“I have read of a man who, journeying on a winter’s day through the deep, drifted snow, became benumbed by the cold, which was almost imperceptibly stealing away his vital powers. And as he was nearly chilled to death by the embrace of the frost king, and about to give up the struggle for life, he heard the moans of a brother traveler, who was perishing with cold as he was about to perish. His humanity was aroused to rescue him. He chafed the ice-clad limbs of the unfortunate man, and, after considerable effort, raised him to his feet; and as he could not stand, he bore him in sympathizing arms through the very drifts he had thought he could never succeed in getting through alone. And when he had borne his fellow traveler to a place of safety, the truth flashed home to him that in saving his neighbor he had saved himself also. His earnest efforts to save another quickened the blood which was freezing in his own veins, and created a healthful warmth in the extremities of the body.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 319

We have been preparing and waiting for the coming of our Lord for a long time now. Unfortunately, this delay has caused many to be weary of waiting. Some are almost dying spiritually, some are in a tense battle with evil and are almost giving up the fight and some have given up already. As the enemy continues to intensify his war, we find that in one way or another each one of us is affected.

As we heard from the story just mentioned, each one can play a part in rescuing family members, brethren in the church, and other people, thereby rescuing themselves. As the battle with sin intensifies, some conclude that the way to heaven is very trying and difficult. Some even feel like God has already withdrawn His spirit from them.  For those people, the solution is to rescue someone and in that way God will revive their first love.

Before we even go to the world, there are people close to us who need our help or else they will perish and we will perish with them also. We need to hold their hands and try to move them from the mud or snow of sin which could end their lives any time. “There has been too much of a spirit to ask, ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’ Said the angel: ‘Yea, thou art thy brother’s keeper. . . . Press together, press together.’” – Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p.113–114. As we can see you do not have to feel that you are righteous for you to help someone but in your desponding situation, put forth the effort to help someone. In that way, spiritual strength will revive in you.

Let us start with the brethren. How can we pull them out of the snow or mud of sin so that, in the end, all of us can be safe? There are many ways, but we will mention just a few. “I  am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.  But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.” John 10:11–12. We must be good shepherds to our fellow brethren. Good shepherds gather the flock and keep them in the fold. The hireling, on the contrary, drives them out of the fold to be eaten by wolves or lions. Some brethren may be struggling with some evil habit and instead of driving them deeper into the snow of sin by criticism or sharp rebukes, even though we have to call sin by its right name (Testimonies for the Church vol. 3, p. 328), there is a better way as this way will tend to harden their heart more than to soften. Our actions towards such must be to show more love, sympathy and concern for their salvation. In doing this, these good attributes are developed and strengthened in us.

There is a weakness among us as brethren. When a certain brother falls into sin, some feel so bad about it as if he has done them wrong, rather than feeling sorry for the brother that he has been overcome by temptation. When disciplinary measures are taken they make sure the brother will really feel it. In this way they are driven deeper into the snow of sin. “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Galatians 6:1. Therefore, we need to realise that if we do not manifest the spirit of love and meekness in restoring others it will be our downfall also.

Among us there are brethren who like to gossip. If such come to you, or any of the members with their gossip, instead of taking time to listen to what they want to say, you can rescue them by kindly asking them if they could speak to the person concerned. In this way they will realise that you do not entertain such conversation and they will never come back to you with their gossip.

Some have the habit of talking about any unnecessary subjects on Sabbath. If such come to you with their conversation, kindly remind them that it is Sabbath and then suggest that you can discuss such matters after Sabbath. In this way you will have saved a brother and yourself from transgressing the Sabbath.

The same way with eating or dressing;  we should be able to help our brethren to forsake their evil ways without offending them. We will realise that in so doing our own consciences will be aroused and, through God’s power, we will also forsake the same evil habits.  We must remember that there are some people who need to be dragged out of Sodom for them to be saved, for example, Lot. “And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him.” Genesis 19:16. The good thing about all this is that, while you rescue others, you receive more strength to overcome the same sins.

Now let us come to parents and children. How can we rescue each other so that we can all be saved at last? It is not by false love which winks at sin (Child Guidance, p. 88). As much as they can, parents must be loving and firm with their children. At times, children would like to go, to or do things which seem innocent, but could lead them astray or even hurt them. They need to be reminded that they are a heritage from God to their parents and that they are responsible and will be accountable to God for whatever they do. Even though they might think the parents are unnecessarily strict, in the end they will be happy. If we do all according to the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy in training our children, we will save our children and our own souls. We must remember, especially women, that the Bible says, “Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.” 1 Timothy 2:15

Children also need to help their parents, like Isaac helped his father tie his own hands. Most of the time children cause their parents to sin. The Scriptures teach the parents not to scold their children but to be patient and teach them with love. Since parents are also fighting with their own evil natures; children should not make the task harder by their willful disobedience. “And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.” Genesis 22:9. Imagine if Isaac had chosen to run away. It would have been difficult for Abraham, in his old age, to run after the boy.  Therefore, if children will choose to obey, the battle with sin will be lighter since they will be happier and healthier because of having peace of mind. If we truly love one another in the family, with each member holding the hands of the others, our enemy will not get a foothold. Then in the end all of us will be saved.

Finally, encouragement for husbands and wives. It is not only by saying we love each other that matters, because only blind love will lead both parties to destruction. Each must help the other to overcome their bad habits. Not only by correcting and rebuking, but also by avoiding those things which you are aware that your partner does not like. And also, doing those things which you know he or she likes. In this way both will be happy and the home will be what God intends it to be—a small heaven on earth.

Heaven is real, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9.  We cannot be indifferent whether we, or our loved ones, will be saved or not. May the Lord be our help as we also help one another to prepare for our heavenly home.

Josephine V Gwina (Sierra Leone)