Testing Process
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and a transformation of character bring them into harmony with Christ
and the spirit of heaven, and they are victors over themselves.
God has called men from different states, and has been testing and
proving them to see what characters they would develop, to see if they
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could be trusted to keep the fort at-----, and to see whether or not they
would supply the deficiencies of the men already there, and, seeing
the failures that these men have made, would shun the example of
those who are not fit to engage in the most sacred work of God. He
has followed men at-----with continual warnings, reproof, and counsel.
He has poured great light about those who officiate in His cause there,
that the way may be plain before them. But if they prefer to follow
after their own wisdom, scorning the light, as did Saul, they will surely
go astray and involve the cause in perplexity. Light and darkness have
been set before them, but they have too often chosen the darkness.
The Laodicean message applies to the people of God who profess
to believe present truth. The greater part are lukewarm professors,
having a name but no zeal. God signified that He wanted men at the
great heart of the work to correct the state of things existing there
and to stand like faithful sentinels at their post of duty. He has given
them light at every point, to instruct, encourage, and confirm them, as
the case required. But notwithstanding all this, those who should be
faithful and true, fervent in Christian zeal, of gracious temper, knowing
and loving Jesus earnestly, are found aiding the enemy to weaken and
discourage those whom God is using to build up the work. The term
“lukewarm” is applicable to this class. They profess to love the truth,
yet are deficient in Christian fervor and devotion. They dare not give
up wholly and run the risk of the unbeliever, yet they are unwilling to
die to self and follow out closely the principles of their faith.
The only hope for the Laodiceans is a clear view of their standing
before God, a knowledge of the nature of their disease. They are neither
cold nor hot; they occupy a neutral position, and at the same time flatter
themselves that they are in need of nothing. The True Witness hates
this lukewarmness. He loathes the indifference of this class of persons.
Said He: “I would thou wert cold or hot.” Like lukewarm water, they
are nauseous to His taste. They are neither unconcerned nor selfishly
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stubborn. They do not engage thoroughly and heartily in the work
of God, identifying themselves with its interests; but they hold aloof
and are ready to leave their posts when their worldly personal interests