A little Zulu boy, who learned that after Jesus went to heaven He sent the Holy Spirit to live in the hearts of those who had believed in Him as their Saviour. As he was one of those happy children, when he went home he said to his mother, “Mother, I mustn’t hurt Him.”
“Hurt whom?” said his mother.
“The Holy Spirit, for life is living in my heart; if I do wrong I will hurt Him.”
What a lesson this is to many who have greater privileges than this little black-skinned boy. Remember, you have the same Saviour, and the same Holy Spirit, Who is grieved if you are naughty. When tempted to be disobedient, or tell lies, or give way to temper, think of this kind Friend and know that through His strengthening you, you will be enabled to overcome, and live a life which will commend Christ to others.
A little boy who had started a life of faith in Jesus, had a very bad temper, which was a trouble to himself and his friends. He was sorry that he had such a temper, and felt that he would like to get rid of it, so one day he got out of bed, saying to himself,
“Now, Tommy, you are going to try very hard to be a good boy today.”
He ran downstairs, and seeing that his little sister had broken his engine, he tried so hard not to be angry, but his temper was too strong, and in a moment the cross words were out, and he made his sister cry. The rest of that day he kept on trying to be good, but always failed, and at last he went to his room, fell down by his bedside, and said,
“Lord Jesus, I have tried to be a good. boy all day, but I am not a bit strong, I am very weak. I have been so very naughty; won’t You take away my bad temper, and put Your Holy Spirit of Love in my heart to make me strong?”
Tommy then went out of doors, and when his sister teased him he didn’t answer crossly, but spoke kindly to her, all because he was trusting Jesus to keep him kind and sweet; and he found that day after day, as he trusted, that the Holy Spirit made him strong, and it was easy for him to be loving and gentle.
“I can do all things through Christ, Who strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13.
“Even Christ pleased not Himself.” Romans 15:3.
“I do always those things that, please Him. John 8:29, Jesus said.
ML 08/23/1942