Chapter 300—No Place for Idleness
He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with
me scattereth.
Luke 11:23
.
How is our light to shine forth to the world unless it be by our consistent
Christian life? How is the world to know that we belong to Christ, if we do
nothing for Him? ... There is no neutral ground between those who work to
the utmost of their ability for Christ and those who work for the adversary
of souls. Everyone who stands as an idler in the vineyard of the Lord is not
merely doing nothing himself, but he is a hindrance to those who are trying to
work. Satan finds employment for all who are not earnestly striving to secure
their own salvation and the salvation of others.... Whenever a Christian is off
his guard, this powerful adversary makes a sudden and violent attack. Unless
the members of the church are active and vigilant, they will be overcome by
his devices.
Many who should stand firm for righteousness and truth have manifested
weakness and indecision that have encouraged the assaults of Satan. Those
who fail to grow in grace, not seeking to reach the highest standard in divine
attainments, will be overcome....
In this season of conflict and trial we need all the support and consolation
we can derive from righteous principles, from fixed religious convictions,
from the abiding assurance of the love of Christ, and from a rich experience
in divine things. We shall attain to the full stature of men and women in
Christ Jesus only as the result of a steady growth in grace.
It is the work that we do or do not do that tells with tremendous power
upon our lives and destinies. God requires us to improve every opportunity
for usefulness that is offered us. Neglect to do this is perilous to our spiritual
growth. We have a great work to do. Let us not pass in idleness the precious
hours that God has given us in which to perfect characters for heaven. We
must not be inactive or slothful in this work, for we have not a moment to
spend without a purpose or object. God will help us to overcome our wrongs
if we will pray and believe on Him. We can be more than conquerors through
Him who has loved us.
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