A Deception of the Devil

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Mar 16, 1904

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 30, No. 11.

A Deception of the Devil.

One of the great efforts of the devil through all the ages has been to make humanity believe that God's service is cold and hard and irksome and unpleasant. He has succeeded to a marvelous extent. Christians talk about "duty" as a hard thing, devoid of love and happiness, just as if there could not be such a thing as a pleasant duty, or a love of duty. Love is regarded as a mere sentiment, a feeling, an emotion, instead of a warm, living principle. Jesus Christ was wholly actuated by love, yet it "behooved" (it was duty) "the Christ to suffer." Luke 24:25, 26. "In all things it behooved Him [He owed it, He was under obligation] to be made like unto His brethren." Heb. 2:17. And in these duties He said, "I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love." John 15:10. And to us He says, "If ye love Me, keep My commandments." John 14:15. "Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." There is blessed joy in doing duty.