Twelve Helps for Young Christians

 
FIRST:
Renounce, once and for all, the legal thought that your acceptance before God depends on anything you do, or can do, or anything you are or can be. Christ, and not your condition, or your conduct, is the ground of your acceptance. God accepts Christ for you, and accepts you in Christ.
Read: Romans 4:24-25; 5:1-2; 7:24-25; 8:1-424But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. (Romans 4:24‑25)
1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1‑2)
24O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. (Romans 7:24‑25)
1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1‑4); Colossians 1:12-1812Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (Colossians 1:12‑18); Ephesians 1:3-93Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: (Ephesians 1:3‑9).
“He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before Him in love—having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed upon us in The Beloved, in whom we have our redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence.”
You’re not worthy—oh, no! Christ alone
Is righteous and true in God’s sight;
But you are in Him, Who for sin did atone,
In Whom is found all God’s delight.
SECOND:
Remember that you are now a Christian—Christ’s one, and as such seek to adorn “that beautiful Name by which you are called” (Acts 11:2626And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. (Acts 11:26); James 2:77Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? (James 2:7)). What is a Christian? Someone has said — “A Christian is C-H-R-I-S-T, Christ in full, and I-A-N, I AM Nothing, me in initials.” Look up, then, for grace to be nothing, and to let Christ be everything.
“That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—to the end that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be strong to apprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge.”
Oh, to be emptier, lowlier,
Mean, unnoticed, and unknown;
And to God, a vessel holier,
Filled with Christ, and Christ alone!
THIRD:
Be careful to have a “good conscience,” a conscience instructed by Scripture, pure and sensitive. Let conscience be like some finely-polished mirror that may be dimmed by the slightest breath of the Tempter. If you sin, confess it at once, not as a sinner to God, but as a child to the Father.
“Herein I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men always.” “The end of the charge is love out of a pure heart and a good conscience and faith unfeigned; from which things some having swerved have turned aside unto vain talking.” “Pray for us, for we are persuaded that we have a good conscience, desiring to live honorably in all things.”
Speak a shade more kindly
Than you have before;
Pray a little oftener,
Serve a little more;
Cling a little closer
To the Father’s love;
Life will then grow liker
To the life above.
FOURTH:
Be as lenient to the faults of others as you are hard on your own. Remember those three gracious Fs: Forbear—Forgive—Forget. If you detect the smallest grain of malice in your heart toward another, do not rest while it is there. You cannot be happy with the Lord till it is gone.
Read: Romans 12:9-219Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; 11Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:9‑21); Ephesians 4:1-8,31-321I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Ephesians 4:1‑8)
31Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:31‑32); Philippians 2:1-171If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 14Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. 17Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. (Philippians 2:1‑17); Colossians 3:12-1812Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. 18Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. (Colossians 3:12‑18).
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and railing, be put away from you, with all malice; and be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you.”
Oh, what a little thing can turn
A heavy heart from sigh to song!
A smile can make the world less stern,
A word can cause the soul to burn
With glow of heaven all night long.
FIFTH:
Keep a large heart as you tread the narrow way. By a large heart I mean a heart that takes in “all saints.” The path of faithfulness amid the ruins becomes increasingly narrow and exclusive, but a heart filled with the love of Christ expands, and becomes increasingly large and inclusive.
Read: The term “all saints” is found in the following texts: Romans 16:1515Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them. (Romans 16:15); 2 Corinthians 1:1; 13:131Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia: (2 Corinthians 1:1)
13All the saints salute you. (2 Corinthians 13:13); Ephesians 1:15; 3:18; 6:1815Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, (Ephesians 1:15)
18May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; (Ephesians 3:18)
18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:18); Philippians 1:1; 4:211Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: (Philippians 1:1)
21Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. (Philippians 4:21); Colossians 1:44Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, (Colossians 1:4); 1 Thessalonians 3:1313To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. (1 Thessalonians 3:13); Philemon 55Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; (Philemon 5); Hebrews 13:2424Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you. (Hebrews 13:24); and Revelation 8:33And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. (Revelation 8:3).
Have you had a kindness shown?
Pass it on.
‘Twas not given for thee alone;
Pass it on.
Let it travel down the years,
Let it wipe another’s tears,
Till in heaven the deed appears,
Pass it on!
SIXTH:
In any difficulty let the Lord be your first resource. You have no wiser, kinder nor stronger Friend. Whatever, then, be the care — be it in the home circle, the school circle, the business circle, the Church circle, the world circle, or the tiny circle of your own soul—go to Him alone about it. He delights to enter into our little concerns, and the simpler our faith the better it pleases Him.
Read: Philippians 4:4-104Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 5Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. 10But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. (Philippians 4:4‑10); 1 Peter 5:5-105Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. (1 Peter 5:5‑10).
“In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God: and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.”
No human voice may cheer thee,
No earthly listener hear thee,
But, oh, one Friend is near thee,
The kindest and the best;
Whose smile can banish sadness,
Whose presence fills with gladness,
The solitary breast.
SEVENTH:
Do not be content with praying, but grow in the school of secret prayer. It is a fact that the more you pray, the more you want to pray; and the less you pray, the less you want to pray. Depend upon it, when you feel least inclined for prayer, then your soul is most in need of it. Turn everything into prayer, and soon prayer will become a state as well as an act.
Read: Matthew 26:36-4736Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. 37And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. 38Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. 39And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. 40And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? 41Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. 42He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. 43And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. 44And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me. 47And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. (Matthew 26:36‑47); Hebrews 5:7-97Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; (Hebrews 5:7‑9); 1 Thessalonians 5:17-1817Pray without ceasing. 18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:17‑18). Luke presents Christ seven times as alone in prayer: Luke 3:21; 5:16; 6:12; 9:18,28; 11:1; 22:4121Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, (Luke 3:21)
16And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed. (Luke 5:16)
12And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. (Luke 6:12)
18And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am? (Luke 9:18)
28And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. (Luke 9:28)
1And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. (Luke 11:1)
41And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, (Luke 22:41).
“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” “The end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore of sound mind, and be sober unto prayer” (1 Peter 4:7-97But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 9Use hospitality one to another without grudging. (1 Peter 4:7‑9)).
God’s ships of treasure sail upon a sea
Of boundless love, of mercy infinite,
To change their course, retard their onward way,
No wind nor wave hath might.
Prayer is the tide for which the vessels wait
Ere they can come to port; but if it be
The tide is low, then how can’st thou expect
The treasure-ship to see?
EIGHTH:
Never refuse any teaching because it is new to you; but never accept anything till you see it for yourself in the Word of God! Inability to receive is not tantamount to rejection. Do not judge the doctrine of an address by the man who delivers it, nor gauge the truth of an article by the initials at its close. Be sure though slow in acquiring truth. All that we receive from God is taught us by Him in this way. Though you may get truth through a human channel, get it from God. Learn to learn at the Master’s feet, and then you will have no need to learn to unlearn.
Read: Isaiah 28:1010For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: (Isaiah 28:10); John 16:12-1612I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. 14He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. 15All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you. 16A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father. (John 16:12‑16); 1 Thessalonians 5:10-2210Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 11Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 12And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 14Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 15See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 16Rejoice evermore. 17Pray without ceasing. 18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19Quench not the Spirit. 20Despise not prophesyings. 21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22Abstain from all appearance of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:10‑22); 2 Peter 3:1-2,17-181This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: 2That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: (2 Peter 3:1‑2)
17Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:17‑18).
“Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things: hold fast that which is good. Abstain from every form of evil.”
Make sure of Truth,
And Truth will make you sure:
It will not shift, nor fade, nor die,
But like the heavens endure.
Man and his earth
Are varying day by day:
Truth cannot change, nor ever grow
Feeble and old and gray.
NINTH:
In connection with private Scripture-study there are five important things.
In Reading you skim the surface—a pleasant exercise. In Searching you let down your line into its depths. In Finding you bring up something which makes you tingle all over with holy glee. In Meditating you feed upon and enjoy what you have. In Practicing you show it forth in your life before others,
A glory gilds that sacred page,
Majestic like the sun:
Which gives a light to every age,
Which gives, but borrows none.
TENTH:
Beware of evil speaking, in all its multiplied and invidious forms. Prudently, kindly, and alone, tell your brother or sister the fault, and speak to God about it, but do not ever whisper it to another. Evil speaking is a most prolific cause of sorrow, and always betrays a soul out of communion, and always grates upon a soul in communion. “If we come forth from the closet of communion, the atmosphere of evil speaking will be to us as the tainted air of some great city to one that has been breathing the pure air of a mountain top, or the fresh breezes of the seashore.”
If any little word of mine
Can make a life the brighter,
If any little song of mine
Can make a heart the lighter,
God help me speak that little word,
And take my life of singing,
And drop it in some lonely vale,
To set the echoes ringing.
ELEVENTH:
Keep a warm gospel-heart. Christian experience, according to Philippians, is full of the gospel. Paul was as hearty in gospel work at the close of his course as at the commencement. Compare Acts 9 with 2 Timothy. Never deceive yourself by the thought that because you are getting on in higher lines of truth, therefore your interest in gospel work must flag. The joy of Father, Son and Spirit in Luke 15 is essentially a gospel joy. Muse well on that word: “Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.” Take care not to follow in the wake of the elder son: “He was angry and would not go in.”
“We preach Christ crucified, the power of God and the wisdom of God.” “I am set for the defense of the gospel. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and therein I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.”
Lord, lay some soul upon, my heart,
And love that soul through me,
That I may nobly do my part
To bring that soul to Thee.
O Savior, heed my fervent cry,
I long Thy Name to glorify
In bringing souls to Thee!
TWELFTH:
Finally, never take your Christianity from Christians. If you want perfect Christianity, get your eye on God’s perfect Christ, He who said, “Without Me ye can do nothing” (John 15:55I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:5)). Tell Him of this, and seek grace so to abide in Him that you shall intuitively follow in His steps, and walk as He walked (1 Peter 2:21-2421For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (1 Peter 2:21‑24)). Avoid asceticism, monkish piety, on the one hand, and worldly conformity on the other. See Colossians 2:20-2320Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21(Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honor to the satisfying of the flesh. (Colossians 2:20‑23) for the one, and Romans 12:1-31I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (Romans 12:1‑3) for the other. View all down here in the perspective of Christ Crucified, Risen, and Ascended, and live in sweet and present association with Him where He now is. Let Him daily bring you, in spirit, into His banqueting-house, there to feast and to commune under the shadow of His love. Thus others will “take knowledge of you, that you have been with Jesus,” and a gentleness of spirit, combined with all the outward activities of inward devotedness, will plainly mark you out as His. Let us together breathe this prayer:
Lord, may our walk and service be
An image bright of things above;
A glass to show the unity
Of Father, Son and Spirit’s love;
A living picture to display
The love that we can ne’er repay!
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:5858Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58)).
From “The Young Christian.” For May, June 1915.
The head may overgrow the heart, but the heart cannot overgrow the head. Intellectual interest in Scripture may supplant affection for the Lord, but as He is better known, the believer is better able to bear the knowledge of the deeper mysteries. We may get interested in books, or in our Bibles, and yet be sluggish toward Christ. We may give up extreme worldliness, and yet be carried away from communion with Christ in the whirl of religious activities.
Fly-leaf of old Hymn-book. 1856.
Open mine eyes, that I may see
More beauty, blessed Lord, in Thee:
Unstop mine ears, that I may hear
Thy voice, in accents soft and clear.
Keep Thou my body, spirit, soul,
Completely ‘neath Thy blest control,
And fill me with Thy fulness, Lord;
Then Thou alone shalt be adored.