Chapter 299—A Divine Prescription
That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and
ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus
Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1:12
.
Many are longing to grow in grace; they pray over the matter, and are
surprised that their prayers are not answered. The Master has given them
a work to do whereby they shall grow. Of what value is it to pray when
there is need of work? The question is, Are they seeking to save souls for
whom Christ died? Spiritual growth depends upon giving to others the light
that God has given to you. You are to put forth your best thoughts in active
labor to do good, and only good, in your family, in your church, and in your
neighborhood.
In place of growing anxious with the thought that you are not growing
in grace, just do every duty that presents itself, carry the burden of souls on
your heart, and by every conceivable means seek to save the lost. Be kind,
be courteous, be pitiful; speak in humility of the blessed hope; talk of the
love of Jesus; tell of His goodness, His mercy, and His righteousness; and
cease to worry as to whether or not you are growing. Plants do not grow
through any conscious effort.... The plant is not in continual worriment about
its growth; it just grows under the supervision of God.
If we will consecrate heart and mind to the service of God, doing the
work He has for us to do and walking in the footsteps of Jesus, our hearts
will become sacred harps, every chord of which will send forth praise and
thanksgiving to the Lamb sent by God to take away the sins of the world....
The Lord Jesus is our strength and happiness, the great storehouse from
which, on every occasion, men may draw strength. As we study Him, talk of
Him, become more and more able to behold Him—as we avail ourselves of
His grace and receive the blessings He proffers us, we have something with
which to help others. Filled with gratitude, we communicate to others the
blessings that have been freely given us. Thus receiving and imparting, we
grow in grace.
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