Some time ago there appeared in a city newspaper an advertisement for a clerk, with the unusual condition that he must be “a decided Christian.”
A number applied for the place, but when asked for “a reason for the hope that was in them” concerning Christ, scarcely any could give a Scriptural answer.
These facts were brought to the notice of a Christian who related them to his children, and asked them how they would have replied. He asked them to write their answers. Harold, a boy of twelve years old, gave the following answer:
“I am a Christian because I love Jesus, and want to be a missionary, and work in His service, to do all I can for Jesus. I love Him because He first loved me, and has done so much for me.”—Harold W. Oliver.
Harold was a school boy, like many who will read it. Suppose the question were asked of you,
“Are you a Christian?” what answer would you give? And if still further you were asked,
“How do you know that you are a Christian?” what answer would you give?
Consider the question very quietly, alone with God and your own heart. God reads the secrets of all hearts. How are you treating the Lord Jesus? Can you say you know Him?
I well remember the thrill of joy I had when first I gave a clear decided answer. It was just a year after I first knew the Lord Jesus. I was having a music lesson with a dearly loved teacher, when she laid her hand on mine and said,
“My child, I hope you love the Lord Jesus Christ?” I answered,
“Yes, I do.”
“I mean, you know Him as your own personal Saviour?” she continued; and again I replied,
“Yes,”
And then she went on to tell me what Christ was to her—dearer than all the world besides.
ML 07/27/1941