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Faithfulness

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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 21, 1865

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 26, No. 25.

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Faithfulness

By F. M. Bragg

In whatever we are called to do is very desirable. However humble the sphere in which we act, we should faithfully perform each successive duty, in its time and place, thus filling each our sphere.
We find the principle invariably true, that, in proportion, as we are faithful in secular matters, so are we in those that are spiritual. Those who are thorough and prompt in the duties and obligations of this world, naturally are faithful to meet all their moral and spiritual responsibilities in the family and church relations.
An enlightened judgment of the responsibilities devolving upon each member of the church, would fit each to faithfully perform their individual duties in such a manner as to meet the approbation of our heavenly Father. Truly if each were engaged in their individual work, the great enemy would be kept out and peace and harmony would prevail.
Sister White in writing (a few years since) to the Oakland church, in referring to the words of Zeph. ii, 3: "Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, seek righteousness, seek meekness," says, "This is not to sinners, but to believers, those who have wrought his judgments in the earth." She says, "When Sabbath-keepers tend to this individual work, then sweet union will be in our midst." Shall we not faithfully set about this individual work?
A very little impurity renders a dwelling unfit to receive our guest, so, is it with the heart. If an evil passion is cherished there, Christ and the Father cannot take up their abode until it first be renovated from all that is impure. Let us be faithful to get our hearts right, free from all the feeling, spirit, and practice that is not in perfect keeping with the commandments of God and the precepts of Jesus. Then will our hearts be a fit dwelling-place for the Holy Spirit.
If each will engage heartily in this individual work, then God's faithful messengers will be free from the distracting, crushing burden of settling difficulties in the churches. Then they can go out free to carry the light of the present truth to those in darkness. The truth will spread, the third angel speed on his way, and many souls be fitted for immortality. May this be our happy experience as a people, and may we truly be "they that keep the commandments of God," and that have "the faith of Jesus."
F. M. BRAGG.
Cambridge, Oct., 14.