The most urgent need in our world today is a reformation. It is the solution to all the problems that exist in our world today. If Sodom and Gomorrah had had even ten reformers, they would not have been destroyed. The churches that are existing today are in need of reformation because the lukewarm condition has lulled people to sleep; therefore, they do not see their lost condition. Individually we need a reformation. It is the only chance we have to escape the coming doom.
Sister White wrote in 1902, “God calls for a spiritual revival and a spiritual reformation. Unless this takes place, those who are lukewarm will continue to grow more abhorrent to the Lord, until He will refuse to acknowledge them His children.” –Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 128
Where do we begin the work of reformation? Is it not in our own personal lives? Before we try to reform others, we must work out a reformation in ourselves. The first thing is to examine ourselves, and compare our life to the life of Christ, and to the law of God, and make a list of all areas where we come short. Then present this list to God, and ask in prayer for His help to overcome all these weaknesses, and make a confession to God, and when necessary to our fellow men.
Next, cast out all idols from our homes. This includes worldly literature, magazines, and books, also unwholesome foods and drinks. Throw out all items of vanity, including worldly music, and videos, even clothing that is not modest. All these items give Satan the right to enter into our homes, because his things are found in there.
Thirdly, we must restore true Sabbath-keeping. This means guarding the edges of the Sabbath, and watching our conversation, that it stays spiritual; even our thoughts must not wander into forbidden channels.
“The Sabbath is not intended to be a period of useless inactivity.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 207. There are things we can do on Sabbaths. We can visit the sick, we can give Bible studies, we can write articles, and prepare sermons, but there is something we must not do. “It is displeasing to God for Sabbathkeepers to sleep during much of the Sabbath. They dishonor their Creator in so doing, and, by their example, say that the six days are too precious for them to spend in resting. They must make money, although it be by robbing themselves of needed sleep, which they make up by sleeping away holy time.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 704
The fourth area for reform is to begin systematic Bible reading, and along with it, the reading of the Spirit of Prophecy books. Bible study purifies our minds, and gives us the knowledge that is necessary for our warfare against the devices of Satan. The Bible is called the Bread of Life, which will sustain our spiritual condition.
An important thing for a Reformer is prayer life. We must make sure that it is continuous. “No man is safe for a day or an hour without prayer.” –The Great Controversy, p. 530
Miracles happen as a result of prayer. Jesus said, “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Luke 11:9
The sixth area for personal reform is to select our friends carefully, with whom we associate. Our best friend may be Satan’s agent to tempt us. Relatives and family members may also bring us down, if they are not faithful to God. Lukewarm professors of religion can put us into spiritual sleep. It is very contagious. In the company of true faithful Christians, we receive the right influence to sustain our faith.
Also, health reform has much to do with our sanctification. To gratify our appetites and desires will weaken our willpower. There are sins that can be overcome only by fasting and prayer. Not only are we to eat wholesome foods, but also at proper times and in proper amounts. Many will be lost by indulging their appetites. Paul writes, “Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly.” Philippians 3:19
The eighth area in our personal reformation is missionary work. If you have neglected this, you may be counted as the servant with one talent, who hid it, and did not use it. By saving others we save ourselves. Jesus went about doing good; and if we neglect doing as He did, we are not His followers, but we will be guilty of the blood of the sinners around us. “When I say to the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.” Ezekiel 33:8
Also, how we spend our money is part of reform. We must check if we have faithfully paid our tithes and offerings. No true reformer is unfaithful in tithes; this would mean that we rob God and break the eighth commandment. If there is nothing else wrong in our lives, this alone would keep us out of heaven. It is a lack of faith when someone does not trust God that He will really open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing, so much that there is not enough room to receive it.
The tenth area for reform is our love to God and to our fellow men. We may have faith to move mountains, but without love it will not benefit us (1 Corinthians 13:2). True reformers are the only ones who know divine love, who are willing to sacrifice for others, whose love is extended even to their enemies.
Many other areas of reform could be mentioned, but if we are faithful in these ten areas, then we can take the next step and start helping others to reform. Amen.
Timo Martin