Has Religion Made You Better? August 23

Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:12.OHC 241.1

Whatever we are at heart will be revealed in character, and will have an influence on all those with whom we associate. Our words, our actions, are a savor of life unto life or of death unto death. And in the judgment we shall be brought face to face with those whom we might have helped in right, safe paths by choice words, by counsel, if we had daily connection with God and a living, abiding interest in the saving of their souls.^{43Letter 27, 1892 (formerly Undated Manuscript 73).}OHC 241.2

The Christian should not be content to be merely an active man of business. He should not be so absorbed in worldly affairs as to have scarcely a spare moment or a thought for recreation or friendship, for the good of others, for the culture of the mind, or the welfare of the soul. Energy and diligence in business are commendable, but these should not lead us to neglect that love for God and man which the Bible enjoins....OHC 241.3

Our course in temporal matters, our conduct toward one another, is commented upon with keenness and severity. What we say in the church is not of so great consequence as our deportment in the home circle and among our neighbors. The kindly word, the thoughtful act, true politeness and hospitality, will constantly exert an influence in favor of the Christian religion.OHC 241.4

Let not the testimony be borne concerning any of us, “Religion has made them no better. They are as self-indulgent, as worldly, as sharp in trade, as ever.” All who bear such fruit scatter from Christ, instead of gathering with Him. They place obstacles in the way of those whom they might by a consistent course have won to Jesus. It is our duty as Christians to give the world unmistakable evidence that we are obeying the great commandment, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself,” which is the same as our Saviour's golden rule, “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” ^{44The Signs of the Times, January 12, 1882.}OHC 241.5