32
Steps to Christ
understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing power
in the nature of man, the power of decision, or of choice. Everything
depends on the right action of the will. The power of choice God has
given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart,
you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose
to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to
will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus your whole nature
will be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ; your affections
will be centered upon Him, your thoughts will be in harmony with
Him.
Desires for goodness and holiness are right as far as they go; but
[48]
if you stop here, they will avail nothing. Many will be lost while
hoping and desiring to be Christians. They do not come to the point of
yielding the will to God. They do not now choose to be Christians.
Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may be
made in your life. By yielding up your will to Christ, you ally yourself
with the power that is above all principalities and powers. You will
have strength from above to hold you steadfast, and thus through
constant surrender to God you will be enabled to live the new life,
even the life of faith.
[49]