Basic HTML Version
Let Your Religion Show, February 22
That 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.
Philippians 2:15
.
Abraham was honored by the surrounding nations as a mighty prince and
a wise and able chief. He did not shut away his influence from his neighbors.
His life and character, in their marked contrast with those of the worshipers of
idols, exerted a telling influence in favor of the true faith. His allegiance to God
was unswerving, while his affability and benevolence inspired confidence and
friendship and his unaffected greatness commanded respect and honor.
His religion was not held as a precious treasure to be jealously guarded and
enjoyed solely by the possessor. True religion cannot be thus held, for such a
spirit is contrary to the principles of the gospel. While Christ is dwelling in
the heart it is impossible to conceal the light of His presence, or for that light
to grow dim. On the contrary, it will grow brighter and brighter as day by day
the mists of selfishness and sin that envelop the soul are dispelled by the bright
beams of the Sun of Righteousness.
The people of God are His representatives upon the earth, and He intends
that they shall be lights in the moral darkness of this world. Scattered all
over the country, in the towns, cities, and villages, they are God’s witnesses,
the channels through which He will communicate to an unbelieving world the
knowledge of His will and the wonders of His grace. It is His plan that all who
are partakers of the great salvation shall be missionaries for Him. The piety
of the Christian constitutes the standard by which worldlings judge the gospel.
Trials patiently borne, blessings gratefully received, meekness, kindness, mercy,
and love, habitually exhibited, are the lights that shine forth in the character
before the world, revealing the contrast with the darkness that comes of the
selfishness of the natural heart
[60]
45
Ibid., 133, 134
.
59