Page 253 - That I May Know Him (1964)

Under the Discipline of God, August 24
Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
Psalm 19:12 .
We need to study the character of the motives that prompt us to action
in the light of the law of God, in order that we may be made aware of
our deficiencies. But while the human agent may see his sins, he is not to
become discouraged, although he finds himself condemned by the precepts
of righteousness. He is to see and to realize the sinfulness of sin, to repent,
and to have faith in Christ as his personal Saviour.
It is never safe for us to feel that we are possessed of virtues, and that
we may congratulate ourselves on our excellences of character and our
present state of purity and piety. David often triumphed in God, and yet he
dwelt much upon his own unworthiness and sinfulness. His conscience was
not asleep or dead. “My sin,” he cries, “is ever before me” (Psalm 51:3)....
As he saw the depths of deceit in his heart he was deeply disgusted with
himself, and prayed that God would keep him back by His power from the
presumptuous sins, and cleanse him from secret faults.
It is not safe for us to close our eyes and harden our conscience so that
we shall not see or realize our sins. We need to cherish the instruction we
have had in regard to the hateful character of sin, in order that we may truly
confess and forsake our sins. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and
just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1
John 1:9). Are you willing to be cleansed from all unrighteousness? ...
If you are pressing forward and upward, seeking to attain new heights in
education and in spiritual things, you will have discernment to understand
that which is required of you. You will have the Holy Spirit to help all
your infirmities. It is natural for the youth to love amusement ... , but the
natural inclinations must be overcome by putting the soul under discipline
to God.... Walk not hesitatingly, but firmly in the strength and grace of
Jesus Christ.34 [243]
34The Youth’s Instructor, July 5, 1894.
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