Chapter 18—Moving to Battle Creek
Our Saviour represents Himself as a man taking his journey into
a far country, who left his house in charge of chosen servants, giving
to every man his work. Every Christian has something to do in the
service of his Master. We are not to seek our own ease or convenience,
but rather to make the upbuilding of Christ’s kingdom our first consid-
eration. Unselfish efforts to help and bless our fellow men will not only
evince our love for Jesus, but will keep us near Him in dependence
and faith, and our own souls will be constantly growing in grace and
in a knowledge of the truth.
God has scattered His children in various communities that the light
of truth may be kept shining amid the moral darkness that enshrouds
the earth. The deeper the darkness around us, the greater the need that
our light should shine for God. We may be placed in circumstances
of great difficulty and trial, but this does not prove that we are not in
the very position assigned us by Providence. Among the Christians at
Rome in Paul’s day the apostle mentions them “that are of Caesar’s
household.” Nowhere could the moral atmosphere be more unfavorable
to Christianity than at that Roman court under the cruel and profligate
Nero. Yet those who had, while in the emperor’s service, accepted
Christ did not feel at liberty, after their conversion, to leave their post
of duty. In the face of seductive temptations, fierce opposition, and
appalling dangers they were faithful witnesses for Christ.
Whoever will rely wholly upon divine grace may make his life a
constant testimony for the truth. No one is so situated that he cannot be
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a true and faithful Christian. However great the obstacles, all who are
determined to obey God will find the way opening as they go forward.
Those who maintain their fidelity to God in the midst of oppos-
ing influences are gaining an experience of the highest value. Their
strength increases with every obstacle surmounted, every temptation
overcome. This fact is often overlooked. When a person has received
the truth, mistaken friends fear to expose him to any test or trial, and
they immediately endeavor to secure for him an easier position. He
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