It is a solemn and terrible truth that
many who have been zealous in proclaiming the third angel's message
are now becoming listless and indifferent! The line of demarcation
between worldlings and many professed Christians is almost
indistinguishable. Many who once were earnest
Adventists are conforming to the world--to its practices, its
customs, its selfishness. Instead of leading the world to render
obedience to God's law, the church is uniting more and more closely
with the world in transgression. Daily the church is becoming
converted to the world. How many professing Christians are slaves
of mammon! Their indulgence of appetite, their extravagant expenditure
of money for selfish gratification, greatly dishonors God.
And through lack of zeal for the promulgation
of the third angel's message, many others, while not apparently
living in transgression, are nevertheless as verily lending their
influence on the side of Satan as are those who openly sin against
God. Multitudes are perishing; but how few are burdened for these
souls! There is a stupor, a paralysis, upon many of the people
of God, which prevents them from understanding the duty of the
hour.
When the Israelites entered Canaan, they did
not fulfill God's purpose by taking possession of the whole land.
After making a partial conquest, they settled down to enjoy the
fruit of their victories. In their unbelief and love of ease
they congregated in the portions already conquered, instead of
pushing forward to occupy new territory. Thus they began to depart
from God. By their failure to carry out His purpose they made
it impossible for Him to fulfill to them His promise of blessing.
Is not the church of today doing the same
thing? With the whole world before them in need of the gospel,
professed Christians congregate where they themselves can enjoy
gospel privileges. They do not feel the necessity of occupying
new territory, carrying the message of salvation into regions
beyond. They refuse to fulfill Christ's commission: "Go
ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
Are they less guilty than was the Jewish church?