p. 787 | TWO GREAT MISTAKES by C. L. Taylor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Dec 30, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 50.

TWO GREAT MISTAKES.

By C. L. Taylor

Two of the greatest enemies of God's work in the earth are two brethren whose names are I-Can-Do-Everything and I-Can't-Do-Anything. Although professedly opposed to each other, they are always found stalking about hand in hand, and working for the same object, viz., to keep people out of the work of God. Of course they hardly ever show themselves together in the performance of their work, but one starts in on his plan, being encouraged the meanwhile by his friend, then the other completes the job. Virtually, they are a unit in all their operations.

Both of these individuals dwelt with the man Moses, whom, as you know, God chose to deliver his people from Egyptain bondage. By examining the scriptural account of Moses and his work, all will readily see how the above-mentioned brothers manifested themselves.

From a child Moses was instructed in regard to the great work which he was to do. All through those long years of life in the Egyptain courts, this one thought weighed heavily upon his mind. He enjoyed every opportunity for increasing his stock of knowledge, and when he was forty years of age he "was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds." Acts 7:22. Just like every other human being who has an abundance of this world's wisdom, Moses knew it. He began to cogitate about his great abilities, and of his achievements both as an orator and commander-in-chief of Egypt's army, and he came to think something like this: "Now, Moses, you are just the man to do this great work of delivering Israel. There is no part of the task for which you are not fitted. I am sure you are now ready to do the whole thing to perfection."

So out he went, this big I-Can-Do-Everything, and started in. "Seeing one of them [his brethren] suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptain; for he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his [Moses'] hand would deliver them." But God stepped in right there and put a stop to Moses' work, because he saw that that spirit of I-Can-Do-Everything would only ruin his work, and cast a reproach upon his holy name. Therefore he sent his servant away into the wilderness to teach him lessons in humility.

After forty years of rustic shepherd life were expired, the Lord again appeared to Moses, and said unto him: "Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt." Mr. I-Can-Do-Everything did not step up at this time, and put in his, "All right, I'm ready, I'm the man for that;" oh, no; Moses returned the answer, "Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh?" Now, that answer showed a good spirit, did it not? And if Moses, realizing his own weakness, had only gone forward right then and there, in obedience to God's command, trusting in God's wisdom and power, and knowing that it must be the right time for him (Moses) to go and do the work, because God had called upon him to do so, it would have been well. But he did not do that way.

Mr. I-Can't-Do-Anything now stepped in and said: "Moses, you are not the man to do any such work as that. Why, just think, you haven't any education, you cannot talk very well, and, in fact, you are not fitted in any respect for such an undertaking." So the next thing Moses did was to begin to make his excuses. Although the Lord worked miracles before him as evidence that he would sustain him in the work, Moses said, "O my Lord, I am not eloquent, . . . but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue." Then the Lord gave still further encouragement, but Moses gave him to understand that he thought he knew his own abilities, and that it would be a mistake for him to go.

Had not God exerted still further influence, this I-Can't-Do-Anything brother would have kept Moses there in Midian the remainder of his life. "And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses" because of the course pursued by him, which proves, beyond all doubt, that it was I-Can't-Do-Anything, not true humility, which was holding back this

man of God; for certainly the Lord never becomes angry over the fact that a man possesses a spirit of humility.

Moses lived and died many hundreds of years ago, but I-Can-Do-Everything and I-Can't-Do-Anything still continue to exist. Shall we not learn a lesson from Moses' experience, and shun their company? Have you been "called" to teach a class in the Sabbath-school? If you have, your work is to lead precious souls from the bondage of sin to the heavenly Canaan. Perhaps you have had many educational advantages, and are "mighty in words and in deeds;" but take heed that you do not go forth in your own strength, letting Mr. I-Can-Do-Everything control you; for just as certainly as God checked Moses in his course of pride, the time will come when you will be separated from the work.

God has "called" all to take a part in his work, and if you are not already actively engaged, you may be called to fill some place at any time. Now, when duty is presented before you, do not begin to plead your inability because you have not been privileged to obtain a good schooling, or that you are too old, or too young, or something of that sort, thus following Moses' example. It is "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord," that the work is to be done. "Who made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord? Now therefore go." It is not for us to consider our inability, but to go into the work simply because God has "called" us to do so.

Have you much learning? praise God that you have, and, telling Mr. I-Can-Do-Everything to stand one side, declare, as says Peter, "If any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth," and you will succeed. Are you ignorant? thank the Lord that you are not more so, and like Paul say, "By the grace of God I am what I am;" therefore "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Thus you may bid I-Can't-Do-Anything a final good-day, and enter upon a glorious career in saving souls.

Which will you choose, the companionship of God's word, which abideth forever, or the society of the two worthies, who will perish with all other unholy principles? Let us stand on the word of God, obeying its commands because they are reasonable and right.

C. L. TAYLOR.