IMPORTANCE OF HOLY LIVING by J. M. Hopkins

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Thursday, January 29, 1880

FromThe Review and Herald, Vol. 55, No. 5

IMPORTANCE OF HOLY LIVING.

By J. M. Hopkins

BY J. M. HOPKINS.

“SEEK ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.” Zeph. 2 : 3.

There are several facts found in connection with the above admonition which render it vastly important for us. 1. It is addressed to those who live just before “the day of the Lord’s anger,”—just before the coming of the Son of man. Compare chap. 1 : 14–18 with Rev. 6 : 12–17. 2. It is addressed to those who live just before “the decree bring forth” (See chap. 2 : 2, in comparison with Rev. 22 : 11.), and consequently near the close of the Judgment. 3. It is addressed, not to the ungodly, but to the “meek of the earth.” Compare text with Ps. 37 : 11, and Matt. 5 : 5. 4. It is addressed to those who hear and obey the third angel’s message,—“Which have wrought his judgment.” Compare text with Rev. 14 : 12, and 12 : 17. 5. It is an exhortation to “seek,” that we may “be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.”

With these considerations before us, the subject comes to our minds with an ever increasing interest. That we are fast approaching the time that “shall try every man’s work of what sort it is,” is proven by the united testimony of Inspiration. And with the light God has given us, our condemnation will be great if our work shall be poorly done.

“Seek ye the Lord.” It matters not what the occupation in life may be, every one, in order to be successful, must have some end in view. This must be the object of life, and for the accomplishment of this there must be resolution, self-denial, and untiring effort. Thus it is in the Christian’s life. First of all there must be a controlling motive, the object of every thought, the mainspring of every act. “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1 : 8. “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matt. 6 : 24. Paul, in 1 Cor. 10 : 31, has given valuable instruction in regard to our manner of living: “Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. If we heed this injunction, God will never suffer our feet to be moved, but will hide us in the “day of his anger.”

When we rise in the morning, the first inquiry should be, Lord, how can I best honor thee to-day? And as we go forth to enjoy the God-given blessings of a new day, let a tribute of praise and thanksgiving

ascend to God for all his benefits. In the freshness of morning all nature seems to join in a song of gratitude and praise. And should not man, “the noblest work of God,” thus early “seek” his Maker? Before the cares of the day intrude, let a few moments, at least, be devoted to reading the Bible and sweet communion with God.

“Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth.” Nothing short of an entire consecration on the part of God’s people will meet this requirement. The little time yet remaining in which to prepare to meet the Lord is too precious to be divided between earth and Heaven. We should pay diligent heed to the words of Jesus: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.” Matt. 6 : 33. And David’s prayer, “Unite my heart to fear thy name,” should be responded to with a hearty “Amen.”

“Seek righteousness.” This word is defined by Webster as follows: “Purity of heart and rectitude of life; conformity of heart and life to the divine law. . . . It includes all we call justice, honesty, and virtue, with holy affections; in short, it is true religion.” God would have his remnant church pure in heart and upright in deed. It is never safe for the Christian to lay down his armor and cease to strive earnestly for the victory over self and our common adversary.

“Seek righteousness.” “All thy commandments are righteousness.” Ps. 119 : 172. “Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.” Eccl. 12 : 13. “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” Matt. 19 : 17. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments; and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5 : 3. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Rev. 22 : 14.

All through the word of God we find the commandments referred to as that rule of “righteousness” which we should “seek” to follow. By the successful efforts of to-day we gain strength for to-morrow; and thus, by divine grace, our characters may be continually molded, and brought into harmony with the divine law. “The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Prov. 4 : 18.

“Seek meekness.” Webster defines “meekness” thus. 1. “Softness of temper; mildness; gentleness; forbearance under injuries and provocations: 2. In an evangelical sense, humility; resignation; submission to the divine will, without murmuring or peevishness.” In the wisdom of God, his remnant people are called upon to obey a truth which separates from the world, and makes them in many respects “a peculiar people.” Many sacrifices must be made, many trials borne, and it will only be by a great work of grace that the strongest can endure. “And the dragon was wroth with the woman [the church], and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Rev. 12 : 17. In order to stand unmoved in that time of trial and persecution, we shall need all the “meekness” and humility which the prayerful effort of years can acquire. To-day we are exhorted to “seek meekness,” and to make every possible preparation that we may be able to stand in that trying time. Soon the great realities of the Judgment will be upon us. If we fail to heed God’s warning voice now, we shall then be visited with his wrath. Then “seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.”