Page 326 - That I May Know Him (1964)

Shun the World’s Pleasures, November 1
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any
man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15.
The true Christian will not desire to enter any place of amusement or
engage in any diversion upon which he cannot ask the blessing of God. He
will not be found at the theater, the billiard hall, or the bowling saloon. He
will not unite with the gay waltzers, or indulge in any other bewitching
pleasure that will banish Christ from the mind.
To those who plead for these diversions, we answer, We cannot indulge
in them in the name of Jesus of Nazareth.... Go in imagination to Gethse-
mane and behold the anguish which Christ endured for us. See the world’s
Redeemer wrestling in superhuman agony, the sins of the whole world
upon His soul. Hear His prayer, borne upon the sympathizing breeze, “O
my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not
as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39). The hour of darkness has
come. Christ has entered the shadow of His cross. Alone He must drink
the bitter cup. Of all earth’s children whom He has blessed and comforted
there is not one to console Him in this dreadful hour. He is betrayed into
the hands of a murderous mob. Faint and weary, He is dragged from one
tribunal to another.... He who knew not the taint of sin pours out His life
as a malefactor upon Calvary. This history should stir every soul to its
depths. It was to save us that the Son of God became a man of sorrows and
acquainted with grief.... Let a sense of the infinite sacrifice made for our
redemption be ever with you, and the ballroom will lose its attractions.
Not only did Christ die as our sacrifice, but He lived as our example. In
His human nature He stands, complete, perfect, spotless. To be a Christian
is to be Christlike. Our entire being—soul, body, and spirit—must be
purified, ennobled, sanctified, until we shall reflect His image and imitate
His example.... We need not fear to engage in any pursuit or pleasure that
will aid us in this work. But it is our duty to shun everything that would
divert our attention or lessen our zeal.1 [312]
1 The Review and Herald, February 28, 1882.
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