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More Than Words, March 5
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Proverbs 4:23
.
Without thorough purification of the life, without meekness and humble-
ness of mind, the professing followers of Christ can not honor Him before the
world. If the graces of Christ are not revealed in their lives, they can never be
admitted to the heavenly mansions He has gone to prepare for those that love
Him and keep His commandments.
There are among our church members many who, while professing to
walk in the ways of the Lord, are bringing into their profession the ways and
habits of unconverted self, and these are spoiling their characters. So much
that is frivolous is brought into the home and church life, that the Spirit of
Christ is grieved. There are entire families among us who, unless they arouse
from their sleepy indifference, will be lost; for they are not converted daily;
they do not understand the divine science of true godliness; and therefore
they are not vessels that the Master can use. They have allowed Satan to have
the guidance and control of their words and actions, and they do not realize
how much harm they have done to souls by their self-exaltation. They have
hurt the heart of Christ by hurting those who are the purchase of His blood. I
am bidden to say to these unconverted professors, “Dig deep, and lay your
foundations solidly upon the Rock Christ Jesus. It is not enough for us to
talk of the higher life. Our daily course of action is to be an interpretation to
others of what the higher life means....
The future eternal life of each individual depends, not on words, not on
profession, but on earnest works. We need to make decided efforts in order
to keep the heart with all diligence, while looking to Jesus as the Author
and Finisher of our faith. We need to watch over an unruly tongue; we need
to watch for opportunities to do good as Jesus did. Ministers of the gospel,
preach Christ. Bring His heavenly grace into your lives and thoughts. Be
truthful, and ever keep under the discipline of the Word of God. We must be
saved in God’s appointed way. We must lean upon His counsel, and unite in
His works. A penitent heart is always sensitive. Teach every individual who
claims to be a child of God, that a well-built character will always be after
the divine pattern.—
Letter 78, March 5, 1907
, to Members of the Berkeley
Churches.
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