A Personal Responsibility

“Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord God. They shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness.” Ezekiel 14:14, 20

In Noah’s time, we find that he was a faithful servant of God and he laboured in the knowledge of the true God, to stay the tide of moral evil. For one hundred and twenty years (120) before the flood, the Lord by the holy angel declared to Noah His purpose, and directed him to build an ark. “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” Hebrews 11:7.

As time went by, the period of probation was about to expire. Noah had faithfully followed the instructions which he had received from God. So Noah and his household entered the ark. By this, we see that Noah saved all of his household, whereby he was responsible.

The same work has been appointed to us, to work for our own souls before the time of probation ends. We must give an account of what we heard in the word of God, yet didn’t follow. “Our standing before God depends, not upon the amount of light we have received but how we have use of it. Thus even the heathen who choose the light as far as they can distinguish it, are in a more favorable condition, than those who have had great light and by their daily life contradict their profession.” (DA 210)

God has set before us life and death, blessing and curse; therefore we are to choose between life and death. We are to care for the salvation of our souls so that, in the near future we do not make the bitter lamentation, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended and we are not saved!” (Jeremiah 8:20)

SEARCH YOUR OWN HEART

“Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Corinthians 13:5). There is necessity for close self-examination, and to closely investigate the light in God’s word; am I sound, or am I rotten at heart? Am I renewed in Christ, am I still carnal within my heart? Rein yourself to the tribunal of God, and search for any iniquity, any idol, in order that you may not be deluded by Satan’s devices; that you may not be given up to the heedless, careless and vain spirit.

“Closely examine your own heart as in the light of eternity. Hide nothing from your examination. Pass judgment upon yourself, and then by faith claim the cleansing blood of Christ to remove the stains from your Christian character. Do not flatter or excuse yourself. Deal truly with your own soul. And then as you view yourself a sinner, fall, all broken at the foot of the cross.” (Maranatha 57)

Heaven is interested in our salvation; shall we be careless as though it were a small matter whether we are saved or lost? Shall we slight the sacrifice that has been made for you and me?

A book has been given to us to guide our feet through the perils of this dark world to heaven. It tells us how we can escape the wrath of God, and also tells us the sufferings of Christ for us, the great sacrifice that has been made that we might be saved and enjoy the presence of God forever. That is how God reveals His love toward you and me, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

“Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” (Joshua 24:15, 2nd Part). The great work from the mind should not be diverted to the consideration of our personal standing in the sight of God. Are our feet on the firm platform of God? Are we hiding ourselves in the only refuge? The storm is coming, relentless in its fury. Are we prepared to meet it? Are we heirs of God with Christ? Be responsible of this!

The character of Christ is to be our character. We are to be transformed by the renewing of our hearts. Here is our only safety.

YOUNG MEN’S DUTY TO SHOULDER

Our heavenly Father requires no more nor less than He has given us ability to do. He lays upon His servants no burdens that they will not be able to bear. He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust. All that He claims from us, we through divine grace can render.

“David offered to God a tribute of gratitude for the divine teaching and guidance he had received. “O God, thou has taught me from my youth,” (Psalms 71:17) he declared. Those who in the history of the message have borne the burden and heat of the day, are to remember that the same Lord who taught them from their youth, inviting them, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me,” (Matthew 11:29) and giving them the light of truth, is just as willing to teach young men and women today as He was to teach them.” (2 SM 228)

“The young are naturally inclined to feel that not much responsibility, caretaking, or burden bearing is expected of them. But upon everyone rests the obligation to reach the Bible standard. The light that shines forth in privileges and opportunities, in the ministry of the word, in counsels, in warnings and reproofs will perfect character or will condemn the careless. This light is to be cherished by the young as well as those who are older. Who will now take their stand for God, determined to give His service the first place in their lives? Who will be burden bearers? (MYP 368)

Youth, it’s the time to establish good habits, to correct wrong ones already contracted, to gain and to hold the power of self-control, and to lay the plan, and accustom one’s self to the practice of ordering all the acts of life with reference to the will of God and the welfare of our fellow creature. You are not to be tossed here and there, by wrong habits, following bad company and habits, but be light shining in darkness.

RIGHT USE OF TALENTS

“To every man God has given his work, ‘according to his several ability.’ God has the measure of our ability, and knows what to lay upon us. Of the one who is found faithful, the command is given, entrust him with greater responsibility. If he proves faithful to that trust, the word is given him again, trust him with still more. Thus through the grace of Christ he grows to the full measure of a man in Christ Jesus.” (MYP 289)

“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them.” (Ecclesiastes 12:1) Grave responsibilities rest upon the youth. God expects much from the young men and women who live in this generation of increased light and knowledge. He expects them to impart this light and knowledge. He desires to use them in dispelling the error and superstition that cloud the minds of many. They are to discipline themselves by gathering up every jot and title of knowledge and experience. God holds them responsible for the opportunities and privileges given them. The work for them is waiting for their earnest effort, that it may be carried forward from point to point, as time demands.”

“I appeal to the youth. Let them be responsible of themselves, not depending upon their parents. We are not placed where our fathers were; consequently our duties and responsibilities are not the same as theirs. We shall not be approved of God in looking to the example of our fathers to determine our duty instead of searching the word of truth for ourselves. Our responsibility is greater than was that of our ancestors. We are accountable of the light which they received, and which was handed down as an inheritance for us, and we are accountable also for the additional light which is now shining upon us from the word of God.” (GC Pg. 164)

MINISTERS WHO FAIL TO BEAR

Some ministers among us fail to bear all the responsibility that God would have them. They fail to make out and venture something in the cause of God. Those who shun this part of the labour are losing much. They are failing to obtain that experience which God designed they should have, to make the strong, efficient men that can be relied upon in any emergency.

“God’s servants should take individual responsibility. If errors are committed they should teach and instruct, but not to lead to the shunning of burdens and responsibilities.” (LS 194)

“To every man who accepts responsibilities as a counselor, everyone who is dealing with human souls, is this grand, beautiful truth, to be of a bright and shining light. It’s no credit to one who has the word of God in his possession to say: ‘I have no experience:

I do not understand these things.’ He will never be wiser until he becomes of much consequence in his own estimation.
He must make his first duty to understand the work of God in regeneration of the soul. This change should take place before one accepts a position as a leader or ruler in connection with the sacred work of God.” (TM 371)

“They (Ministers) should not feel that their position of importance makes them men of infallible judgment. It will be altogether safe for men to consider that there is knowledge with the Most High. “The Lord has not placed anyone of His human agencies under the dictation and control of those who are themselves, but erring mortals. He has not placed upon men the power to say, You shall do this, and you shall not do that. But there is a power exercised in Battle Creek that God has not given, and He will judge those who assume this authority.” (TM 347)

Jesus invites us, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11:28 – 29).
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.” 2 Tim. 4:23.
Amen!

Naom K. Riang’a, Nairobi – Kenya