A WELL-KNOWN evangelist once had a request sent him with these words: — “Will you in prayer give God thanks for lives newly consecrated and NARROWED DOWN from the harmless amusements of the world? I am a woman and afraid of my own voice.”
The wording of the request is peculiar, but an explanation will enable the reader to understand what this lady meant.
The evangelist had been pressing upon the Christians the happiness of living really devoted lives to the Lord, and showing how real devotion to Him often meant the giving up of many things, which the world would call quite legitimate. He pressed that they should not ask the question whether a thing was right or wrong, but whether it was helpful or harmful.
The illustration he used was the following. For many years the navigation of the mighty Mississippi at its mouth was a great difficulty. The silt that accumulated rendered the river very shallow, and hindered even Mississippi steamers from crossing the bar.
Dredging was of no avail, for as soon as the silt was removed, it was deposited again by the river coming down from above. At last the authorities were in despair, and did not know what to do. They offered a handsome reward to any person, who could solve the problem.
A sailor, Captain Eades, gained the prize. He promised that if he were given the contract he would rectify matters. He was given the contract. He built a stone pier out from the bank on the one side, and another stone pier from the opposite bank until the water was confined to a narrow space and hence the current was greatly increased. The rush of water accomplished automatically what was desired. It dug a deep channel in which steamers could safely cross the bar.
The application of the illustration is obvious. To be really useful for the Lord it may be necessary to deliberately “NARROW DOWN” one’s life, not in the sense of the heart being narrow, but of concentrating on one thing and refusing many other things that no one could say were wrong.
Take the athlete. When he runs a race he certainly “NARROWS DOWN” his clothing. Off goes his heavy ulster, off goes this garment and then another, and perhaps with but a singlet and shorts and a pair of light shoes he is ready for the race.
Take an explorer. He has to “NARROW DOWN” his luggage. Many a useful article, perfectly right to use, he leaves behind, for he must travel light.
An earnest Christian, a dear friend, said to me as we chatted in friendly confidence, “I could allow myself many luxuries. I have the means to do so, but I prefer to live plainly and simply, so that I have more with which serve the, Lord.” He knows what it is to “NARROW DOWN.”
It may be the work of the Lord will tie one, and one so tied may have to refuse, many a pleasant invitation, because if the invitation were accepted, this bit of service would have to be neglected.
Take a Sunday School teacher. He or she is tied every Lord’s day afternoon, and has to refuse many tempting pleasures. Is it worth while to “NARROW DOWN” like that?
A thousand times, Yes. To deny oneself for the Lord is infinitely better than pleasing oneself.
A young Christian may have to ask himself or herself whether this association is helpful, or that friendship is helpful, and as the heart decides to follow the Lord there is sure to be a “NARROWING DOWN.” Indeed I doubt if there is one earnest Christian, but has had this experience in greater or lesser degree.
How true are the Master’s words, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the gospel’s the same shall save it” Mark 8:3535For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. (Mark 8:35)). There is the secret of discipleship.
Shall we live for the life that is passing away, or shall we lay hold of eternal life in a practical sense? Shall we care merely for those things that minister to our present life, or are we ready to spend and be spent in the service of the, Lord?
Young Christian, on the threshold of life, with strength of mind and body, you have a right royal opportunity. Seize it, and you will never regret it, especially when you stand before the Lord, and life is reviewed at His seat of manifestation.
A. J. Pollock.