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Christ’s Object Lessons
The prayer of the publican was heard because it showed depen-
dence reaching forth to lay hold upon Omnipotence. Self to the publi-
can appeared nothing but shame. Thus it must be seen by all who seek
God. By faith—faith that renounces all self-trust—the needy suppliant
is to lay hold upon infinite power.
No outward observances can take the place of simple faith and
entire renunciation of self. But no man can empty himself of self. We
can only consent for Christ to accomplish the work. Then the language
of the soul will be, Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is Thy
property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite
of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me
into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love
can flow through my soul.
It is not only at the beginning of the Christian life that this renun-
ciation of self is to be made. At every advance step heavenward it is to
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be renewed. All our good works are dependent on a power outside of
ourselves. Therefore there needs to be a continual reaching out of the
heart after God, a continual, earnest, heartbreaking confession of sin
and humbling of the soul before Him. Only by constant renunciation
of self and dependence on Christ can we walk safely.
The nearer we come to Jesus and the more clearly we discern
the purity of His character, the more clearly we shall discern the
exceeding sinfulness of sin and the less we shall feel like exalting
ourselves. Those whom heaven recognizes as holy ones are the last
to parade their own goodness. The apostle Peter became a faithful
minister of Christ, and he was greatly honored with divine light and
power; he had an active part in the upbuilding of Christ’s church; but
Peter never forgot the fearful experience of his humiliation; his sin was
forgiven; yet well he knew that for the weakness of character which
had caused his fall only the grace of Christ could avail. He found in
himself nothing in which to glory.
None of the apostles or prophets ever claimed to be without sin.
Men who have lived nearest to God, men who would sacrifice life
itself rather than knowingly commit a wrong act, men whom God had
honored with divine light and power, have confessed the sinfulness
of their own nature. They have put no confidence in the flesh, have
claimed no righteousness of their own, but have trusted wholly in the
righteousness of Christ. So will it be with all who behold Christ.