Living In The Light

April 24, Friendship Not An Excuse

Blessed are those who do His commandments that they may have the
right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.
—Revelation 22:14 LL 123.1

The followers of Jesus should be living stones in the temple of God, so that they may emit light to those around them. They should work with a cheerful heart to show forth the praises of Him who has called them out of darkness into His marvelous light. They should seek to unfold to others the glories of the law of liberty. If they go forth to labor for God with a gloomy countenance, and despondent heart, they will not accomplish anything that will glorify their Redeemer; for their attitude of doubt will destroy the effect of their words. The conflict is coming on the law of God in the world. Satan carries on the same warfare from age to age against the precepts of Jehovah. . . . LL 123.2

Those who profess to love God should search the Scriptures diligently, for they cannot afford to be found transgressors of the law. The time is coming when no one will be able to render an excuse to God for disobedience to His law. There are those who say now that they cannot keep the commandments of God. They excuse themselves from obedience to the fourth commandment because of business, or their family, or social relations. But these excuses will not be found to avail in the day of God. They will not stand the test of the judgment. LL 123.3

Christ left the royal throne, He stepped down from His high command in the heavenly courts, and for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich; and what answer can be framed before Him for trampling on the holy law of God? When God gave His Son, He made provision in Him for every emergency connected with humanity’s salvation; and in the day of reward and meeting out the penalty for transgression, every mouth will be stopped, and all the world will become guilty before God. But of those who have obeyed the precepts of heaven, Jesus says, “Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life and may enter in through the gates into the city” . . . It may seem to you now that commandment-keepers are in the minority; but it will not seem so when the gates of the heavenly city swing back on their glittering hinges.— Signs of the Times , September 30, 1889. LL 123.4

Further Reflection: How can you prioritize obeying God above all else in life? LL 123.5