Unpopular Truth by Ellen G. White

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Apr 11, 1878

Unpopular Truth

By Ellen G. White

The truth of God has never been popular with the world. The natural heart has ever been averse to the truth. We must leave the love of the world, and pride of heart, and everything which tendeth to idolatry, in order to be followers of the Man of Calvary. Those who obey the truth will not be honored of the world. From the lips of the divine Teacher was heard, as he walked in humility among the children of men, “Whosoever will be my disciple, let him take up his cross, and follow me.” Yes, follow our Exampler. Was he seeking for praise and honor of men? Oh, no! Shall we then seek for honor or praise from worldlings?

Those who have no love for God, will not love the children of God. Listen to the words of heavenly instruction: “Woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you.” “Blessed are ye when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day and leap for joy, for, behold your reward is great in heaven.”

The great masses who possess influence, do not choose to sacrifice their worldly ambition and separate their affections from the world, and turn their footsteps into the narrow, humble path traveled by the suffering Man of Calvary. Their talents and influence they consider too precious to be devoted to the cause of God—too precious to be given back to glorify the Giver who lent them these talents to be improved upon and returned back to him—both principal and interest. For the temporal advantages they suppose they will gain, they will sacrifice the eternal. For the flattery of men, they will turn from the approval of the Lord, the maker of the heavens and the earth, and forfeit all right to the honor which cometh from above. How few know what is for their best interest! Jesus, through a life of unexampled suffering and an ignominious death, has opened a way that man may follow in his footsteps, and finally be exalted to his throne, and have awarded to him immortality and eternal life. For a life of obedience, an immortal inheritance—a treasure undefiled that fadeth not away. E. G. W.