All-Powerful Mediator, August 16

For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.—1 Timothy 2:5JNN 242.1

In the Judgment, the use made of every talent will be scrutinized.... Have we improved the powers entrusted us, in hand and heart and brain, to the glory of God and the blessing of the world? How have we used our time, our pen, our voice, our money, our influence? What have we done for Christ, in the person of the poor, the afflicted, the orphan, or the widow? God has made us the depositary of His holy Word; what have we done with the light and truth given us to make people wise unto salvation? No value is attached to a mere profession of faith in Christ; only the love which is shown by works is counted genuine. Yet it is love alone which in the sight of Heaven makes any act of value. Whatever is done from love, however small it may appear in the estimation of human beings, is accepted and rewarded of God.JNN 242.2

The hidden selfishness of men and women stands revealed in the books of Heaven. There is the record of unfulfilled duties to their fellow human beings, of forgetfulness of the Saviour’s claims. There they will see how often were given to Satan the time, thought, and strength that belonged to Christ. Sad is the record which angels bear to Heaven. Intelligent beings, professed followers of Christ, are absorbed in the acquirement of worldly possessions, or the enjoyment of earthly pleasures. Money, time, and strength are sacrificed for display and self-indulgence; but few are the moments devoted to prayer, to the searching of the Scriptures, to humiliation of soul and confession of sin.JNN 242.3

Satan invents unnumbered schemes to occupy our minds that they may not dwell upon the very work with which we ought to be best acquainted. The arch-deceiver hates the great truths that bring to view an atoning sacrifice and an All-Powerful Mediator. He knows that with him everything depends on his diverting minds from Jesus and His truth.JNN 242.4

Those who would share the benefits of the Saviour’s mediation should permit nothing to interfere with their duty to perfect holiness in the fear of God. The precious hours, instead of being given to pleasure, to display, or to gain-seeking, should be devoted to an earnest, prayerful study of the Word of truth.—The Great Controversy, 487, 488.JNN 242.5

Further Reflection: Am I knowingly giving any portion of my strength to the cause of Satan?JNN 242.6