Love of the World
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emy’s ground, subject to great temptations, disappointments, trials,
and losses. Then comes a feverish unrest, a longing desire to obtain
means more rapidly than present circumstances will admit. Their sur-
roundings are accordingly changed in hope of making more money.
But frequently their expectations are not realized, and they become
discouraged and go backward rather than forward. This has been the
case with some in-----. They are backsliding from God. Had the Lord
prospered some of our dear brethren in their speculations, it would
have proved their eternal ruin. God loves His people, and He loves
those who have been unfortunate. If they will learn the lessons which
He intends to teach them, their defeat will in the end prove a precious
victory. The love of the world has crowded out the love of Christ.
When the rubbish is cleared away from the door of the heart, and it is
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thrown open in response to the invitation of Christ, He will come in
and take possession of the soul-temple. Had these words of the apostle
been more carefully regarded, much trial would have been saved:
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content
with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee,
nor forsake thee.” “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For
we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry
nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many
foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted
after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through
with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and
follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou
art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many
witnesses.”
The present is our day of trust. To every person is committed some
peculiar gift or talent which is to be used to advance the Redeemer’s
kingdom. All God’s responsible agents, from the lowliest and most
obscure to those in high positions in the church, are entrusted with
the Lord’s goods. It is not the minister alone who can work for the
salvation of souls. Those who have the smallest gifts are not excused
from using the very best gifts they have, and in so doing their talents
will be increased. It is not safe to trifle with moral responsibilities nor