Sanctified Life
67
When Paul wrote, “The very God of peace sanctify you wholly,”
1
Thessalonians 5:23
, he did not exhort his brethren to aim at a standard
which it was impossible for them to reach; he did not pray that they
might have blessings which it was not the will of God to give. He
knew that all who would be fitted to meet Christ in peace must possess
a pure and holy character. Read
1 Corinthians 9:25-27
;
6:19, 20
.
True Christian principle will not stop to weigh consequences. It
does not ask, What will people think of me if I do this? or, How will it
affect my worldly prospects if I do that? With the most intense longing
the children of God desire to know what He would have them do, that
their works may glorify Him. The Lord has made ample provision that
the hearts and lives of all His followers may be controlled by divine
grace, that they may be as burning and shining lights in the world
True Evidences of Sanctification
Our Saviour was the light of the world, but the world knew Him
not. He was constantly employed in works of mercy, shedding light
upon the pathway of all; yet He did not call upon those with whom
He mingled to behold His unexampled virtue, His self-denial, self-
sacrifice, and benevolence. The Jews did not admire such a life. They
considered His religion worthless, because it did not accord with their
[52]
standard of piety. They decided that Christ was not religious in spirit
or character; for their religion consisted in display, in praying publicly,
and in doing works of charity for effect. The most precious fruit of
sanctification is the grace of meekness. When this grace presides in the
soul, the disposition is molded by its influence. There is a continual
waiting upon God and a submission of the will to His.
Self-denial, self-sacrifice, benevolence, kindness, love, patience,
fortitude, and Christian trust are the daily fruits borne by those who
are truly connected with God. Their acts may not be published to the
world, but they themselves are daily wrestling with evil, and gaining
precious victories over temptation and wrong. Solemn vows are re-
newed, and kept through the strength gained by earnest prayer and
constant watching thereunto. The ardent enthusiast does not discern
the struggles of these silent workers; but the eye of Him who seeth
the secrets of the heart, notices and regards with approval every effort
17
The Sanctified Life, 26, 39