42
Christian Service
to gain control of souls who might have been won for Christ.—
Christ’s
Object Lessons, 280
.
When I study the Scriptures, I am alarmed for the Israel of God in
these last days. They are exhorted to flee from idolatry. I fear that they
are asleep, and so conformed to the world that it would be difficult to
discern between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not.
The distance is widening between Christ and His people, and lessening
between them and the world. The marks of distinction between Christ’s
professed people and the world have almost disappeared. Like ancient
Israel, they follow after the abominations of the nations around them.—
Testimonies for the Church 1:277
.
Spiritual Discernment Dimmed
And not only in the world do we see the result of the church’s
neglect to work in Christ’s lines. By this neglect a condition of things
has been brought into the church that has eclipsed the high and holy
interests of the work of God. A spirit of criticism and bitterness has
come into the church, and the spiritual discernment of many has been
dimmed. Because of this the cause of Christ has suffered great loss.—
Testimonies for the Church 6:297
.
I am filled with sadness when I think of our condition as a people.
The Lord has not closed heaven to us, but our own course of continual
backsliding has separated us from God. Pride, covetousness, and love
of the world have lived in the heart without fear of banishment or
[39]
condemnation. Grievous and presumptuous sins have dwelt among us.
And yet the general opinion is that the church is flourishing, and that
peace and spiritual prosperity are in all her borders. The church has
turned back from following Christ her leader, and is steadily retreating
toward Egypt. Yet few are alarmed or astonished at their want of
spiritual power. Doubt and even disbelief of the testimonies of the
Spirit of God is leavening our churches everywhere. Satan would have
it thus.—
Testimonies for the Church 5:217
.
A State of Spiritual Weakness
Accumulated light has shone upon God’s people, but many have
neglected to follow the light, and for this reason they are in a state of