Counsels for the Church

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The Danger of Thinking Christ's Coming Is Delayed

That evil servant who said in his heart, “My Lord delayeth His coming,” professed to be waiting for Christ. He was a “servant,” outwardly devoted to the service of God while at heart he had yielded to Satan. CCh 344.1

He does not, like the scoffer, openly deny the truth, but reveals in his life the sentiment of the heart—that the Lord's coming is delayed. Presumption renders him careless of eternal interests. He accepts the world's maxims and conforms to its customs and practices. Selfishness, worldly pride, and ambitions predominate. Fearing that his brethren may stand higher than himself, he begins to disparage their efforts and impugn their motives. Thus he smites his fellow servants. CCh 344.2

As he alienates himself from the people of God he unites more and more with the ungodly. He is found eating and drinking “with the drunken”—joining with worldlings and partaking of their spirit. Thus he is lulled into a carnal security and overcome by forgetfulness, indifference, and sloth.612 CCh 344.3