What is Christian is not what has a Christian name, but what breathes the atmosphere that surrounded Jesus' life and death. The author of this article reckoned with pious appearances. Even if she wrote over 100 years ago, she makes us think. By Ellen White

One is immediately skeptical about enthusiasm and exuberance in the service of God, but in another area enthusiasm seems perfectly agreeable. I mean the joyous events that are held in our community. These occasions have drawn much time and attention from those who call themselves ministers of Jesus.

But have these gatherings lived up to his name? Was Jesus invited as patron?

Social gatherings of people who love God with an ardent heart can be extremely beneficial and instructive as they share thoughts about God's Word or consider how to advance His work and do good to others.

If nothing is said to grieve God's Holy Spirit, and if he is a welcome guest, God will be appreciated, and those gathered will be refreshed and strengthened.

“Then those who feared the LORD discussed it with one another, and the LORD listened and heard, and a memorial book was written before him for those who fear the LORD and honor his name. And they shall be treated by me, says the LORD of hosts, as my chosen possession in the day that I prepare.” (Malachi 3,16.17:XNUMX)

But there was a form of socializing at Battle Creek that was very different. These social hours are anything but an honor for our facilities and the community. They encourage pride in dress and appearance, as well as self-enjoyment, exuberance, and banality. Satan is welcome as an honored guest and assumes the patronage of these events.

mood-mongering

I was shown a group of congregants professing belief in the truth. One sat at a musical instrument and songs were sung that made the guardian angels weep. The mood was cheerful and rich in rough laughter, full of exuberance and a kind of soulfulness. But the joy was of a kind only Satan can create.

All who love God will be ashamed of this enthusiasm and enthusiasm. Because this atmosphere prepares the participants for unholy thoughts and deeds. I have reason to believe that some who were present heartily regretted their embarrassing behavior afterwards.

show and courtship

Many of these events passed my eye. I saw the happiness, the stunning dresses, the personal jewellery. Everyone wanted to be admired. Everyone was exuberant, made silly jokes, gave each other cheap and lewd compliments and laughed out loud. The eyes sparkled, the cheeks turned red and the conscience was asleep. Eating, drinking, and merrymaking were busily engaged in forgetting God altogether. This pleasure seemed like paradise to the participants. But heaven looks on and sees and hears everything.

The bike race

Another picture was shown to me. People have gathered in the streets of the city for a bicycle race. Among the people are also those who say that they have recognized God and Jesus Christ whom he sent. But who of those watching the thrilling race would suspect that those who behave like this are followers of Jesus? Who suspects that in their time and physical strength they see God's gifts reserved for His ministry?

Who thinks of the risk of accident or death that their wild hunt entails? Who prayed for Jesus' presence and for the protection of the servant angels? Is God glorified by this competitive sport? Satan plays the game of life with these souls and likes what he sees and hears.

Descent into the mist

The once-serious Christian entering the field of this sport is on the way down. He has left the zone of living celestial atmosphere and plunges into the nebula. Many a humble child of God also begins this sport. But if he maintains his relationship with Jesus, he cannot inwardly engage in the exciting atmosphere of the race... These amusements and the exciting sporting events, which are also carried out by professed Christians, profane the faith and damage God's reputation.

The magic market

The tenor of the conversations shows what is hidden in the heart. The cheap, common talk, the flattering words, the silly jokes designed to make you laugh, are the products of Satan. Anyone who takes part trades in these products. Hearing these words, one falls under a spell similar to Herod's when Herodias' daughter danced before him.

All these events will be recorded in the heavenly books and will appear in their true light before the guilty on the last great day. Then they will see in them devilish enticements and deceptions, by which they were led to the broad way and through the wide gate to perdition.

Bait and Feast

Satan...the deceiver uses as bait professed Christians of shallow character and shallow faith. This strain is always up for fun or sport, and its influence draws others in. Young men and women who wish to live as Bible Christians are persuaded by them to attend the event and drawn into the circle...
They do not realize that this form of entertainment is Satan's feast to prevent souls from accepting the invitation to the marriage table of the Lamb. So he wants to make sure that they do not receive the white robe of character, Jesus' righteousness...

Shine and fire instead of inner gold?

In these exciting events, young people are carried away by the brilliance and fire of human creative power. Though raised conscientiously to obey God's law, they are now developing close bonds with those whose upbringing was a failure and whose life of faith is a mere front. They sell themselves into slavery for life. As long as they live they must contend that their mate is of a cheap, shallow character, living for outward appearances, and lacking the precious inner adornment, the adornment of a meek and quiet spirit so precious in God's sight...

The conviction is spreading in the world that Seventh-day Adventists are muffling the trumpet and that they have taken the course of the worldly people. Families in Battle Creek separate from God because they plan marriage contracts with people who do not love God and live easy lives, who have never denied themselves and do not know from experience what it means to work with God.

Strange things are happening. False forms of Christianity are taught and learned that chain souls in lies and deceit. One walks in the light of self-ignited sparks. All who love and fear God will not descend to the level of the world and seek the company of the accommodating and busybodies. They will not fall in love with unconverted men or women. Rather, they stand up for Jesus. Then Jesus will stand up for them too.

Aus: The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, 1327-1332