Pressing Toward the Mark
37
constant contact with evil, they need a strong hold upon God lest they
themselves be corrupted. Short and decisive are the steps that lead
men down from high and holy ground to a low level. In a moment
decisions may be made that fix one’s condition forever. One failure
to overcome leaves the soul unguarded. One evil habit, if not firmly
resisted, will strengthen into chains of steel, binding the whole man.
The reason why so many are left to themselves in places of temp-
tation is that they do not set the Lord always before them. When we
permit our communion with God to be broken, our defense is departed
from us. Not all your good purposes and good intentions will enable
you to withstand evil. You must be men and women of prayer. Your
petitions must not be faint, occasional, and fitful, but earnest, persever-
ing, and constant. It is not always necessary to bow upon your knees
[58]
in order to pray. Cultivate the habit of talking with the Saviour when
you are alone, when you are walking, and when you are busy with
your daily labor. Let the heart be continually uplifted in silent petition
for help, for light, for strength, for knowledge. Let every breath be a
prayer.
As workers for God we must reach men where they are, surrounded
with darkness, sunken in vice, and stained with corruption. But while
we stay our minds upon Him who is our sun and our shield, the evil
that surrounds us will not bring one stain upon our garments. As we
work to save the souls that are ready to perish we shall not be put to
shame if we make God our trust. Christ in the heart, Christ in the life,
this is our safety. The atmosphere of His presence will fill the soul
with abhorrence of all that is evil. Our spirit may be so identified with
His that in thought and aim we shall be one with Him.
It was through faith and prayer that Jacob, from being a man of
feebleness and sin, became a prince with God. It is thus that you
may become men and women of high and holy purpose, of noble life,
men and women who will not for any consideration be swayed from
truth, right, and justice. All are pressed with urgent cares, burdens,
and duties, but the more difficult your position and the heavier your
burdens, the more you need Jesus.
[59]
It is a serious mistake to neglect the public worship of God. The
privileges of divine service should not be lightly regarded. Those
who attend upon the sick are often unable to avail themselves of