p. 53 | WHO IS TRULY HONORED? by Maria L. Huntley

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Thursday, January 22, 1880

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 4

WHO IS TRULY HONORED?

By Maria L. Huntley

BY MARIA L. HUNTLEY.

THERE is, in the heart of man, a natural desire for the honor and esteem of others. This desire is of heavenly origin, and, as first given to man, was pure and elevating; but, with other precious endowments, it has become perverted. The great enemy of our race has made it an agent through which to turn the attention of mankind from that which is true, pure, and ennobling to the false and corrupting. He has made this counterfeit so pleasing and attractive that nearly the whole world is taken in his snare. Life, health, eternal interests,—all are sacrificed to secure the praise and applause of men; and with many, nothing is too precious to lay down at the shrine of this false god. But the Bible reveals this deception, and brings to view the true honor which comes from God.

God is the most exalted being of which we can conceive. We can but faintly comprehend his exaltation and glory, and to become connected with him is the most honorable position to which we can attain. To be engaged in his work is to be engaged in the most noble and exalted work on earth. We thus become associated with the angelic host and with the Lord of glory in a work so important, so elevated, that it was worthy of the death of the Son of God. Let us consider the ministration of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, the ministration of angels for six thousand years, and then, if possible, imagine a more exalted position for fallen man than that of having some part in such a work, with such associations. Wonder, O Heavens, and be astonished, O Earth! not only at the amazing love of God to man, but at his condescension in thus exalting him.

No one can say, This is not for me. No; while the most gifted, the most learned, have not the attainments appropriate to such an exalted position, in themselves considered, God will accept the weakest, the most ignorant, if they give him the best, and all they have. This is not a work in which the strong may glory in their strength, or the wise in their wisdom; it is rather by the love with which one works that his work will be approved; it is God that gives the increase.

True nobility is measured by character. The king on his gilded throne, if not a child of God, is less honored than the least of those who are daily attended by the heavenly messengers sent forth to minister unto those who shall be heirs of salvation, or those little ones whose angels do always behold the face of our Father.

The time is near when this vail of deception will be removed. Then, those who have connected themselves with God and his work, will be seen in their true light, as the truly honored of earth. The present is the time to secure this honor, to suffer with Christ that we may also reign with him. Ample opportunities are now afforded us for engaging in the work of God, and thus securing for ourselves the true riches and true honor, which will be as enduring as eternity.