Indwelling Christ
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the sun in its meridian glory, when we turn away our eyes the image
of the sun will appear in everything upon which we look.
Thus it is when we behold Jesus; everything we look upon reflects
His image, the Sun of Righteousness. We cannot see anything else, or
talk of anything else. His image is imprinted upon the eye of the soul,
and affects every portion of our daily life, softening and subduing our
whole nature. By beholding, we are conformed to the divine similitude,
even the likeness of Christ. To all with whom we associate we reflect
the bright and cheerful beams of His righteousness. We have become
transformed in character; for heart, soul, mind, are irradiated by the
reflection of Him who loved us and gave Himself for us. Here again
there is the realization of a personal, living influence dwelling in our
hearts by faith.
When His words of instruction have been received, and have taken
possession of us, Jesus is to us an abiding presence, controlling our
thoughts and ideas and actions. We are imbued with the instruction of
the greatest teacher the world ever knew. A sense of human account-
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ability and of human influence, gives character to our views of life and
of daily duties.
Jesus Christ is everything to us,—the first, the last, the best in
everything. Jesus Christ, His Spirit, His character, colors everything; it
is the warp and woof, the very texture of our entire being. The words
of Christ are spirit and life. We cannot, then, center our thoughts upon
self; it is no more we that live, but Christ that liveth in us, and He is the
hope of glory. Self is dead, but Christ is a living Saviour. Continuing to
look unto Jesus, we reflect His image to all around us. We cannot stop
to consider our disappointments, or even to talk of them; for a more
pleasant picture attracts our sight,—the precious love of Jesus. He
dwells in us by the word of truth.—
Testimonies to Ministers, 387-390
.
The Pearl of Great Price
We are to give ourselves to Christ, to live a life of willing obedience
to all His requirements. All that we are, all the talents and capabilities
we possess, are the Lord’s to be consecrated to His service. When
we thus give ourselves wholly to Him, Christ, with all the treasures
of heaven, gives Himself to us. We obtain the pearl of great price.—
Christ’s Object Lessons, 116
.
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