Young Christians in the Service
Table of Contents
Young Christians in the Service: Part 2
Last month we promised to tell some current instances of the gospel being spread by the young men who are today in the various branches of government service. Letters of the alphabet will, of course, be substituted for the names of the men, and names of camps and locations must be left out for obvious reasons. We will begin with the case of A.
About seven or eight years ago, A. was saved. He was only a boy then. Now he is a young man, and in the army. While still living at home on the farm he had opportunities to speak of his Saviour to some he met. But he probably little thought that before long he would have the opportunity and courage to address a large crowd of men—possibly all unsaved. His case is only one of many that shows how God has used the present conflict and consequent scattering for the spreading of the gospel.
After his induction into the army, A. was sent to a large western camp. His valued Bible and hymn book were taken along. In camp he soon found another Christian in the same barrack, and the two young men had some happy fellowship together over the Bible.
One evening A. and his new companion sat in one end of their barrack reading their Bibles aloud, each taking his turn. This proceeded for a while almost unnoticed by the others in the barrack. At last a few noticed the two Christians reading, and went over close enough to be within hearing distance. This was the signal for more to come and listen; finally, all but two or three of the men were lined up listening to the Bible reading. The two or three had laughed and gone out.
Lifting his eyes from his Bible, and seeing his attentive audience, A. felt that he must use this opportunity to give them the gospel.
Calmly and quietly, A. told them of the love of God, and of the Saviour who died on the cross. The Lord gave him the needed courage and the words to speak. There, in one end of the barrack A. was preaching the Word, and telling lost souls of the only means of salvation. The men were reverent and respectful as the young Christian faithfully witnessed a good confession.
For the present, we shall have to leave the results with Him whose Word it is, and who has promised that His Word shall not return unto Him void (Isa. 55:11). We might even while here on earth learn of blessing from that testimony rendered by A., but who can tell how much fruit there will be displayed in that coming day in glory?
Now, dear fellow-Christian, let us not forget to pray for A. and the others who are in similar circumstances, that they may be kept faithful—not in word only, but in deed. We can also remember before the Lord the gospel testimony that is being borne in many ways and places. And may we at home be exercised to use the opportunities we have for the spread of the glad tidings.
"Let us not weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Gal. 6:9
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Cor. 15:58.
"Not in vain" is any service
Offered in the Saviour's Name,
Who to rescue fallen sinners
To this world of ruin came.
Jesus values each redeemed one.
And their praise and worship too,
Every service that they render
Precious is, in heaven's view.
Be not weary, faint not, fear not, -
God assures in language plain,
Any service done for Jesus
Never will be done in vain.
Young Christians in the Service: Part 3
During some special meetings in S- in 1939, we had the joy of seeing B. find the Lord Jesus as his own Saviour. It was a happy case of conversion, and B. gave good testimony on returning to his home town and old surroundings. At that time he was a student in high school, and there he was not ashamed to confess Christ. His old companions soon learned from his own lips that he had been saved.
Frequently he took gospel tracts and Christian literature along with him to school and read them during spare time.
To come to the main point before us, however, we must pass over the intervening time of his employment and testimony there, and come down to the present time.
Today B. is in the government service and is assigned to a large hospital ship. There in new surroundings, he is witnessing for his Lord.
Shortly after B. took his place on this ship, the chaplain took special notice of him. It was the chaplain's duty to censor the ship's mail, and there was something about our young Christian friend's mail that attracted him. Being a true Christian himself, he soon perceived from B.'s mail that there was a real child of God aboard; for his letters spoke of the Lord Jesus and of the precious things in the Word of God. The chaplain sent for B. and together they had some happy conversation about the Lord and His things.
After a time, B. asked the chaplain if they could have some prayer meetings aboard ship. The suggestion being approved, the first meeting was announced. There were only five present that first time—the chaplain, B., and three chief petty officers. It was not long, however, until more became interested and attended these meetings which has become a weekly occurrence. Later a Bible reading was started, and many of the men came. This real testimony aboard the large ship has continued through the months.
Recently B. wrote home that he had a wonderful opportunity for the gospel there. The handling of many sick and wounded gives a special opportunity for testifying to the saving grace of God. B. is meeting thousands of men who have come from all parts of the country, and is seeking in a quiet way, as the Lord may lead, to carry the message of the love of God, and a full, free salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. May the Lord keep dear B. faithful to Himself and use him to the salvation of many.
B.'s family and the Christians with whom he was associated in his home town, miss him very much. Needless to say, B. also longs for them, and will be happy when the time comes that he can return. There is also the prospect that the Lord may come any day. Then all the redeemed shall be gathered Home together to see that blessed One who died for us. The difficulties and trials of the wilderness journey will not mar the happiness and joy of that scene of glory. We shall then be able to look back over all the way the Lord hath led us, and praise Him for His love, wisdom, and power. We shall bless the hand that guided, and the heart that planned, as we see how God has used the wrath of man to praise Him.
The Lord also encourages us now with the prospect of the rewards He shall give for faithfulness down here. It is true that love to the Lord should provide the motive for all service, but will it not be a blessed thing to receive His commendation? Will not many of these dear boys hear from His lips,
"Well done, good and faithful servant"?
May we all cherish such a prospect and seek now to serve and live for Him who died for us. The Lord has given to each of us a special place to fill, and a special service to perform.
"For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch." Mark 13:34. Well may each one of us inquire,
"Am I doing the work the Lord gave me to do?"
A faithful servant will not seek to please himself, but the one who entrusted him with the service. It is also well to remember that serving the Lord means more than just lip service; it means being a testimony as well as bearing a testimony.,
May those with whom we meet, not only hear from our lips a confession of the Lord, but take knowledge of us from our conduct that we have "been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13).
Young Christians in the Service: Part 1
Part 1
Many of our Christian young men are now in the army, navy, and other branches of government service. Each one of us is personally acquainted with many who have gone and are now in widely separated parts of the world. These dear young men have left their homes, and the valued circles of Christian fellowship. May our prayers follow them in these days of scattering.
In the eighth chapter of the Acts there is an account of another scattering which was allowed by God. Then it was a persecution of the Christians that scattered them abroad from Jerusalem. Let us look at this Scripture, and see if we may draw some conclusions from it, and perhaps learn some lessons that might be of value to us now.
After the death, resurrection, and ascension of the Lord Jesus, the Spirit of God came down and dwelt in the believers. The Church of God was formed on earth at that time in the city of Jerusalem, and the gospel was preached there. Thousands of people were saved; three thousand were saved at one preaching, as recorded in the second chapter of the Acts. These early Christians had a happy season together as the Church of God flourished in Jerusalem in those days.
But we need to go back to Luke 24:47, and notice the Lord's instructions to the apostles and disciples before He left them:
"That repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His Name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."
Then turning to the opening chapter of the Acts, we see that they were told to wait at Jerusalem before going abroad preaching until the Holy Spirit had come.
"Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Acts 1:8.
Here then was their commission—await the coming of the Holy Ghost, and then go forth with the gospel. While beginning at Jerusalem, they were to carry it far beyond. Jerusalem was only the starting point. God, who is interested in the gospel of His Son, wanted it carried far and wide. But notice in these early chapters of the Acts, what the apostles and early Christians actually did. They all remained at Jerusalem, enjoying their feasts of good things.
In order that His instructions might be carried out, the Lord saw that a scattering was necessary; and forthwith a persecution broke out. They were careless about going out with the gospel; so the Lord got them started.
"At that time there was a great persecution against the Church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles." Acts 8:1.
Among those scattered was Philip who had been one of the deacons in the sixth chapter, and looked after the care of the needy. His work was no longer necessary when the Church was scattered; so he went out also in this scattering.
"Therefore they that were scattered abroad, went everywhere preaching the Word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them." Acts 8:4-5.
And happy fruitful preaching that was. They did not just preach sermons, but preached "the Word" and "Christ." Blessing followed that preaching, and there was much joy in Samaria, as many souls were saved. Philip then was sent to the desert to meet the Ethiopian eunuch, who also got saved, and went on his way rejoicing. Others who were scattered traveled far and wide preaching the gospel.
"Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen, traveled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the Word to none, but unto the Jews only. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord." Acts 11:19-21.
Much blessing followed their labors, and the ground-work was laid for that important Gentile assembly at Antioch. Thus we see how the Lord triumphed in the scattering and used the ones scattered for bearing precious Seed, which He bountifully blessed.
Now, let us bring all this down to our day. Fellow-Christians have we not settled down in this world, and forgotten to be diligent in spreading the gospel? Has not the tendency been to forget the unsaved who are about us, as well as far beyond? We have, and rightly so, praised God for our salvation, and have enjoyed the blessings He has given us; but in a large measure, we have been careless about the unsaved and the gospel. When all goes well with us there is a disposition to enjoy our own blessings—our salvation, fellowship of our saints, our families, our homes—and neglect to be diligent in the Lord's things. It is very easy to sit in our comfortable homes and sing:
How sweet the truth, ye sinners hear it,
Mercy's free, Mercy's free.
Ye saints of God to all declare it,
Mercy's free, Mercy's free.
Visit your neighbor's dark abode,
Proclaim to all this love of God,
O spread the joyful news abroad.
Mercy's free, Mercy's free.
But are we really faithful in this? Have we not all been more or less lax? We need to remember that we have not been left here to please ourselves, but to live for the Lord.
Now the Lord has allowed many of our young brethren to be suddenly called away from homes and meetings, and to be thrust forth into many other places. It is not without a cause, nor is it without a purpose. We are hearing very frequently of faithful testimony being rendered to their Lord by these young men, and it makes our hearts rejoice. They have gone forth and are carrying the gospel quietly, but effectively along with them. Souls are being saved through their testimony. May we bear them up constantly before the Lord, and may we at home be stirred up to more faithfulness.
From time to time we hope, the Lord willing, to print some accounts of the testimony being rendered by our young brethren who have left us. In the mean while -
"Therefore, 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 Cor. 15:58.
Young Christians in the Service: Part 6
One young Christian in foreign service writes:
"Please send me some tracts to give out here to the men as they come out of the mess hall door and to give out in the 'chow lines' of the different companies. I am sure the Lord will bless the tracts to many. Don't forget to send some of the leaflets,
'That Name.' "
This brother and many others have felt the increasing use of the blessed name of Jesus in profanity, and have called for copies of the poem entitled "That Name." We reproduce it here so that all of our readers may know what it contains.
That Name
Lines suggested on hearing some young men using the name of our Lord Jesus Christ profanely.
That Name which you take, is delightfully sweet,
Jesus is Christ! and Him you must meet;
Now He is meeting poor sinners in grace,
He knocks at your heart, O, give Him a place.
He hears you blaspheme; but O, if you knew
How much He loves sinners, how much He loves you,
You would fall at His feet and adoringly sing
Jesus! my Saviour! my Lord! and the King!
'Twas for this that He died on Calvary's tree,
That sinners the chief might from judgment be free.
He's now up in glory—a man on God's throne,
But He's coming again—it may be quite soon.
He left us this message, while He is above,
A message of mercy—a message of love,
Tell sinners I love them—tell Adam's whole race,
And this is the day of My patience and grace.
Yea, more—go, beseech—beseech them for Me,
Beseech by My blood—by My death on the tree.
It cleanses from sin and fits them to be
At once and forever in glory with Me.
O. these are sweet words, and wondrous to tell
How God in His mercy saves sinners from hell,
The story's so simple—so plain to the lost,
To be saved without doing—saved at God's cost,
To be saved as ungodly, unrighteous, undone,
To be saved by faith in the Blood of His Son.
"God ... hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name; that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow ... and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father." Phil. 2:9-11.
The prodigious use of the name of Jesus by the ungodly only shows where man's natural heart is. Man is away from God; and more than that, he has actual enmity in his heart to God and His Christ. God so loved the poor world that He sent His beloved Son down into the world to reconcile it to Himself, but man cast His Son out, and said "away with Him." Now God has sent out the good news of a full and free pardon to all who will have it. But men not only take God's name in vain; they also revile the precious name of Jesus who is the expression of God's great love. All of the enmity is on man's part. He may not realize his enmity, a fact which only proves how little he knows his own lost condition. Satan is leading men on to destruction, and there is no better proof of his controlling power, than man's almost instinctive profane use of "God," "Christ," "Jesus," and "hell." This greatly increasing evil is not confined to service men, but is very widespread.
Young Christian, does not the profane use of the name of Jesus make you cringe each time you hear it? The very mark of a Christian is that the name of Jesus is precious to him.
"Unto you therefore which believe he is precious." 1 Peter 2:7.
All of the hopes and blessings of the child of God for time and eternity hinge on that blessed person, Jesus. Does not the very mention of the name of Jesus spoken in reverence, awaken a responsive chord in your heart? May you never become so accustomed to this profanity that it will cease to bruise you. How can it help wounding one who truly believes that Jesus loved him, and died for him? May you not consider such slandering of your Saviour in your presence as a light matter.
There is a Name we love to hear,
We love to sing its worth;
It sounds like music in our ear,
The sweetest Name on earth.
It tells us of a Saviour's love
Who died to set us free;
It tells us of His precious blood,
The sinner's perfect plea.
Jesus! the Name we love so well,
The Name we love to hear!
No saint on earth its worth can tell,
No heart conceive how dear.
This Name shall shed its fragrance still
Along this thorny road,
Shall sweetly smooth the rugged hill
That leads us up to God.
O! if men would only realize that their profane use of that Name, will only condemn them! It is prima facie evidence that men knew of Jesus and hated Him. He cannot plead before the Throne of Judgment he did not know about God's Saviour for man. And to think that today Jesus would be their Saviour, to save them from the "wrath to come" and make them happy. If He is refused, there is another day coming when He will be their judge. They may take His Name in vain now, but the day is surely coming, by God's decree, when they will bow before Him, and confess that He is Lord. (Read Phil. 2:9-11). Neither shall man be able to plead that he did not know there was a "Hell" in store, for its use has become common-place enough to be used in advertisements of great corporations. That power that works in the sons of disobedience (Eph. 2:2) is seeking to make light of "hell" by making it a familiar by-word.
"But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." Matt. 12:36.
Young Christians in the Service: Part 4
"It is a wonderful thing how the cells of skin grow."
The speaker, an army surgeon, was addressing a young private whom we shall call C. Both being on duty that night in a large army hospital. A very interesting discourse followed as the officer went on to relate some of the wonders of skin grafting. C. enjoyed what was said, but being a true and earnest Christian, soon let his light shine by making some remarks about the wonders of creation and about the Creator.
The officer showed his colors, also, by saying that he was an atheist, and that he failed to see the mark of God in the wonders of the human body. This gave C. an opportunity to affirm his faith in God, and to give good testimony before his superior. It was nearing midnight, but the conversation went on as the officer set forth the theories of evolution, declaring that he preferred to believe that man evolved from a monkey, rather than believe that God created him. Finally C. said:
"Well, if there could be a chance that I am mistaken, I have certainly lost nothing, for I have great joy and consolation in God and His Word. I would not want to do without God and the Lord Jesus. But if you, Lieutenant, should be mistaken, you have lost everything. You have not the joy of salvation now, and would be lost for all eternity."
The officer finished his work in the ward, but before leaving turned to C. and said,
"I guess you think I'm a bad fellow, don't you?" After a little hesitation C. replied,
"I am just sorry for you, and regret very much that you take such a stand."
As the officer left, C. lifted his heart to God that some word might reach this needy soul.
Circumstances have now separated these two men. C. remains in the ward seeking to let his light shine as he has opportunity; the officer is somewhere in foreign service. Our heart's desire and prayer to God, is, that the faithful and unassuming testimony given him that night in the ward office may follow him, and some day come home with quickening power to his soul. May he yet know and enjoy that same blessed Saviour.
The above incident brings to mind the faithful testimony given one day to king Agrippa by the beloved apostle Paul. The apostle was on trial before the king; but Paul preached the gospel to him, and pleaded so earnestly with him that the king stopped him by saying,
"Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian," whereupon Paul beautifully expressed, not only his faith in God, but also his entire joy and satisfaction in what he had in Christ. The apostle did not say in reply that he wished the king were a Christian. Listen to his words of true elevation, yet spoken in all meekness.
"I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost and altogether such as I am, except these bonds." Acts 26:29.
He could wish nothing greater or better for the king and all who heard him, than they should possess and enjoy the same blessings he had. This is also in line with the word given to us in 1 Peter 3:15:
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason for the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."
Dear young Christians, whether you are away in the government service, or at home, in the school, office, or shop, seek to be more occupied with the Lord Jesus, enjoying Him and His things in your hearts. It is not enough to know these things in your heads, or to have the truth ever so clearly outlined. What God desires is that you have these things in your hearts, and your affections engaged. If you are enjoying the Lord Jesus and your heart is warm, you will have no great difficulty in giving to others a reason for your own hope and joy. Such testimony that comes from one's own joy and satisfaction, is of great value, and often does more good than the clearest of sermons.
The Lord Jesus told one man whom He had healed to
"Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee." Mark 5:19.
He was not just told to go and preach, but to tell what he himself had received. That man did it, and there was blessing from his testimony. He had expressed a desire to be with Jesus, but the time had not yet come for that. Some day, very soon, we shall all be taken Home to be with the Lord Jesus forever, but today is the time for witnessing to what He has done for us.
Young Christians in the Service: Part 7
An incident that has come to our notice illustrates two important points in Christian conduct.
C- and Frank had often worked together so that Frank had a good opportunity to observe the conduct and behavior of his partner. One night while they were busy at their assigned duties, Frank looked up from his work and said:
"C-, why is it that you don't drink, smoke, or swear? There must be a difference between us. Then, too, when things go wrong here, and the work piles up, we act so differently. You are not affected, but go quietly ahead with your work, while I blow up and swear. What is the difference?" This was a lovely testimony to the quiet and consistent life of our young brother in Christ.
The unsaved about us should be able to see that there is a difference. They seldom, if ever, read the Bible, but they should be able to read Christ in the lives of His saints. The apostle Paul wrote to the Christians at Corinth,
"Ye are manifestly declared to be the Epistle of Christ." 2 Cor. 3:3.
We, Christians, should be epistles in which the people of the world can read Christ. All that they know of Him is what they see in the lives of His people; therefore, we should be open letters written in large, clear, legible writing. We should so manifest the spirit of Christ in our ordinary every-day life, that our associates in the service, the school, the office, the shop, or the neighborhood will take knowledge of us that we are "different." They should be able to recognize a spirit in us that is not in themselves. We should not have one manner of conduct for attending the meetings and associating with other Christians, and another for our every-day life in the world. The Lord Jesus is not in this world now, but He has left us here to witness for Him.
Frank's interrogation gave C- a wonderful opportunity to witness by word of mouth for his Lord. His life had already spoken to this unbeliever; now, his words were to give a testimony. Here are some of the things that this follower of Christ said in reply:
"You are mistaken in thinking that I am not affected by things that go wrong, for some of them do try me a great deal; but I seek to please the Lord Jesus. You see, He died for me on Calvary's cross, and I want to please Him. I often hear His blessed Name taken in vain around here and it continually reminds me that the One who suffered so much and died for sinners, is despised and rejected."
This was too much for Frank so he closed the conversation by pleading the inconsistencies of Christians as an excuse for not being one.
The second point emphasized by this recent incident is mentioned in 1 Peter 3:14-16.
"If ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ."
In addition to our being a living testimony for Christ, there should be that readiness to give an answer to every man who asks us of the hope that is in us. Christians sometimes plead that they have no gift for speaking the gospel, but here in these verses it is simply a matter of stating the ground of our own hope. C- did that very nicely when he told what the Lord Jesus was to him. It does not require a great gift to tell some one what we possess in Christ. One trouble with us is that often our mouths are closed because our lives have been inconsistent with being followers of Christ. Fellow-Christians, may it not be so; but rather may we so live Christ that it will be easy to tell others what He is to us. Then the day will come when the unsaved will have to glorify God, and admit that the testimony of our lives was a voice to their consciences. (Read 1 Peter 2:12.)
Young Christians in the Service: Part 5
It is natural and right that a child of God should desire and prefer his "own company." For one with his heart fixed on the Lord Jesus to be suddenly thrust into the constant company of the ungodly—to eat, sleep, and work with them day after day—would be most distressing unless he had a resource from above. We read in the fourth chapter of the Acts that the apostles were arrested and detained for a while; but being let go, they were free to go to "their own company." When they got there they all had a prayer meeting. Blessed place! Happy occupation!
For one to voluntarily seek the companionship of those who know not God, nor love our Lord Jesus Christ, would expose a sad state of declension. It would savor of what God calls, "Ephraim being joined to his idols."
The young Christians who have been drawn into the services have no choice of their own as to with whom they live, work, or eat. We have, however, been much pleased with some of the letters from these young men—letters which show that they are seeking to walk as separately as they can under the circumstances, and trying to find some opportunity to be quiet and alone with God. Sometimes they find it can only be for a few minutes, but it is most refreshing and invigorating. Permit us to quote from one letter along this line:
"Last week and the week before I had the Lord's days off, and had the privilege of remembering our Lord in His death for us. Today I had to stay in camp; so this morning I went to the grove, taking my Bible and Hymn Book, and spent the time with the Lord. Surely it is the love of Christ which allows us to have this privilege. This afternoon I am going to visit a few barracks around here and give out Testaments and tracts. I have given out all the "Echoes of Grace" with the story of Pearl Harbor, but I still have some others to give out. I know you are praying for me and the Word given out, and thank you very much. We should all be more interested in the work of our Lord. Some of the men here do not know what the Testament is, and some do not know why Christ died. I told them He died for sinners because He loved them so much, and that He had to in order for us to have everlasting life."
May the Lord keep this dear young Christian walking thus, and also bless his testimony in the gospel. We discern a needed balance in his remarks. He felt the need of food and refreshment for his own soul, and then sought to help others by carrying the glad tidings of God's grace in Christ.
Fellow Christian, let us not neglect either the one or the other.
This young man seeking time to be alone with the Lord on the Lord's day, brings to mind Revelation chapter one and verse ten. The aged and beloved apostle John was a prisoner on the island of Patmos "for the Word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ." He was cut off from Christian fellowship and not allowed his "own company"; but on the Lord's day—that blessed day—he was "in the Spirit." We greatly desire that the young men who are kept from the meetings and from Christian fellowship, find some quiet moments to be alone with the Lord, and know something of the happiness of the apostle John who was "in the Spirit" at such a time. We would say to them that God is faithful and sufficient for these things. May they use every little opportunity of being alone in His presence. There they will prove the comfort and joy that He can give, no matter where they are.
We would not, however, write a single word to give encouragement to any who, through seeking after advancement, monetary gain, pleasure, or anything else, are found away from the meetings, or the fellowship of the people of God. Neglecting the privileges and blessings that God in grace has given, and preserved to us, betrays a leaving of "first love" (See Rev. 2:4-5). To allow such things to keep us away from the blessed privilege of remembering our Lord in death, or from the prayer and other meetings, is a slippery road downward, and may end in spiritual shipwreck.
Demas loved this present world, and then departed from the apostle Paul and a walk of faith. Sad, sad end!
Satan may produce some logical reasons why it is advisable to get ahead in the world. These reasons might be improvement of our home, or the welfare of our children, or provision for the future in this day of unusual conditions; or he might tell us that we need relaxation and rest and therefore we can neglect the assembling of ourselves together. (Read Heb. 10:25.) This great enemy may even have some such suggestions come through the lips of true children of God. But, Christians beware of "the wiles of the devil!"