WHICH IS THE MORE VALUABLE?
By John Nevins Andrews
"For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." John 12:43. For this reason, many of the chief rulers did not confess their faith in Christ. For the same reason, in all ages the greater part of all who have had knowledge of Christ have failed to confess him in their lives. One of two things must be true: Either the religion of Christ is overestimated, or these persons make a fatal mistake. Christ has promised that those who serve him shall be honored by his Father. John 12:26. But he has also informed us that, if we serve him, we shall have our names cast out as evil, and shall suffer shame for his sake, even as he suffered it for us. Matt. 10:25. Those who seek the honor that comes from God, must be willing to have their names lightly esteemed by men. Those who seek the honor that comes from men, must expect at the last day to come short of that honor which God shall bestow upon those that honor the Saviour. We cannot have the praise of men and that which comes from God also. We must choose which we will have. What are the grounds of choice? 1. The praise that comes from men is often bestowed upon those whose conduct is prompted by motives that are base, unworthy, and selfish; while actions that are truly generous, noble, and self-sacrificing, are only derided and despised. Moreover the praise of men is only fleeting, and may at any time turn to reproach and scorn. 2. But the praise that comes from God is given only to those who are worthy in his pure and all-discerning sight. The honor that God bestows will elevate those who receive it to the throne of Christ, and will endure forever. Surely there can be no question that this is of infinite value. Now God tests us by giving us to suffer reproach for his truth. But he promises that this reproach shall turn to glory and honor when he vindicates his cause and manifests his people, as he will at the last day. It is best to believe God. And if it be necessary to have our names cast out as evil, let us only be anxious to know that they are in the book of life, and we may leave all the rest to him. —J. N. Andrews.