Daily Bible Lesson.
WE ASK GOD FOR MORE LIGHT—THEN MAKE EXCUSES WHEN HIS LIGHT REQUIRES CHANGE
“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice.” — 1 Samuel 15:22
We pray:
“Lord, show me Your will.”
Then His light touches something we love—
our time, appetite, appearance, character, location, or tongue—
and suddenly:
“My situation is different.”
“Everyone does it.”
“I'm not convicted.”
Perhaps our greatest problem is not always lack of light.
IT IS THE HUMAN HEART'S AMAZING ABILITY TO EXPLAIN AWAY THE LIGHT IT DOES NOT WANT TO OBEY.
Jesus asks:
“Why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” — Luke 6:46
So here is the question beneath every reform:
ARE WE SEEKING GOD'S WILL—OR ASKING GOD TO APPROVE OURS?
---
① SABBATH REFORM—WHO OWNS YOUR TIME?
THE EXCUSES:
“I have to work.”
“Most Christians worship Sunday.”
“God knows my heart.”
Yes—God knows the heart.
And Jesus says:
“If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” — John 14:15
God's command still reads:
“The seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God.” — Exodus 20:10
Obedience may cost convenience, approval, opportunity—even income.
But faith asks something deeper:
WHAT IS JESUS WORTH?
“We ought to obey God rather than men.” — Acts 5:29
Do not merely argue for the Sabbath.
KNOW THE LORD OF THE SABBATH—and ask Him for faith to walk in His footsteps.
---
② HEALTH REFORM—HAS APPETITE RENAMED ITSELF “NECESSITY”?
THE EXCUSES:
“My body needs it.”
“I've always eaten this way.”
“We're all going to die anyway.”
But this body is not ours to abuse.
“Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” — 1 Corinthians 6:20
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink… do all to the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31
Health reform is not salvation by menu.
It is stewardship of a body purchased by Christ.
Inspiration warns of those who “frame excuses and make necessities which have no existence” while resisting health light. — Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 399
What a warning:
APPETITE IS A TERRIBLE COUNSELOR WHEN ASKED TO JUDGE ITS OWN HABITS.
Stop asking only:
“Do I enjoy it?”
Ask:
“WILL THIS KEEP MY BODY AND MIND FIT FOR CHRIST'S SERVICE?”
---
③ DRESS REFORM—WHO ARE WE TRYING TO PLEASE?
THE EXCUSES:
“It's only fashion.”
“God only looks at the heart.”
“I don't want to look different.”
Yes:
“The LORD looketh on the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7
And Scripture also calls for:
“Modest apparel.” — 1 Timothy 2:9
The issue is not ugliness.
Not neglect.
Not a religious uniform.
The question is:
WHO IS SHAPING MY APPEARANCE—CHRIST OR THE WORLD?
Christian dress should reflect modesty, simplicity, health, dignity, and good taste without making self the attraction.
CLOTHING CANNOT SAVE THE HEART—BUT THE MASTER OF THE HEART WILL INFLUENCE THE CLOTHING.
Let your appearance quietly testify:
“I BELONG TO CHRIST.”
---
④ CHARACTER REFORM—“THAT'S JUST HOW I AM.”
Perhaps no excuse protects cherished defects more effectively.
Anger becomes “my personality.”
Pride becomes “confidence.”
Bitterness becomes “what they deserve.”
Then comes the universal shield:
“Nobody is perfect.”
True.
But Jesus never made imperfection an excuse for refusing transformation.
“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 2:5
Christ does not merely forgive us in the old life.
HE BEGINS MAKING US NEW.
“When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.” — Christ's Object Lessons, p. 69
Stop defending your defect with:
“THAT'S WHO I AM.”
Bring it to Jesus:
“LORD, MAKE ME LIKE YOU.”
---
⑤ LOCATION REFORM—WHY DID INSPIRATION CRY, “OUT OF THE CITIES”?
Here excuses become painfully practical:
“My job is here.”
“My children's opportunities are here.”
“I'll move when everything becomes convenient.”
Yet Inspiration repeatedly urged:
“Out of the cities, out of the cities! This is the message the Lord has been giving me.” — Country Living, p. 29
Why?
Not because soil saves souls.
But country surroundings can favor health, simplicity, useful labor, children learning from nature, greater separation from corrupting influences, and preparation for difficult times.
God's first home for humanity was not a congested metropolis.
“The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden.” — Genesis 2:8
Abraham lived as a pilgrim.
Lot “pitched his tent toward Sodom.” — Genesis 13:12
Their stories remind us:
LOCATION CANNOT CONVERT THE HEART—BUT ENVIRONMENT CAN POWERFULLY INFLUENCE IT.
Yet Inspiration also counseled:
“Out of the cities; but not a moment before God would have us go.” — Country Living, p. 26
So the message is not:
PANIC AND RUN.
It is:
PRAY.
PREPARE.
SIMPLIFY.
LEARN.
WATCH PROVIDENCE.
AND WHEN GOD OPENS THE WAY—OBEY.
And remember:
YOU CAN LEAVE BABYLON GEOGRAPHICALLY WHILE BABYLON STILL LIVES IN YOUR HEART.
Christ's first relocation project is:
SELF OFF THE THRONE—CHRIST ON IT.
---
⑥ SPEECH REFORM—CAN A CONVERTED HEART KEEP AN UNCONVERTED TONGUE?
Here the excuses sound innocent:
“I'm only joking.”
“But it's true!”
“I just needed to release my feelings.”
Scripture answers:
“Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting… but rather giving of thanks.” — Ephesians 5:4
“Speak evil of no man.” — Titus 3:2
And instead:
“That which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” — Ephesians 4:29
Imagine that standard:
WORDS THAT MINISTER GRACE.
No gossip.
No slander.
No degrading jesting.
No cutting sarcasm.
No dishonest flattery.
No spreading bitterness from heart to heart.
“Bless, and curse not.” — Romans 12:14
This does not mean hiding wrongdoing.
Jesus rebuked sin.
Nathan confronted David.
Paul corrected churches.
Truth sometimes must hurt before it heals.
But Scripture says:
“Speaking the truth in love.” — Ephesians 4:15
Before speaking, ask:
IS IT TRUE?
IS IT NECESSARY?
IS IT LOVING?
WILL IT BUILD RATHER THAN POISON?
WOULD I SAY IT THIS WAY IN THE VISIBLE PRESENCE OF JESUS?
“Let the law of kindness be upon your lips and the oil of grace in your heart.” — Christ's Object Lessons, p. 337
What a standard:
**TRUTH ON THE LIPS.
GRACE IN THE HEART.**
---
⑦ PERHAPS THE MOST DANGEROUS EXCUSE—“I'M NOT CONVICTED.”
Sometimes that is sincere.
Conscience must never be forced.
But sometimes:
“I'M NOT CONVICTED”
really means:
“I DON'T WANT TO INVESTIGATE THIS DEEPLY ENOUGH TO BECOME CONVICTED.”
Jesus reveals a searching principle:
“If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine.” — John 7:17
Notice the order:
WILLINGNESS → UNDERSTANDING → OBEDIENCE.
Before asking,
“Is this really required?”
ask:
“LORD, IF YOUR WORD SHOWS ME THAT I AM WRONG—AM I WILLING TO CHANGE?”
That question exposes whether we want truth—
or merely reassurance.
---
⑧ BUT HERE IS THE DANGER ON THE OTHER SIDE—REFORM WITHOUT CHRIST
Inspiration defines genuine reformation:
“Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices.” — Selected Messages, vol. 1, p. 128
Truth must reach:
the calendar,
the kitchen,
the wardrobe,
the temper,
the address,
the tongue,
and the choices nobody sees.
“Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.” — James 1:22
But never miss this:
REFORMATION WITHOUT CHRIST CAN PRODUCE A PHARISEE.
You can keep Sabbath—
and hate your brother.
Eat perfectly—
and feed on pride.
Dress modestly—
and advertise self-righteousness.
Move to the country—
and take worldliness with you.
Guard your tongue publicly—
while bitterness rules privately.
Jesus did not come merely to rearrange our habits.
HE CAME TO RECREATE OUR HEARTS.
“Without Me ye can do nothing.” — John 15:5
---
THE QUESTION BENEATH EVERY REFORM
When Christ touches your—
TIME—will He be Lord?
APPETITE—will He be Lord?
APPEARANCE—will He be Lord?
CHARACTER—will He be Lord?
LOCATION—will He be Lord?
TONGUE—will He be Lord?
There it is.
DOES JESUS HAVE PERMISSION TO CHANGE EVERYTHING?
“If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” — Luke 9:23
Perhaps we do not need another argument.
Perhaps we need another surrender.
Instead of continually praying:
“LORD, GIVE ME MORE LIGHT,”
perhaps we need to pray:
“LORD, FORGIVE ME FOR RESISTING THE LIGHT I ALREADY HAVE.”
Take my appetite.
Take my pride.
Take my temper.
Take my tongue.
Take my plans.
Take my home.
TAKE MY WHOLE HEART.
“Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” — Acts 9:6
NO MORE EXCUSES.
NO MORE BARGAINING WITH LIGHT.
NO MORE TRYING TO OUTREASON GOD.
CHRIST BEFORE CONVENIENCE.
FAITH BEFORE FEAR.
TRUTH BEFORE TRADITION.
SURRENDER BEFORE SELF.
Because when Jesus truly becomes Lord—
REFORMATION IS NO LONGER SOMETHING GOD MUST FORCE FROM US.
IT BECOMES SOMETHING LOVE IS WILLING TO SURRENDER TO HIM.
WE ASK GOD FOR MORE LIGHT—THEN MAKE EXCUSES WHEN HIS LIGHT REQUIRES CHANGE
“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice.” — 1 Samuel 15:22
We pray:
“Lord, show me Your will.”
Then His light touches something we love—
our time, appetite, appearance, character, location, or tongue—
and suddenly:
“My situation is different.”
“Everyone does it.”
“I'm not convicted.”
Perhaps our greatest problem is not always lack of light.
IT IS THE HUMAN HEART'S AMAZING ABILITY TO EXPLAIN AWAY THE LIGHT IT DOES NOT WANT TO OBEY.
Jesus asks:
“Why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” — Luke 6:46
So here is the question beneath every reform:
ARE WE SEEKING GOD'S WILL—OR ASKING GOD TO APPROVE OURS?
---
① SABBATH REFORM—WHO OWNS YOUR TIME?
THE EXCUSES:
“I have to work.”
“Most Christians worship Sunday.”
“God knows my heart.”
Yes—God knows the heart.
And Jesus says:
“If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” — John 14:15
God's command still reads:
“The seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God.” — Exodus 20:10
Obedience may cost convenience, approval, opportunity—even income.
But faith asks something deeper:
WHAT IS JESUS WORTH?
“We ought to obey God rather than men.” — Acts 5:29
Do not merely argue for the Sabbath.
KNOW THE LORD OF THE SABBATH—and ask Him for faith to walk in His footsteps.
---
② HEALTH REFORM—HAS APPETITE RENAMED ITSELF “NECESSITY”?
THE EXCUSES:
“My body needs it.”
“I've always eaten this way.”
“We're all going to die anyway.”
But this body is not ours to abuse.
“Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” — 1 Corinthians 6:20
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink… do all to the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31
Health reform is not salvation by menu.
It is stewardship of a body purchased by Christ.
Inspiration warns of those who “frame excuses and make necessities which have no existence” while resisting health light. — Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 399
What a warning:
APPETITE IS A TERRIBLE COUNSELOR WHEN ASKED TO JUDGE ITS OWN HABITS.
Stop asking only:
“Do I enjoy it?”
Ask:
“WILL THIS KEEP MY BODY AND MIND FIT FOR CHRIST'S SERVICE?”
---
③ DRESS REFORM—WHO ARE WE TRYING TO PLEASE?
THE EXCUSES:
“It's only fashion.”
“God only looks at the heart.”
“I don't want to look different.”
Yes:
“The LORD looketh on the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7
And Scripture also calls for:
“Modest apparel.” — 1 Timothy 2:9
The issue is not ugliness.
Not neglect.
Not a religious uniform.
The question is:
WHO IS SHAPING MY APPEARANCE—CHRIST OR THE WORLD?
Christian dress should reflect modesty, simplicity, health, dignity, and good taste without making self the attraction.
CLOTHING CANNOT SAVE THE HEART—BUT THE MASTER OF THE HEART WILL INFLUENCE THE CLOTHING.
Let your appearance quietly testify:
“I BELONG TO CHRIST.”
---
④ CHARACTER REFORM—“THAT'S JUST HOW I AM.”
Perhaps no excuse protects cherished defects more effectively.
Anger becomes “my personality.”
Pride becomes “confidence.”
Bitterness becomes “what they deserve.”
Then comes the universal shield:
“Nobody is perfect.”
True.
But Jesus never made imperfection an excuse for refusing transformation.
“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 2:5
Christ does not merely forgive us in the old life.
HE BEGINS MAKING US NEW.
“When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.” — Christ's Object Lessons, p. 69
Stop defending your defect with:
“THAT'S WHO I AM.”
Bring it to Jesus:
“LORD, MAKE ME LIKE YOU.”
---
⑤ LOCATION REFORM—WHY DID INSPIRATION CRY, “OUT OF THE CITIES”?
Here excuses become painfully practical:
“My job is here.”
“My children's opportunities are here.”
“I'll move when everything becomes convenient.”
Yet Inspiration repeatedly urged:
“Out of the cities, out of the cities! This is the message the Lord has been giving me.” — Country Living, p. 29
Why?
Not because soil saves souls.
But country surroundings can favor health, simplicity, useful labor, children learning from nature, greater separation from corrupting influences, and preparation for difficult times.
God's first home for humanity was not a congested metropolis.
“The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden.” — Genesis 2:8
Abraham lived as a pilgrim.
Lot “pitched his tent toward Sodom.” — Genesis 13:12
Their stories remind us:
LOCATION CANNOT CONVERT THE HEART—BUT ENVIRONMENT CAN POWERFULLY INFLUENCE IT.
Yet Inspiration also counseled:
“Out of the cities; but not a moment before God would have us go.” — Country Living, p. 26
So the message is not:
PANIC AND RUN.
It is:
PRAY.
PREPARE.
SIMPLIFY.
LEARN.
WATCH PROVIDENCE.
AND WHEN GOD OPENS THE WAY—OBEY.
And remember:
YOU CAN LEAVE BABYLON GEOGRAPHICALLY WHILE BABYLON STILL LIVES IN YOUR HEART.
Christ's first relocation project is:
SELF OFF THE THRONE—CHRIST ON IT.
---
⑥ SPEECH REFORM—CAN A CONVERTED HEART KEEP AN UNCONVERTED TONGUE?
Here the excuses sound innocent:
“I'm only joking.”
“But it's true!”
“I just needed to release my feelings.”
Scripture answers:
“Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting… but rather giving of thanks.” — Ephesians 5:4
“Speak evil of no man.” — Titus 3:2
And instead:
“That which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” — Ephesians 4:29
Imagine that standard:
WORDS THAT MINISTER GRACE.
No gossip.
No slander.
No degrading jesting.
No cutting sarcasm.
No dishonest flattery.
No spreading bitterness from heart to heart.
“Bless, and curse not.” — Romans 12:14
This does not mean hiding wrongdoing.
Jesus rebuked sin.
Nathan confronted David.
Paul corrected churches.
Truth sometimes must hurt before it heals.
But Scripture says:
“Speaking the truth in love.” — Ephesians 4:15
Before speaking, ask:
IS IT TRUE?
IS IT NECESSARY?
IS IT LOVING?
WILL IT BUILD RATHER THAN POISON?
WOULD I SAY IT THIS WAY IN THE VISIBLE PRESENCE OF JESUS?
“Let the law of kindness be upon your lips and the oil of grace in your heart.” — Christ's Object Lessons, p. 337
What a standard:
**TRUTH ON THE LIPS.
GRACE IN THE HEART.**
---
⑦ PERHAPS THE MOST DANGEROUS EXCUSE—“I'M NOT CONVICTED.”
Sometimes that is sincere.
Conscience must never be forced.
But sometimes:
“I'M NOT CONVICTED”
really means:
“I DON'T WANT TO INVESTIGATE THIS DEEPLY ENOUGH TO BECOME CONVICTED.”
Jesus reveals a searching principle:
“If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine.” — John 7:17
Notice the order:
WILLINGNESS → UNDERSTANDING → OBEDIENCE.
Before asking,
“Is this really required?”
ask:
“LORD, IF YOUR WORD SHOWS ME THAT I AM WRONG—AM I WILLING TO CHANGE?”
That question exposes whether we want truth—
or merely reassurance.
---
⑧ BUT HERE IS THE DANGER ON THE OTHER SIDE—REFORM WITHOUT CHRIST
Inspiration defines genuine reformation:
“Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices.” — Selected Messages, vol. 1, p. 128
Truth must reach:
the calendar,
the kitchen,
the wardrobe,
the temper,
the address,
the tongue,
and the choices nobody sees.
“Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.” — James 1:22
But never miss this:
REFORMATION WITHOUT CHRIST CAN PRODUCE A PHARISEE.
You can keep Sabbath—
and hate your brother.
Eat perfectly—
and feed on pride.
Dress modestly—
and advertise self-righteousness.
Move to the country—
and take worldliness with you.
Guard your tongue publicly—
while bitterness rules privately.
Jesus did not come merely to rearrange our habits.
HE CAME TO RECREATE OUR HEARTS.
“Without Me ye can do nothing.” — John 15:5
---
THE QUESTION BENEATH EVERY REFORM
When Christ touches your—
TIME—will He be Lord?
APPETITE—will He be Lord?
APPEARANCE—will He be Lord?
CHARACTER—will He be Lord?
LOCATION—will He be Lord?
TONGUE—will He be Lord?
There it is.
DOES JESUS HAVE PERMISSION TO CHANGE EVERYTHING?
“If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” — Luke 9:23
Perhaps we do not need another argument.
Perhaps we need another surrender.
Instead of continually praying:
“LORD, GIVE ME MORE LIGHT,”
perhaps we need to pray:
“LORD, FORGIVE ME FOR RESISTING THE LIGHT I ALREADY HAVE.”
Take my appetite.
Take my pride.
Take my temper.
Take my tongue.
Take my plans.
Take my home.
TAKE MY WHOLE HEART.
“Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” — Acts 9:6
NO MORE EXCUSES.
NO MORE BARGAINING WITH LIGHT.
NO MORE TRYING TO OUTREASON GOD.
CHRIST BEFORE CONVENIENCE.
FAITH BEFORE FEAR.
TRUTH BEFORE TRADITION.
SURRENDER BEFORE SELF.
Because when Jesus truly becomes Lord—
REFORMATION IS NO LONGER SOMETHING GOD MUST FORCE FROM US.
IT BECOMES SOMETHING LOVE IS WILLING TO SURRENDER TO HIM.
Daily Bible Lesson.
WE ASK GOD FOR MORE LIGHT—THEN MAKE EXCUSES WHEN HIS LIGHT REQUIRES CHANGE
“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice.” — 1 Samuel 15:22
We pray:
“Lord, show me Your will.”
Then His light touches something we love—
our time, appetite, appearance, character, location, or tongue—
and suddenly:
“My situation is different.”
“Everyone does it.”
“I'm not convicted.”
Perhaps our greatest problem is not always lack of light.
IT IS THE HUMAN HEART'S AMAZING ABILITY TO EXPLAIN AWAY THE LIGHT IT DOES NOT WANT TO OBEY.
Jesus asks:
“Why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” — Luke 6:46
So here is the question beneath every reform:
ARE WE SEEKING GOD'S WILL—OR ASKING GOD TO APPROVE OURS?
---
① SABBATH REFORM—WHO OWNS YOUR TIME?
THE EXCUSES:
“I have to work.”
“Most Christians worship Sunday.”
“God knows my heart.”
Yes—God knows the heart.
And Jesus says:
“If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” — John 14:15
God's command still reads:
“The seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God.” — Exodus 20:10
Obedience may cost convenience, approval, opportunity—even income.
But faith asks something deeper:
WHAT IS JESUS WORTH?
“We ought to obey God rather than men.” — Acts 5:29
Do not merely argue for the Sabbath.
KNOW THE LORD OF THE SABBATH—and ask Him for faith to walk in His footsteps.
---
② HEALTH REFORM—HAS APPETITE RENAMED ITSELF “NECESSITY”?
THE EXCUSES:
“My body needs it.”
“I've always eaten this way.”
“We're all going to die anyway.”
But this body is not ours to abuse.
“Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” — 1 Corinthians 6:20
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink… do all to the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31
Health reform is not salvation by menu.
It is stewardship of a body purchased by Christ.
Inspiration warns of those who “frame excuses and make necessities which have no existence” while resisting health light. — Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 399
What a warning:
APPETITE IS A TERRIBLE COUNSELOR WHEN ASKED TO JUDGE ITS OWN HABITS.
Stop asking only:
“Do I enjoy it?”
Ask:
“WILL THIS KEEP MY BODY AND MIND FIT FOR CHRIST'S SERVICE?”
---
③ DRESS REFORM—WHO ARE WE TRYING TO PLEASE?
THE EXCUSES:
“It's only fashion.”
“God only looks at the heart.”
“I don't want to look different.”
Yes:
“The LORD looketh on the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7
And Scripture also calls for:
“Modest apparel.” — 1 Timothy 2:9
The issue is not ugliness.
Not neglect.
Not a religious uniform.
The question is:
WHO IS SHAPING MY APPEARANCE—CHRIST OR THE WORLD?
Christian dress should reflect modesty, simplicity, health, dignity, and good taste without making self the attraction.
CLOTHING CANNOT SAVE THE HEART—BUT THE MASTER OF THE HEART WILL INFLUENCE THE CLOTHING.
Let your appearance quietly testify:
“I BELONG TO CHRIST.”
---
④ CHARACTER REFORM—“THAT'S JUST HOW I AM.”
Perhaps no excuse protects cherished defects more effectively.
Anger becomes “my personality.”
Pride becomes “confidence.”
Bitterness becomes “what they deserve.”
Then comes the universal shield:
“Nobody is perfect.”
True.
But Jesus never made imperfection an excuse for refusing transformation.
“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 2:5
Christ does not merely forgive us in the old life.
HE BEGINS MAKING US NEW.
“When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.” — Christ's Object Lessons, p. 69
Stop defending your defect with:
“THAT'S WHO I AM.”
Bring it to Jesus:
“LORD, MAKE ME LIKE YOU.”
---
⑤ LOCATION REFORM—WHY DID INSPIRATION CRY, “OUT OF THE CITIES”?
Here excuses become painfully practical:
“My job is here.”
“My children's opportunities are here.”
“I'll move when everything becomes convenient.”
Yet Inspiration repeatedly urged:
“Out of the cities, out of the cities! This is the message the Lord has been giving me.” — Country Living, p. 29
Why?
Not because soil saves souls.
But country surroundings can favor health, simplicity, useful labor, children learning from nature, greater separation from corrupting influences, and preparation for difficult times.
God's first home for humanity was not a congested metropolis.
“The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden.” — Genesis 2:8
Abraham lived as a pilgrim.
Lot “pitched his tent toward Sodom.” — Genesis 13:12
Their stories remind us:
LOCATION CANNOT CONVERT THE HEART—BUT ENVIRONMENT CAN POWERFULLY INFLUENCE IT.
Yet Inspiration also counseled:
“Out of the cities; but not a moment before God would have us go.” — Country Living, p. 26
So the message is not:
PANIC AND RUN.
It is:
PRAY.
PREPARE.
SIMPLIFY.
LEARN.
WATCH PROVIDENCE.
AND WHEN GOD OPENS THE WAY—OBEY.
And remember:
YOU CAN LEAVE BABYLON GEOGRAPHICALLY WHILE BABYLON STILL LIVES IN YOUR HEART.
Christ's first relocation project is:
SELF OFF THE THRONE—CHRIST ON IT.
---
⑥ SPEECH REFORM—CAN A CONVERTED HEART KEEP AN UNCONVERTED TONGUE?
Here the excuses sound innocent:
“I'm only joking.”
“But it's true!”
“I just needed to release my feelings.”
Scripture answers:
“Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting… but rather giving of thanks.” — Ephesians 5:4
“Speak evil of no man.” — Titus 3:2
And instead:
“That which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” — Ephesians 4:29
Imagine that standard:
WORDS THAT MINISTER GRACE.
No gossip.
No slander.
No degrading jesting.
No cutting sarcasm.
No dishonest flattery.
No spreading bitterness from heart to heart.
“Bless, and curse not.” — Romans 12:14
This does not mean hiding wrongdoing.
Jesus rebuked sin.
Nathan confronted David.
Paul corrected churches.
Truth sometimes must hurt before it heals.
But Scripture says:
“Speaking the truth in love.” — Ephesians 4:15
Before speaking, ask:
IS IT TRUE?
IS IT NECESSARY?
IS IT LOVING?
WILL IT BUILD RATHER THAN POISON?
WOULD I SAY IT THIS WAY IN THE VISIBLE PRESENCE OF JESUS?
“Let the law of kindness be upon your lips and the oil of grace in your heart.” — Christ's Object Lessons, p. 337
What a standard:
**TRUTH ON THE LIPS.
GRACE IN THE HEART.**
---
⑦ PERHAPS THE MOST DANGEROUS EXCUSE—“I'M NOT CONVICTED.”
Sometimes that is sincere.
Conscience must never be forced.
But sometimes:
“I'M NOT CONVICTED”
really means:
“I DON'T WANT TO INVESTIGATE THIS DEEPLY ENOUGH TO BECOME CONVICTED.”
Jesus reveals a searching principle:
“If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine.” — John 7:17
Notice the order:
WILLINGNESS → UNDERSTANDING → OBEDIENCE.
Before asking,
“Is this really required?”
ask:
“LORD, IF YOUR WORD SHOWS ME THAT I AM WRONG—AM I WILLING TO CHANGE?”
That question exposes whether we want truth—
or merely reassurance.
---
⑧ BUT HERE IS THE DANGER ON THE OTHER SIDE—REFORM WITHOUT CHRIST
Inspiration defines genuine reformation:
“Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices.” — Selected Messages, vol. 1, p. 128
Truth must reach:
the calendar,
the kitchen,
the wardrobe,
the temper,
the address,
the tongue,
and the choices nobody sees.
“Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.” — James 1:22
But never miss this:
REFORMATION WITHOUT CHRIST CAN PRODUCE A PHARISEE.
You can keep Sabbath—
and hate your brother.
Eat perfectly—
and feed on pride.
Dress modestly—
and advertise self-righteousness.
Move to the country—
and take worldliness with you.
Guard your tongue publicly—
while bitterness rules privately.
Jesus did not come merely to rearrange our habits.
HE CAME TO RECREATE OUR HEARTS.
“Without Me ye can do nothing.” — John 15:5
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THE QUESTION BENEATH EVERY REFORM
When Christ touches your—
TIME—will He be Lord?
APPETITE—will He be Lord?
APPEARANCE—will He be Lord?
CHARACTER—will He be Lord?
LOCATION—will He be Lord?
TONGUE—will He be Lord?
There it is.
DOES JESUS HAVE PERMISSION TO CHANGE EVERYTHING?
“If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” — Luke 9:23
Perhaps we do not need another argument.
Perhaps we need another surrender.
Instead of continually praying:
“LORD, GIVE ME MORE LIGHT,”
perhaps we need to pray:
“LORD, FORGIVE ME FOR RESISTING THE LIGHT I ALREADY HAVE.”
Take my appetite.
Take my pride.
Take my temper.
Take my tongue.
Take my plans.
Take my home.
TAKE MY WHOLE HEART.
“Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” — Acts 9:6
NO MORE EXCUSES.
NO MORE BARGAINING WITH LIGHT.
NO MORE TRYING TO OUTREASON GOD.
CHRIST BEFORE CONVENIENCE.
FAITH BEFORE FEAR.
TRUTH BEFORE TRADITION.
SURRENDER BEFORE SELF.
Because when Jesus truly becomes Lord—
REFORMATION IS NO LONGER SOMETHING GOD MUST FORCE FROM US.
IT BECOMES SOMETHING LOVE IS WILLING TO SURRENDER TO HIM.
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