Basic HTML Version
Faithful Stewardship
217
giving the impression that it is of little consequence whether or not
we retain the peculiar features of our faith. Upon us rests the golden
obligation of taking a more decided stand for truth and righteousness
than we have taken in the past. The line of demarcation between
those who keep the commandments of God and those who do not is
to be revealed with unmistakable clearness. We are conscientiously
to honor God, diligently using every means of keeping in covenant
relation with Him, that we may receive His blessings—the blessings
so essential for a people who are to be so severely tried. To give the
impression that our faith, our religion, is not a dominating power
in our lives is greatly to dishonor God. Thus we turn from His
commandments, which are our life, denying that He is our God and
we His people.
“The Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keepeth
covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His com-
[252]
mandments to a thousand generations; and repayeth them that hate
Him to their face, to destroy them: He will not be slack to him that
hateth Him, He will repay him to his face.”
Deuteronomy 7:9, 10
.
Where shall we be before the thousand generations mentioned
in this scripture are ended? Our fate will have been decided for
eternity. Either we shall have been pronounced worthy of a home in
the everlasting kingdom of God or we shall have received sentence
of eternal death. Those who have been true and faithful to their
covenant with God; those who, remembering Calvary, have stood
firmly on the side of truth, ever striving to honor God, will hear the
commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” But those
who have given God only halfhearted service, allowing their lives to
be conformed to the ways and practices of the world, will hear the
sad words: “Depart from Me; I know you not.”
[253]