The Sabbath: A Prophecy of Eternal Life

by Bill Fowler

(This article is an excerpt from the May-June 2000 edition of the Sabbath Sentinel)

“In my early teen years, my dad gave me some advice that I have remembered—though not always followed as I should have. What he gave was simple common sense—and it works. He passed down this simple but practical “wise counsel” by introducing it to me with these guiding words: “If you want to be happy and effective in life, with it’s continuing problems, then you need to apply this principle.” He continued, “When you have a decision to make, if you are not positive that it’s the right thing to do—then don’t. Just put it off for now, and come back to it later. See if the thought stays with you…. You will make fewer mistakes in life, if you are confident your decisions are correct. Don’t make hasty decisions. Get the facts first”.

How could anything be simpler? Yet, such is not a way of life with so many in our, “buy now—pay later” society. Human thoughts tend to be base and instinctual: instant gratification seeming to be a primary need (“It feels good, so I’ve got to have it— NOW!”). Thankfully, some of us have learned, over time, that the things in life, which are really worthwhile, are worth planning for—and waiting for. All good decisions are based on right knowledge and proper timing. Two verses in Proverbs certainly support this principle of not rushing into important decisions. Proverbs 21:5 “The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.” Proverbs 29:20 “Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” I really came to understand this principle in 1966 when I was first exposed to the Sabbath day and the commitment required to respond to the calling of God. I grew up in the Methodist church; we had many good friends and were involved in Sunday school class, youth activities, men’s prayer group, and all of the holidays. We were having a good time; it was family. My brother and his family had not been to services for a couple of weeks; so, I called him and asked if one of them was sick. He answered, “No, we just don’t go to church on Sunday anymore; we…”

To read the rest of this article, which starts on page 16, click this link:

http://biblesabbath.org/tss/483/tss_483.pdf