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Prophets and Kings
In the valley of humiliation, where men depend on God to teach
them and to guide their every step, there is comparative safety. But
the men who stand, as it were, on a lofty pinnacle, and who, because
of their position, are supposed to possess great wisdom—these are in
gravest peril. Unless such men make God their dependence, they will
surely fall.
Whenever pride and ambition are indulged, the life is marred, for
pride, feeling no need, closes the heart against the infinite blessings
of Heaven. He who makes self-glorification his aim will find himself
destitute of the grace of God, through whose efficiency the truest riches
and the most satisfying joys are won. But he who gives all and does
all for Christ will know the fulfillment of the promise, “The blessing
of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it.”
Proverbs
10:22
. With the gentle touch of grace the Saviour banishes from the
soul unrest and unholy ambition, changing enmity to love and unbelief
to confidence. When He speaks to the soul, saying, “Follow Me,” the
spell of the world’s enchantment is broken. At the sound of His voice
the spirit of greed and ambition flees from the heart, and men arise,
emancipated, to follow Him.
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