SELF-DENIAL by A. S. Hutchins

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 6, 1879

SELF-DENIAL

By A. S. Hutchins

SELF-DENIAL lies at the very foundation of the religion of Jesus. Until the lesson of self-denial is learned, one cannot develop the character of a Christian. Said Jesus, while instructing his disciples respecting the many things that he must suffer, and of his death, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matt. 16:24.

The love of God to fallen man led him to give his Son to die that we might have eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

To sacrifice the presence of the beloved Son in the courts of glory, knowing that he must die a cruel and ignominious death upon the cross, was indeed a most wonderful manifestation of the Father’s love for disobedient man.

Christ consented to leave the glory of Heaven, the presence of the Father, and all the holy angels, and come to this earth, marred and cursed by sin, and suffer and die as man’s Saviour.

Now the apostle exhorts: “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus; who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Phil. 2:4–8.

Dear reader, let us behold the “Man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief,” and reflect that you and I “have hid as it were our faces from him.” “He was despised, and we esteemed him not.” “Surely, he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.”

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

Oh, when, as ministers “of the manifold grace of God,” shall we truly reflect the love of God and of his dear Son? When shall we carry the cross of Christ in front wherever we go? and when shall the religion of the Man of Calvary so form the warp and woof of our life that it may speak louder than words, “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world”?

With unfeigned gratitude should we hail the warnings and entreaties of awfully solemn import through Heaven’s chosen medium, spiritual gifts, “precept upon precept; line upon line,” to help us in the great work of preparation to stand when the Master of the house hath risen up and shut to the door.

As we read these thrilling Testimonies, can language be more appropriate for each one of us to adopt with respect to ourself than is the following: “Hear ye, and give ear; and be not proud, for the Lord hath spoken.”

Selfishness and self-denial array themselves directly against each other. One is condemned and forbidden by the word of God, the other is commanded and approved. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be made rich.”

When we array ourselves or our own interests against the work and prosperity of the cause of God, what a terrible mistake! A man may imagine himself misrepresented, yea, he may be, and be abused; but this can never justify him in sacrificing his dignity as a Christian, and turning with bitter feelings and unkind words upon his brother. The language of Inspiration is, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God.”

The Bible, the dear old Bible, gives express direction how to harmoniously adjust matters of difference between brethren, and let the church of God go free. Please read Matthew 18:15–17. Should personal feelings break out among leaders in the church, let these men try the directions of Heaven, and thereby set a worthy example for others to follow. Paul in speaking of the qualifications of leaders in the church, says they should be “patient,” “blameless,” “not self-willed,” “not soon angry.”

When our weak churches, the dear lambs of the flock, are brought into trial and perplexity, and the very existence of the church is threatened for lack of self-denial, and because some do not follow the word of God in settling matters of difference, my heart is pained. I ask, Do these dear brethren realize the responsibility of their position as men of God? Do they act with reference to the impending wrath of God, and with respect to the final decision of the Judge of all the earth, who will reward every man according to his works?

We need more of the spirit of the apostle who could say while suffering trouble as an evil-doer, even unto bonds: “I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” This is self-denial—suffering for the good of others, preparing to enter into the joy of the Lord.

Oh, how inexpressibly sweet the promise, as penned by Peter, to the faithful elders: “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye also shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”

A. S. HUTCHINS.