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First Things First, June 11
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things
which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but
the things which are not seen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:18
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Satan has worked continually to eclipse the glories of the future world,
and to attract the whole attention to the things of this life. He has striven so
to arrange matters that our thought, our anxiety, our labor, might be so fully
employed in temporal things that we should not see or realize the value of
eternal realities. The world and its cares have too large a place, while Jesus
and heavenly things have altogether too small a share in our thoughts and
affections. We should conscientiously discharge all the duties of everyday
life, but it is also essential that we should cultivate above everything else,
holy affection for our Lord Jesus Christ
Views of heavenly things do not incapacitate men and women for
the duties of this life, but rather render them more efficient and faithful.
Although the grand realities of the eternal world seem to charm the mind,
engross the attention, and enrapture the whole being, yet with spiritual
enlightenment there comes a calm, heaven-born diligence that enables the
Christian to take pleasure in the performance of the commonplace duties
of life....
The contemplation of the love of God manifested in the gift of His Son
for the salvation of fallen men will stir the heart and arouse the powers of
the soul as nothing else will. The work of redemption is a marvelous work;
it is a mystery in the universe of God. But how indifferent are the objects
of such matchless grace! ...
If our senses had not been blunted by sin and by contemplation of the
dark pictures that Satan is constantly presenting before us, a fervent and
continuous flow of gratitude would go out from our hearts toward Him
who daily loads us with benefits of which we are wholly undeserving. The
everlasting song of the redeemed will be praise to Him who hath loved us
and washed us from our sins in His own blood; and if we ever sing that
song before the throne of God we must learn it here.
[169]
16
The Review and Herald, January 7, 1890
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17
The Review and Herald, January 7, 1890
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