There are thousands at the present day who are pursuing a similar course. They would have no difficulty in understanding 441 their duty if it were in harmony with their inclinations. It is plainly set before them in the Bible or is clearly indicated by circumstances and reason. But because these evidences are contrary to their desires and inclinations they frequently set them aside and presume to go to God to learn their duty. With great apparent conscientiousness they pray long and earnestly for light. But God will not be trifled with. He often permits such persons to follow their own desires and to suffer the result. "My people would not hearken to My voice. . . . So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels." Psalm 81:11, 12. When one clearly sees a duty, let him not presume to go to God with the prayer that he may be excused from performing it. He should rather, with a humble, submissive spirit, ask for divine strength and wisdom to meet its claims.

Der er tusinder af mennesker, som bærer sig ad på samme måde i dag. De ville ikke have svært ved at se, hvad der var deres pligt, hvis den faldt sammen med deres ønsker. De kan enten læse i Bibelen, hvorledes de bør handle, eller se det af omstændighederne eller tænke sig til det. Men hvis disse vidnesbyrd går imod deres ønsker og tilbøjeligheder, fejer de dem ofte til side og foregiver, at de vil henvende sig til Gud for at få at vide, hvad de skal gøre. De beder længe og alvorligt om lys og er tilsyneladende meget samvittighedsfulde. Men Gud er ikke at spøge med. Han lader ofte sådanne mennesker få deres vilje, men lader dem selv tage følgerne. "Mit folk ville ikke høre min røst. ..... Da lod jeg dem fare i deres stivsind, de vandred efter deres egne råd." Sl. 81, 12-13. Når et menneske ser sin pligt tydeligt og klart, bør det ikke foregive at ville henvende sig til Gud for at bede om at blive fri for at gøre den. Det bør snarere bede ydmygt og underdanigt om guddommelig hjælp og visdom til at gøre, som det har fået besked på.