The Signs of the Times
March 8, 1899
The Parable of the Householder—No. 2
Truth constantly enriches the receiver. Every truth received is a refining power. The minds of those who receive truth increase in activity. By the God of heaven they are imbued with a power corresponding to the origin and importance of the truth. As men exercise their talents, seeking to improve every capability, their mental and spiritual powers strengthen; for where there is spiritual life, there is development and growth. There is no possibility of the treasures of the householder diminishing, if rightly used. Mighty truths have been buried beneath the sophistry of error, but they will be found by the diligent searcher. As he opens the treasure-house of the jewels of truth, it is no robbery; for all who appreciate these jewels may possess them, and then they too have a treasure-house to open to others. He who imparts does not deprive himself of the treasure; for as he examines it, that he may present it in such a way as to attract others, he finds new treasures. ST March 8, 1899, par. 1
The talents lent us on trust are to be used to benefit and bless others. They are lent to be improved. Their value is in themselves. Whether or not the one to whom they are intrusted realizes their value, they remain the same. But if he does not appreciate them, they are of no value to him. Money may be locked up in various ways. It is still money, but it is of no special benefit to any one. But money wisely invested brings money in return, which may be used to gain more money. Thus it is with the householder's treasures, the Word of the living God. The use made of the gems of truth determines their value to the possessor. They are to be used to help and bless and save those for whom the Lord gave His only-begotten Son. Then they are of the highest value to us. In this way we may increase our talents, adding jewel to jewel. ST March 8, 1899, par. 2
The apostle Paul charged Timothy: “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.” “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” What height and depth and breadth there is in these words! Paul understood that those who have been enlightened by the Holy Spirit have a most important talent in their keeping. His words teach the same lesson taught by Christ's words, “Every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.” ST March 8, 1899, par. 3
“I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ,” Paul writes again; “for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.” ST March 8, 1899, par. 4
The faith professed must be the faith acted. Those who have received the light of truth are in the possession of knowledge which they must impart to others. Those who would teach God's Word must themselves receive the divine treasures. They must not be satisfied with repeating set discourses, depending on notes. They are to add to their treasure, constantly improving in their manner of presenting the truth. They are not to be dwarfs in religious knowledge, but are to open their hearts at the first knock of Christ. “If any man hear My voice,” He says, “and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” ST March 8, 1899, par. 5
To those who welcome Christ as an honored guest, He will communicate precious things. In their turn they are to open their treasures of light and blessing to other souls. Thus an endless variety of good results will be obtained. ST March 8, 1899, par. 6
But all the praise and glory are to be given to God. No human being is to seat himself on the highest seat, accepting the praise of others, and forgetting that his treasures belong to God. God's blessing is promised to those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, but nothing is so offensive in His sight as to hunger and thirst after the praise of men. When the Lord weighs in the balances of the sanctuary the actions of those who have striven to be first, when they see how He regards such strife, they will bow low at His footstool, ashamed of their course of action. ST March 8, 1899, par. 7
All can not be first; all can not be masters. It is a great misfortune to be unable to see in others higher excellences and powers of greater usefulness than in yourself. Let us walk humbly before God, acknowledging Him as the great Master. If we will partake of the divine nature, God will fit us to find happiness in activity, and rest in wearing Christ's yoke. If we use aright the powers God has given us, praying, waiting, watching, and working, wearing Christ's yoke and learning daily of Him to be meek and lowly in heart, great joy will be brought into our lives. ST March 8, 1899, par. 8
Were it not for God's gracious gifts and blessings, we should be bankrupt for eternity. Then let no one sound his own praises, feeding upon his own supposed wisdom. If his talents were of his own manufacture, there would be some consistency in self-praise. But man has nothing of his own. Let us not reveal our lack of true wisdom by exalting self. Let us bow low in humility at the feet of Him who has intrusted to us our talents. Let us use and improve these talents, handing principal and interest back to the Giver. ST March 8, 1899, par. 9
Jesus Christ is the great truth for this time. In Him are bound up all the truths that concern our salvation. “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Christ died for the whole world, yet how few fill the place God has assigned them as householders! The Lord expects His householders to prepare the way for His second advent by helping in every possible way those for whom He gave His life. The signs of His second coming are clearly pointed out in prophecy. When He came to the world the first time, divinity and humanity were blended. This is our only hope. The Son of man is fully qualified to be the originator of a humanity that will blend with divinity by partaking of the divine nature. He offers to make us golden threads in the web of humanity. He would have us act our part by co-operating with Him in healing the springs of life which have been perverted, and setting them flowing in sanctified channels. ST March 8, 1899, par. 10
As a sacred trust, every talent is to be employed aright. Those whom God has made His stewards are to search the Scriptures earnestly, that they may communicate truth to others, leading them to the path which has been cast up for the ransomed of the Lord. By precept and example we are to teach others that through the grace of Christ they may be obedient to all God's commandments, and be clothed with Christ's righteousness. This is the work God requires His servants to do. We are not to follow our own perverse nature, but are to be like little children. We are to lay aside our own will, following implicitly the dictates of God's will. “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.” ST March 8, 1899, par. 11
The treasures of truth in our possession must be given to the world, that others may have an opportunity of learning the value of truth. The necessities of those who are suffering from spiritual poverty must be relieved. When this is done, not only will the minds of those helped be impressed, but the mind of him who does the work will be quickened by the power of the Holy Spirit. By the power that comes from God alone, he will be enabled to make the truth plain to others. The truth is the power of God unto salvation to all who receive it, and it sheds a flood of light into the heart, and exerts a convincing influence upon the mind, stimulating and strengthening the one who is communicating the treasures of God's Word. ST March 8, 1899, par. 12
Mrs. E. G. White