or calamity, and his children will doubtless grow up with the same peculiarities of passion and distrust, to extend the blighting influence far and near.

The same principles are also true in reference to our attitude toward God. How important, then, that we speak and act always with that Christian propriety that is well pleasing in the sight of Heaven.

A. SMITH.