Onward and Upward
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smaller vessels to hold the contents of the larger ones. He looks for
returns according to what a man has, not according to what he has not.
Do your best, and God will accept your efforts. Take up the duty lying
nearest you, and perform it with fidelity, and your work will be wholly
acceptable to the Master. Do not, in your desire to do something great,
overlook the smaller tasks awaiting you.
Beware how you neglect secret prayer and a study of God’s word.
These are your weapons against him who is striving to hinder your
progress heavenward. The first neglect of prayer and Bible study
makes easier the second neglect. The first resistance to the Spirit’s
pleading prepares the way for the second resistance. Thus the heart is
hardened, and the conscience seared.
On the other hand, every resistance of temptation makes resistance
more easy. Every denial of self makes self-denial easier. Every victory
gained prepares the way for a fresh victory. Each resistance of temp-
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tation, each self-denial, each triumph over sin, is a seed sown unto
eternal life. Every unselfish action gives new strength to spirituality.
No one can try to be like Christ without growing more noble and more
true.
Develop Confidence
The Lord will recognize every effort you make to reach His ideal
for you. When you make a failure, when you are betrayed into sin,
do not feel that you cannot pray, that you are not worthy to come
before the Lord. “My little children, these things write I unto you,
that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the
Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” With outstretched arms He waits to
welcome the prodigal. Go to Him, and tell Him about your mistakes
and failures. Ask Him to strengthen you for fresh endeavor. He will
never disappoint you, never abuse your confidence.
Trial will come to you. Thus the Lord polishes the roughness from
your character. Do not murmur. You make the trial harder by repining.
Honor God by cheerful submission. Patiently endure the pressure.
Even though a wrong is done you, keep the love of God in the heart.
“Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart
from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the
Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry.”