Chapter 43—Trying to Serve God and Mammon
There is danger of losing all in the pursuit of worldly gain; for in the
feverish eagerness for earthly treasure, higher interests are forgotten.
The care and perplexity that are involved in laying up treasures upon
the earth, leave no time nor desire to estimate the value of eternal
riches.... “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Your
thoughts, your plans, your motives, will have an earthly mold, and
your soul will be defiled with covetousness and selfishness. “What
shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own
soul?” ...
The heart of man may be the abode of the Holy Spirit. The peace
of Christ, which passeth understanding, may rest in your soul; and the
transforming power of His grace may work in your life, and fit you for
the courts of glory. But if brain and nerve and muscle are all employed
in the service of self, you are not making God and heaven the first
consideration of your life. It is impossible to be weaving the graces of
Christ into your character while you are putting all your energies on
the side of the world. You may be successful in heaping up treasure on
the earth, for the glory of self; but “where your treasure is, there will
your heart be also.” Eternal considerations will be made of secondary
importance. You may take part in the outward forms of worship; but
your service will be an abomination to the God of heaven. You cannot
serve God and mammon. You will either yield your heart and put your
will on the side of God, or you will give your energies to the service
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of the world. God will accept no halfhearted service.—
The Review
and Herald, September 1, 1910
.
Enduring Substance or Passing Shadow
Christ calls upon the members of His church to cherish the true,
genuine hope of the gospel. He points them upward, distinctly assuring
them that the riches that endure are above, not below. Their hope is in
heaven, not on the earth. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His
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