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Social Gatherings

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 8, 1909

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 86, No. 27.

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Social Gatherings

By F. M. W.

It is a safe position for every Christian to take that he will not form any relationship, nor throw his influence either actively or passively in favor of any work, except that upon which he can confidently ask and expect the blessing of the Lord. Were this rule followed, it would save many compromises with evil, and much uncertainty, doubt, and discouragement in the Christian experience.
The pursuit of a clear, straightforward course of duty strengthens faith, and brings, even in the midst of trial, the sweet joy and assurance of heaven’s approval. It is when we become lost in the mazes of doubt and questioning, wavering in our purpose, and half yielding to wrong-doing, that faith is shaken, and we lose from our lives the satisfaction of conscientious Christian service.
It is well, always, to ask, What would my divine Model and Example do? Can I ask him to prosper this plan? go with me to this place? bless me in this relationship? Were Christ an honored guest in our homes, as he was in the home of Lazarus, would we feel free to pursue the same plans, and mold our lives after the same principles which now control them? Could we engage in the idle conversation of the average fireside circle? Would we be as free to speak words of criticism, fault-finding, and censure, or engage in the idle gossip which too often occupies our thoughts? Could we freely spend time in reading novels, stories, or other unwholesome literature? If he were a guest, could we invite him to accompany us to the theater, the skating-rink, the professional ball game, or even to many social gatherings to spend time in idle chit-chat, or in playing silly games? Surely we would be blind to his mission, and mistake his holy character, to must thus judge of the bent of his thoughts and purposes.
If he personally would not find pleasure in such entertainments, then his Spirit does not find pleasure in them, nor does he lead his disciples to seek their pleasure in such ways. We would not say that a Christian never attended a theater, or went to a skating-rink, or engaged in silly parties of pleasure. That would appear harsh and uncharitable. We will put it in another way: All such pleasures are worldly in their character and influence, and contrary to the spirit of the gospel, and whenever the disciples of Jesus have become confused, and allowed themselves to engage in such pastimes, it has brought leanness to their souls, separation in a measure from their blessed Lord, and robbed them of that sweet, satisfying peace which comes from conscientiously following in the footsteps of their Master. By their course they have grieved the great heart of their Heavenly Father, and need to return, with contrition and confession of sin, to the paths of holy living from which they have strayed.
God does not want us to act the part of recluses. He has created us with social instincts, and these he desires cultivated as a means whereby we may win our associates to God. We are to live among men in this world till Jesus comes. We should associate with them freely at the fireside, in the marketplace, and on every proper occasion. We should enter into their experiences as far as consistent, rejoicing in their good fortune, sympathizing in their sorrows, proving friends in every time of need. But we are to do all this with widely different motives than possess those who know not God. We are Christ’s representatives, and in every relationship with our fellows we are to represent him.
O, if this holy purpose, this dignity of bearing and life, which should characterize the ambassadors of God, could but abide with every young man and young woman among Seventh-day Adventists how these questions of social pleasure would adjust themselves! Every occasion would be considered an opportunity to live or speak for God, and our association with men would be not to while away time, or draw from them some passing pleasure, but to impart to them the highest joy of a new life, a life consecrated to noble purposes and lofty ideals.
There may be held what might be termed proper social gatherings, but we do not believe in the social gathering which is made a time for idle talk, gossip, the playing of games, and coarse, cheap jesting. It is safe to say that unless gatherings have for their purpose either an educational, devotional, missionary, or recreative ideal, and they be held closely to this standard, they will soon degenerate into unprofitable, if not positively harmful, occasions.
It is to gatherings of a proper character that our young people are incited by the instruction which has come to them through the spirit of prophecy. Gatherings for prayer, Bible study, missionary planning, the study of mission fields, harmless and healthful recreative purposes, and kindred objects may be made in the highest degree profitable. To such gatherings we may ask the Spirit to accompany us, and from them we may come forth better prepared, and with a deeper consecration, to accomplish the great work for this generation which should command in its promulgation our undivided energies.
F. M. W.