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Daily Speak the Words of Christ, June 6
If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.
John 8:31
.
It is the will of God that each professing Christian shall perfect a character after
the divine similitude. By studying the character of Christ revealed in the Bible,
by practicing His virtues, the believer will be changed into the same likeness of
goodness and mercy. Christ’s work of self-denial and sacrifice brought into the daily
life will develop the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. There are many
who wish to evade the cross-bearing part, but the Lord speaks to all when He says,
“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and
follow me” (
Matthew 16:24
).
A great work is to be accomplished by the setting forth of the saving truths of
the Bible. This is the means ordained of God to stem the tide of moral corruption
in the earth. Christ gave His life to make it possible for man to be restored to the
image of God. It is the power of His grace that draws men together in obedience
to the truth. Those who would experience more of the sanctification of the truth in
their own souls should present this truth to those who are ignorant of it. Never will
they find a more elevating, ennobling work....
No man is qualified for this work unless he is daily learning to speak the words
of the Teacher sent from God. Now is the time to sow the gospel seed. The seed we
sow must be that which will produce the choicest fruit. We have no time to lose.
The work of our schools is to become more and more in character like the work of
Christ. Only the power of the grace of God working on human hearts and minds
will make and keep the atmosphere of our schools and churches clean....
In the messages that have been sent us from time to time, we have truths that
will accomplish a wonderful work of reform in our characters if we will give them
place. They will prepare us for entrance into the city of God. It is our privilege to
make continual advancement to a higher grade of Christian living....
We need to be converted from our faulty lives to the faith of the gospel. Christ’s
followers have no need to try to shine. If they will behold constantly the life of
Christ they will be changed in mind and heart into the same image. Then they will
shine without any superficial attempt. The Lord asks for no display of goodness.
In the gift of His Son He has made provision that our inward lives may be imbued
with the principles of heaven. It is the appropriation of this provision that will lead
to a manifestation of Christ to the world. When the people of God experience the
new birth, their honesty, their uprightness, their fidelity, their steadfast principles,
will unfailingly reveal it (
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 249-251
).
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