If there ever was a day when this word of exhortation and encouragement was needed, it is today, and especially for the young Christian.
Every evil doctrine is on the increase, and the advocates of such are showing increased energy in spreading them, and often with considerable self-sacrifice. On the other hand, those who are the Lord’s, are to a great extent folding their hands, taking their leisure, and giving Christ up to His enemies. May this not be the case with any of us who are readers of “The Young Christian,” but may each of us “be... steadfast, unmoveable.” Let us allow nothing to turn us out of the way, but be unmoveable from the path of faithfulness and response of heart to the Lord for all He has done for us. He has saved our souls at the great expense of giving Himself for us, and what more could He give than His life? He is not satisfied with doing this, but He is coming again for us, as the previous verses show, at any moment, to take us to be forever with Himself, and this is the reason for this word of exhortation.
Is that blessed hope so before our hearts, do we have it so as a present reality, that we are abounding in the work of the Lord? Let each of us ask ourselves the question, What am I doing for my Lord? What am I doing for the good of His people? What am I doing for the lost and perishing all around me? What about that unsaved classmate? that unsaved fellow workman? or that saved friend who needs instruction and encouragement in the things of God? Often just a word to a young Christian friend, or a decided stand for the Lord, in all lowliness and meekness, gives encouragement to the other for faithfulness of walk. If we feel unable to speak, we have the printed matter, that can be procured at a very low price, and sent to them each month. Twenty-five “sowers” can be sent to our unsaved acquaintances, at their different addresses, for less than is often spent on trivial things. “The Young Christian” contains simple truths that most Christians need; and if we were to pick out as many of our Christian friends as we could afford to send this paper to, only a little done in this way by each reader, would cover quite a large number; and then the little we do, if watered by prayer, with the Lord’s blessing upon it, Who can tell the extent of the blessing and the reward in that day so near?
May we be assured and encouraged by the last sentence, “Your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”