The Danger of Delay: Total Consecration Today

It is a mistake to count the remaining time as an excuse for delay or to withhold a full commitment to God, as our time is limited and the call for total consecration is for today Hebrews 3:15FE 334.3. True sanctification is not a momentary act but a lifelong work of character building that requires our entire being and undivided interestSITI May 28, 1885, page 330.9+2.

The Danger of Delay and "Human Calculations"

• When people rely on their own human calculations, they often fall short of divine wisdom and only turn to the Lord with all their heart when they realize their own foolishnessCE 95.2.

• The idea of delaying an entire surrender to God is a suggestion of the enemy, who seeks to confuse the conscience so that true conversion does not take placeCCh 296.1.

• Idleness and procrastination result in sin, as idle minds are ready for Satan to control, whereas active hands and minds find no time for his temptationsCCh 194.3.

• Many make the mistake of measuring their service by worldly standards, but like Matthew, we should follow Jesus without hesitation or questioning what we shall receive Matthew 9:9GW 113.2.

Living with 100% Consecration

• The work of God should stand 100 percent higher than it does today, and we are called to labor for time and for eternity with all our power13MR 195.1+1.

• Those who are truly connected to the message will devote their time and equipment 100 percent to the publication of the truthTM xxxiv.1.

• God requires a complete sacrifice and entire submission; there must be no chamber of the mind where Satan is allowed to hold swayGW92 470.2.

• True sanctification means that our undivided powers, including our very thoughts, are brought into captivity to Christ13MR 153.4+1.

The Uncertainty of Time

• We do not know the day or the hour of the Lord's coming, which should lead us to a position of constant waiting and watching rather than calculating for the purpose of delay Matthew 24:3616MR 178.2+1.

• The lapse of time and the apparent delay of the second advent have previously led some to lose their first love and engage in worldly speculations, which serves as a warning to us1T 6.4.

• We cannot maintain consecration to God while indulging in wrong habits or overtaxing our vital organs, as we are called to preserve our full vigor for His service 1 Corinthians 9:2712LtMs, Ms 4, 1897, par. 4+1.

• The night is coming when no man can work, so we must make the most of the short period remaining to prepare for eternal lifeARSH December 31, 1861, page 37.4+1.

The Reward of Faith

• Those who endure the trials of these last days and maintain their faith will count heaven cheap enough, reckoning that present sufferings are not worthy to be compared with the coming glory Romans 8:181T 432.2+1.

• When we take ourselves in hand and cultivate our spiritual powers, we become efficient workmen who do not need to be ashamed20MR 290.3+1.

• By living in a state of constant consecration, we reflect the divine nature and naturally win souls to Christ through our influenceRH August 18, 1885, par. 12+1.