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Set Right Priorities in Life, June 19
Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things
shall be added to you.
Matthew 6:33
, NKJV.
On every hand there is that which would tempt the Christian to forsake the
narrow way; but those who would perfect a character fit for eternity must take the
will of God as their standard, separating entirely from everything that is displeasing
to Him. Thousands are betrayed into sin because they leave the citadel of the
heart unguarded. They become engrossed with the cares of this world, and true
godliness is driven from their hearts. They rush eagerly into speculation, seeking to
accumulate more of this world’s treasure. Thus they place themselves where it is
impossible for them to advance in the Christian life. “Be ye therefore sober, and
watch unto prayer.” And while you pray, strive earnestly to guard your heart from
all pollution; for prayer without effort is a solemn mockery.
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the
world, the love of the Father is not in him.” Every moment of our time belongs to
God, and we have no right so to burden ourselves with cares that there is no room
in our hearts for His love. At the same time, we are to obey the injunction “Not
slothful in business.” We are to labor, that we may have to give to him that needs.
God does not desire us to allow our powers to rust through inaction. Christians
must work; they must engage in business; and they can go a certain length in this
line, and commit no sin against God.
But too often Christians allow the cares of life to take the time that belongs
to God. They devote their precious moments to business or to amusement. Their
whole energies are employed in acquiring earthly treasure. In so doing they place
themselves on forbidden ground.
Many professing Christians are very careful that all their business transactions
shall bear the stamp of strict honesty, but dishonesty marks their relations with
God. Absorbed in worldly business, they fail to perform the duties they owe to
those around them. Their children are not brought up in the nurture and admonition
of the Lord. The family altar is neglected; private devotion is forgotten. Eternal
interests, instead of being put first, are given only the second place. God is robbed
because their best thoughts are given to the world, because their time is spent on
things of minor importance. Thus they are ruined, not because of their dishonesty
in dealing with others, but because they have defrauded God of what is rightfully
His own.—
The Signs of the Times, December 17, 1896
.
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