I

On this road, many can speak much knowledge,

but at their time of death, their eyes brim with tears;

they hate themselves for having wasted a lifetime

and lived to a ripe old age for naught.

They merely understand doctrines,

but can’t put the truth into practice

or bear testimony to God;

they simply run hither and thither, busy as a bee.

Only on the brink of death do they finally see that

they lack true testimony,

that they do not know God at all.

Is this not too late?

Why don’t you seize the day

and pursue the truth that you love?

Why wait until tomorrow?

If in life you don’t suffer for the truth or seek to gain it,

can it be that you wish to

feel regret in your dying hour?

Then why believe in God?

II

There are many matters where people,

if they put in the slightest exertion,

can put the truth into practice

and thereby satisfy God.

Because their hearts are ever possessed by demons

they cannot act for the sake of God;

they constantly rush about for their flesh,

with nothing to show for it in the end.

For this reason, people are always afflicted

by troubles and difficulties.

Are these not the torments of Satan?

Is this not the corruption of the flesh?

You should not be slipshod with God by flapping your lips.

You must take tangible action.

Do not fool yourself—

what would be the point of that?

What can you gain by living for the sake of your flesh

and struggling for profit and fame?

from The Word, Vol. 1. The Appearance and Work of God. You Ought to Live for the Truth Since You Believe in God