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Only One Unerring Pattern, January 27
Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his
steps.
1 Peter 2:21
.
Christ demands all. If He required less, His sacrifice was too dear, too great
to make to bring us up to such a level.... “Be ye transformed by the renewing of
your mind.” This is a self-denying way. And when you think that the way is too
strait, that there is too much self-denial in this narrow path; when you say, How
hard to give up all, ask yourselves the question, What did Christ give up for me?
This question puts anything that we may call self-denial in the shade.
Behold Him in the garden sweating great drops of blood. A solitary angel is sent
from heaven to strengthen the Son of God. Follow Him on His way to the judgment
hall, while He is derided, mocked, and insulted by that infuriated mob. Behold Him
clothed in that old purple kingly robe. Hear the coarse jest and cruel mocking. See
them place upon that noble brow the crown of thorns, and then smite Him with a
reed, causing the thorns to penetrate His temples, and the blood to flow from that
holy brow. Hear that murderous throng eagerly crying for the blood of the Son of
God. He is delivered into their hands, and they lead the noble sufferer away, pale,
weak, and fainting, to His crucifixion. He is stretched upon the wooden cross, and
the nails are driven through His tender hands and feet.
Behold Him hanging upon the cross those dreadful hours of agony until the
angels veil their faces from the horrid scene, and the sun hides its light, refusing to
behold. Think of these things, and then ask, Is the way too strait? ...
It is a blessed privilege to give up all for Christ. Look not at the lives of others
and imitate them and rise no higher. You have only one true, unerring Pattern. It is
safe to follow Jesus only....
The oftener and more diligently you peruse the Scriptures, the more beautiful
will they appear, and the less relish you will have for light reading. The daily study
of the Scriptures will have a sanctifying influence upon the mind. You will breathe
a heavenly atmosphere. Bind this precious volume to your hearts. It will prove to
you a friend and guide in perplexity.
You have had objects in view in your life, and how steadily and perseveringly
have you labored to attain those objects! You have calculated and planned until
your anticipations were realized. There is an object before you now worthy of a
persevering, untiring, lifelong effort. It is the salvation of your soul—everlasting
life. And this demands self-denial, sacrifice, and close study....
It is a great thing to be a child of God, and a joint heir with Christ (
Testimonies
For The Church 1:240-243
).
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