CONFIDENCE IN GOD by H. Scott

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jul 9, 1894

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 20, No. 35.

CONFIDENCE IN GOD.

By H. Scott

BY H. SCOTT.

In writing to the Philippians Paul expresses confidence that God is able to accomplish every work that he begins, and especially the work begun in the hearts of his children. Phil. 1:6. If all fully realized this fundamental truth, how much worry and anxiety would be lifted from the struggling soul, and with how much greater joy and peace of mind would they continue in the path marked out for them by their loving heavenly Father! If God begins a work, and calls upon man to share in that work, it is not because he needs the wisdom and power of man in order to make it a success, but because of his desire to bless and elevate the man. The Creator knows that it will give man a fuller and more appreciative knowledge of himself and his work, and in tender love man is given the privilege of engaging in it.

God's wisdom is as much superior to man's as God is superior to man, and his power as much greater as he is greater than man. In fact, all the boasted wisdom of this world is foolishness in the eyes of God. 1 Cor. 3:19. What utter foolishness, then, is it for man to think that by any wisdom or might he possesses he can assist in the great work of God, a work that requires infinite wisdom! How much more in keeping with all the facts would it be for man, when called of God to do anything in his cause, to admit his nothingness, his utter inability of himself to do the work, and accept the wisdom God will so freely bestow, and which alone will fit man for the duties to which he is called. God wishes all who are called to realize their need. The reason why from among the many who are called but few are chosen (Matt. 22:14) is because so few sense their need. Those who do realize their lack, and ask God to give them of his abundant supply, will not be upbraided, but will receive liberally. James 1:5, 6. May the Lord assist the reader and writer to more fully appreciate the great truth that without Christ we are nothing and can do nothing. John 15:5. Jesus is the wisdom and power of God. 1 Cor. 1:22.

God, in his infinite love and wisdom, has ordained that man should be the light of the world. Matt. 5:14. Naturally, man is at enmity with God, and not subject to his will (Rom. 8:7), and therefore has no desire that God should thus exalt him. But God has set himself the task of causing them to do good who are accustomed to do evil (Jer. 13:23), and that not of restraint but willingly. They are to lighten the world, not with sparks of their own kindling, but with the bright, penetrating rays received from the Sun of Righteousness. As God will not compel man to do his will, he must have man's coöperation, or consent. Naturally, man will not consent, so God in his wisdom has placed enmity, or the power to will to do as God desires, in man's heart through the operation of his Spirit. Gen. 3:17. The same truth is also stated in John 1:8, where it is declared that Christ lighteneth every man that cometh into the world. If this spark is cherished, Jesus will kindle it into a flame, that will shine as a light in a dark place. This truth is illustrated by Jesus in Luke 11:33 as follows: "No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it into a secret place, neither under a bushel." This brings to mind the work Jesus does for all his followers. They are to be the light of the world. They do not light the lamp, but are themselves the lamp. Christ furnishes them with oil and light with which they are to lighten the world. If they look to themselves for light, they will be found groping in sparks of their own kindling, which emit no holy radiance; but if Jesus lights their lamp, it will shine with an ever-increasing brightness.

Another thought is that when Jesus lights a lamp he does not hide it, but places it in a position where others will be benefited by it. Man's wisdom leads him to take just as unreasonable a course as to light a lamp and place it under a bushel, as witness the monks and others, who shut themselves away from the world. This is not what Jesus does with the lamps which he lights. He has a more useful and profitable work for them.

Equally foolish is it for the lamp after it has been lighted and placed by the Master's hand where he desires it, to complain or worry for fear it is not accomplishing all the good it might, or employ all its time debating the probability of its doing a greater or more acceptable work in some other position. How much more consistent and reasonable for it to contentedly remain where placed, and shine with all the brightness possible! Is the lamp responsible for the good it does, or is the one who cares for it? Is it not more foolish for man, who has been chosen by the Master to hold up the light of truth, to entertain such thoughts and feelings concerning the place in which he is called to stand?

Would the lamp shine any the less brightly in the humble abode of the poor than the elegant drawing room of the rich? or would it complain of being placed in the kitchen instead of the parlor? No more will the Christian, whose lamp has been lighted by Christ. His feelings will be the same whether placed in the church or community where his light is the brightest that shines amid the moral darkness around, or in a church or community where there are a hundred lights that shine more brightly than his. He will realize that the work is the Lord's, that he is doing the part the Lord has assigned him; and in that he will rejoice and be content, content to work in God's own appointed way, content to let Jesus be all and in all, and confident that God is able to perform the work he has undertaken.