Indifference and Unbelief
I was shown that the work of health reform has scarcely been
entered upon yet. While some feel deeply, and act out their faith in
the work, others remain indifferent and have scarcely taken the first
step in reform. There seems to be in them a heart of unbelief, and
as this reform restricts the lustful appetite, many shrink back. They
have other gods before the Lord. Their taste, their appetite, is their
god, and when the ax is laid at the root of the tree, and those who have
indulged their depraved appetites at the expense of health are touched,
their sin pointed out, their idols shown them, they do not wish to be
convinced; and although God’s voice should speak directly to them to
put away those health-destroying indulgences, some would still cling
to the hurtful things which they love. They seem joined to their idols,
and God will soon say to His angels, Let them alone.... I saw that we
as a people must make an advance move in this great work. Ministers
and people must act in concert. God’s people are not prepared for the
loud cry of the third angel. They have a work to do for themselves
which they should not leave for God to do for them. He has left this
work for them to do. It is an individual work; one cannot do it for
another.—
Testimonies for the Church 1:486
(1865).
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