This past Sabbath in our local church, the preacher spoke about the second coming of Christ. It is a familiar topic to those who have been baptized, grown up in the faith or have been attending church for a long time. Is it necessary to repeat this subject? Yes, by all means. This is what we are living for.
I will ask you a question:
“Do you REALLY believe Jesus is coming very soon?” Ask this question to any member in the church around the world and they will answer, “Yes, of course I believe it will be soon.” But then I ask, “If you believe He will come soon, what are you doing to prepare? Do your actions indicate what you really believe? Or is it a passive belief on your part?” Search your own heart and your own life.
“The end of all things is at hand. The Lord is soon coming. Already His judgments are abroad in our land. We are not only to talk of Christ’s coming, but in every action we are to reveal the fact that He is soon to be manifested in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” –Testimonies to Ministers, p. 187
“Do we believe with all the heart that Christ is soon coming and that we are now having the last message of mercy that is ever to be given to a guilty world? Is our example what it should be? Do we, by our lives and holy conversation, show to those around us that we are looking for the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who shall change these vile bodies and fashion them like unto His glorious body?” –Early Writings, p. 111
I will now mention three areas where our actions confirm the reality of our belief.
1) DOWNSIZING
Recently I went to lunch with some of the women from my work. At one point in time the conversation was directed to the one woman who was renovating her house. She was planning on making a complete makeover into a very fancy house. This was her focus in life and her dream. The other women shared some advice as to what they did with their renovations. The all-consuming desire seemed to be, to have a bigger, better, and fancier home, regardless of the cost. You can just borrow the money. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21. Clearly, the heart of these women was on their house and home, making it beautiful and fancy. All an inward focus—to make their own environment beautiful and comfortable.
Is this what you are living for? A bigger, fancier house? What did Jesus mean when He said “Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth” (Luke 12:33)?
Jesus is not asking us to sell everything that we have, but He did say “sell that ye have.” Sell what you do not need. Sell your luxuries. “Provide yourselves with bags which do not wax old.” In the time of Haggai, the people had bags that were waxing old. “Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.” Haggai 1:6. Their money was put in bags, and if the bags had holes the money fell out and they were left with little. The reason the people were said to be putting their money in bags with holes is because they were primarily concerned with their own interests—their own houses and properties. The house of the Lord stood unfinished and destitute. If we put our own interests above the interests of God, we are putting our money in bags with holes and it goes through our hands quickly. We lose it faster than we earn it. If we put God’s interests first then the money we have for ourselves is in a new bag; the Lord will bless us to have enough. “Consider your ways.” Haggai 1:7. How often do we purchase something new and nice for ourselves and then when we are ready to donate something old, we think we will give it to the church to use? The church receives the old worn-out furniture and utensils, while we keep the new for ourselves. There is nothing wrong with having a nice, clean humble home, with nice furniture and utensils, but if we neglect the house of God because we have spent too much on ourselves, then it becomes sin.
King David wrote: “If riches increase, set not your heart upon them.” Psalm 62:10. The Lord sometimes blesses some members with more funds, but those excess funds are to be used in His cause, not in building bigger and better homes or having luxurious material goods. “Listen to the words of your Redeemer: ‘. . . Riches are Mine. I have placed them in your hands to be wisely employed in My service, to aid the suffering, to invest in opening the gospel to those who are in darkness. Riches must not be your trust, your god, or your saviour.’” –Reflecting Christ, p. 269
The next statements show the conclusion to this thought. They are key. Read them carefully.
“It is now that our brethren should be cutting down their possessions instead of increasing them. We are about to move to a better country, even a heavenly. Then let us not be dwellers upon the earth, but be getting things into as compact a compass as possible.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 152
“If indeed the Lord is coming, it is time to sell what you have and give alms. It is time to put out your money to the exchangers, time to place every dollar you can spare, into the treasury of the Lord.” –The General Conference Bulletin, October 1, 1896
“Shall we not now have a selling time, in which we shall cut down our possessions, and devote our means to the cause of God? Shall we not make an investment in the missionary line, and lay up treasure in the bank of heaven? Shall we not make a free-will offering to the cause of God, and return a portion of the goods the Master has left in trust for His service? If we love God supremely, and our neighbors as ourselves, we shall give tangible proof of our faith, and souls will be saved in the kingdom of God as the result of unselfish effort.” –The Medical Missionary, September 1, 1892
“Alas, how many are appropriating to themselves the gifts of God! How many are adding house to house and land to land. How many are spending their money for pleasure, for the gratification of appetite, for extravagant houses, furniture, and dress.” –Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 371
In the not too distant future, all that we have will be burnt up. Of what value will it then be? And what about the time when we cannot buy or sell? What value will our earthly goods have then?
“Houses and lands will be of no use to the saints in the time of trouble, for they will then have to flee before infuriated mobs, and at that time their possessions cannot be disposed of to advance the cause of present truth. I was shown that it is the will of God that the saints should cut loose from every encumbrance before the time of trouble comes, and make a covenant with God through sacrifice. If they have their property on the altar and earnestly inquire of God for duty, He will teach them when to dispose of these things. Then they will be free in the time of trouble and have no clogs to weigh them down.” –Early Writings, p. 56–57
Are you praying daily, asking the Lord when He wants you to sell what you have? “I saw that if any held on to their property and did not inquire of the Lord as to their duty, He would not make duty known, and they would be permitted to keep their property, and in the time of trouble it would come up before them like a mountain to crush them, and they would try to dispose of it, but would not be able. I heard some mourn like this: ‘The cause was languishing, God’s people were starving for the truth, and we made no effort to supply the lack; now our property is useless. Oh, that we had let it go, and laid up treasure in heaven!’ I saw that a sacrifice did not increase, but it decreased and was consumed. I also saw that God had not required all of His people to dispose of their property at the same time; but if they desired to be taught, He would teach them, in a time of need, when to sell and how much to sell. Some have been required to dispose of their property in times past to sustain the Advent cause, while others have been permitted to keep theirs until a time of need. Then, as the cause needs it, their duty is to sell.” –Ibid, p. 57
“He who realizes that his money is a talent from God will use it economically, and will feel it a duty to save that he may give.” –Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 352
“Let not the rich man glory in his riches.” Jeremiah 9:23. “While it is lawful for us to acquire means, the money that we possess should be regarded as ours only in trust, not to be squandered, but spent in the Lord’s service. It should be our determined purpose to obey the orders of our Captain, and thus lay up for ourselves heavenly riches. Then, when everything in this world perishes, we shall have a treasure in the heavens, which faileth not.” –Sons and Daughters of God, p. 234
2) MUTUAL PRETENSE
The term “Mutual Pretense” is used in the medical field to mean:
“During his training to become a hospital chaplain, a friend of mine was surprised to learn of a phenomenon in the medical community widely known as ‘Mutual Pretense.’ In many cases, mutual pretense is something that takes place after the period of treatment for a particular patient has run its course and it’s become clear to everyone that it’s not working and the patient will die. Despite the fact that this the dark reality is clearly known by all parties involved, the doctor, patient, and family of the patient will often deal
with the fact by talk about anything other than the fact that the patient is going to die. They’ll talk about what will happen once they get out of the hospital, what they are going to do when everything gets better, about sports, about family—anything but the truth of the impending death.
“Mutual pretense is a kind of survival mechanism that allows everyone to continue talking to each other while not having to actually talk about what’s going on—like the brute reality of an impending death.” https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/2014/june/5060214.html
Many years ago a woman came to the church and was taught the truth about Christ’s Second Coming. It, however, caused her much stress and anxiety and made her physically sick. She went to the doctor and the doctor’s advice was to go to a different church. Sadly, she stopped coming to church. Her life and conversation changed. She now was going to pretend that this would not happen. She was going to live in the pretense that Jesus is not coming soon.
We cannot ignore the fact that the reality is that Jesus is coming soon and if we are not ready, when the earth dies we also will die—eternally. “The wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23. Have you sinned? If you answer “yes,” you deserve death. Once we sin, we are on the road to death—terminally. But wonder of wonders, Jesus has provided a remedy by paying the penalty of our imminent death. Yes, there is a remedy for this terminal spiritual illness. Praise His worthy name.
The condition of this world is terminal. This earth is so sick that it is dying. Jesus will come soon and put an end to the misery and suffering. Do we talk about it? Or do we practice mutual pretense in our conversations by talking about anything and everything else but the imminent demise of this earth in the near future?
Ask yourself:
- What is your conversation like at church during lunch hour?
- What is your conversation like when you meet during the week with friends or family—whether in the church or not?
- What is your conversation like when you meet with people who are not associated with the church—associates at school, or work or your neighbours?
- What is your conversation like when you meet with people who are totally uninterested in the church? Do you change the subject to something they are interested in? Are their interests more important than yours?
- What is your conversation like when you meet a stranger and strike up a conversation?
The question we need to ask ourselves is—do we change with the circumstances and allow our surroundings and the people in our presence to dictate our conversation? If they do not believe in Jesus, do we join them in “mutual pretense” and talk about anything and everything else, except the reality of the doom of this world?
Here are some important counsels for us:
“As children of the heavenly King, you should educate yourselves to bear testimony in a clear, distinct voice, and in such a manner that no one may have the impression that you are reluctant to speak of the mercies of the Lord.” –Christian Education, p. 129 (emphasis mine)
“When in the company of those who indulge in foolish talk, it is our duty to change the subject of conversation if possible. By the help of the grace of God we should quietly drop words or introduce a subject that will turn the conversation into a profitable channel.” –Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 337 (emphasis mine)
May God help us not to be guilty of foolish talk as every word spoken is recorded in the books of heaven and will come back to us in the time of the end. “Angels are watching over and guarding us; we often grieve these angels by indulging in trifling conversation, jesting, and joking, and also by sinking down into a careless, stupid state.” –Early Writings, p. 111
“The most intellectual, those who are looked upon as the world’s most gifted men and women, are often refreshed by the simple words of one who loves God, and who can speak of that love as naturally as the worldling speaks of the things that interest him most deeply.” –Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 232 (emphasis mine)
“Far more than we do, we need to speak of the precious chapters in our experience.” –ibid, p. 300 (emphasis mine)
“When you are with your associates, talk about Jesus instead of dress and appearance, Do you love Jesus? If you do, you will love to talk about Him. Do you love His appearing? If you do, you will love to dwell upon it. Does heaven charm you? Does it attract you? If so, you cannot hold your peace. You will talk about it; for you will always have it uppermost in your mind, and be ready to converse, when you meet with your friends, upon that which most charms, and engrosses the mind, Talk about your hopes of heaven, your joys, your eternal prospects, and then when you part with your friends, you will be benefited by each others society, and there will be a sweet satisfaction when you meet and when you part, instead of barrenness of soul, and an empty feeling.” –The Youth’s Instructor, January 1, 1856
Are we practicing mutual pretense by talking about anything and everything else that comes to mind besides the reality of the terminal condition of this earth?
3) MISSIONARY ZEAL
Many churches and individuals have an inward focus to their faith. They are always trying to be faithful and fix things internally—themselves or the church. If we would have an outward focus and be more missionary minded, the inward problems would take care of themselves. Ask yourself, how earnest is your missionary zeal? Is it once a week on Sabbath afternoon? It should be daily. “We are rapidly approaching the end of this earth’s history; and as we realize that Jesus is indeed coming soon, we shall be aroused to labor as never before. We are bidden to sound an alarm to the people. And in our own lives we are to show forth the power of truth and righteousness.” –Counsels to the Church, p. 355
“Jesus does not bid the Christian to strive to shine, but just to let his light shine in clear and distinct rays to the world. Do not blanket your light. Do not sinfully withhold your light. Do not let the mist and fog and malaria of the world put out your light. Do not hide it under a bed or under a bushel, but set it on a candlestick, that it may give light to all that are in the house…. God bids you shine, penetrating the moral darkness of the world.” –Our High Calling, p. 297
“Those who are truly converted are called to do a work which requires money and consecration. The obligations which bind us to place our names on the church roll hold us responsible to work to the utmost of our ability for God. He calls for undivided service, for the entire devotion of heart, soul, mind, and strength. Christ has brought us into church capacity, that He may engage and engross all our capabilities in devoted service for the salvation of others. Anything short of this is opposition to the work.” –This Day with God, p. 303
Is missionary work a passion—a fire in your soul? Do you feel an urgency to tell your family, friends, associates, neighbours, fellow students, co-workers of the urgency of your belief? Or is missionary work simply a duty that needs to be performed because it is expected of you as a church member. Or do you not feel like it because you are too busy with your own interests in your home and your family? Souls are perishing—dying—for want of the saving message that we have been so blessed to be in possession of. Shall we become as the Jewish nation and keep the truth to ourselves, within our own homes and churches?
“Go to work, whether you feel like it or not. Engage in personal effort to bring souls to Jesus and the knowledge of the truth. In such labor you will find both a stimulus and a tonic; it will both arouse and strengthen. By exercise your spiritual powers will become more vigorous, so that you can with better success work out your own salvation. The stupor of death is upon many who profess Christ. Make every effort to arouse them. Warn, entreat, expostulate. Pray that the melting love of God may warm and soften their icebound natures. Though they may refuse to hear, your labor will not be lost. In the effort to bless others your own souls will be blessed.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 387
Again I ask, “Do you REALLY believe Jesus is coming soon?” How urgently are you making preparations for yourselves and for those around you? Will you lay your all on the altar of service for God? “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1. Not just your means, but God wants you. He wants to use you for the salvation of souls—personal work.
I hope this is not our case: “I fear that we do not believe and realize these things as we should. Those who believe the important truths that we profess, should act out their faith. There is too much seeking after amusements and things to take the attention in this world; the mind is left to run too much upon dress, and the tongue is engaged too often in light and trifling conversation, which gives the lie to our profession, for our conversation is not in heaven, whence we look for the Saviour.” –Early Writings, p. 111
“The Lord is coming. You have no time to lose. You are not to do as did the inhabitants of the antediluvian world—plant and build, eat and drink, marry and give in marriage, the same as the careless worldling. Let the books of heaven present a different record from that which now appears. Make haste to redeem the time; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not.” –The Signs of the Times, January 14, 1886
It is my prayer that we REALLY do believe and that our actions will confirm that belief. Amen.
Wendy Eaton