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Living to Save Others, April 11
If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his
cross daily, and follow me.
Luke 9:23
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The sin which is indulged to the greatest extent, and which separates
us from God and produces so many contagious spiritual disorders, is self-
ishness. There can be no returning to the Lord except by self-denial. Of
ourselves we can do nothing; but, through God strengthening us, we can
live to do good to others, and in this way shun the evil of selfishness. We
need not go to heathen lands to manifest our desire to devote all to God in a
useful, unselfish life. We should do this in the home circle, in the church,
among those with whom we associate and with whom we do business.
Right in the common walks of life is where self is to be denied and kept in
subordination.
Paul could say: “I die daily.” It is the daily dying to self in the little
transactions of life that makes us overcomers. We should forget self in the
desire to do good to others. With many there is a decided lack of love for
others. Instead of faithfully performing their duty, they seek rather their
own pleasure.
God positively enjoins upon all His followers a duty to bless others
with their influence and means, and to seek that wisdom of Him which will
enable them to do all in their power to elevate the thoughts and affections
of those who come within their influence. In doing for others, a sweet
satisfaction will be experienced, an inward peace which will be a sufficient
reward. When actuated by a high and noble desire to do others good, they
will find true happiness in a faithful discharge of life’s manifold duties.
This will bring more than an earthly reward; for every faithful, unselfish
performance of duty is noticed by the angels and shines in the life record.
In heaven none will think of self, nor seek their own pleasure; but all,
from pure, genuine love, will seek the happiness of the heavenly beings
around them. If we wish to enjoy heavenly society in the earth made new,
we must be governed by heavenly principles here.
The greatest work that can be done in our world is to glorify God by
living the character of Christ.
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