22
Christ’s Object Lessons
that He will give them power to overcome their sins. They have not
a personal relation with a living Saviour, and their characters reveal
defects both hereditary and cultivated.
It is one thing to assent in a general way to the agency of the Holy
Spirit, and another thing to accept His work as a reprover calling to
repentance. Many feel a sense of estrangement from God, a realization
of their bondage to self and sin; they make efforts for reform; but
they do not crucify self. They do not give themselves entirely into the
hands of Christ, seeking for divine power to do His will. They are
not willing to be molded after the divine similitude. In a general way
they acknowledge their imperfections, but they do not give up their
particular sins. With each wrong act the old selfish nature is gaining
strength.
The only hope for these souls is to realize in themselves the truth
of Christ’s words to Nicodemus, “Ye must be born again.” “Except a
man be born from above, he can not see the kingdom of God.”
John
3:7, 3
, margin.
True holiness is wholeness in the service of God. This is the
condition of true Christian living. Christ asks for an unreserved con-
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secration, for undivided service. He demands the heart, the mind, the
soul, the strength. Self is not to be cherished. He who lives to himself
is not a Christian.
Love must be the principle of action. Love is the underlying
principle of God’s government in heaven and earth, and it must be
the foundation of the Christian’s character. This alone can make and
keep him steadfast. This alone can enable him to withstand trial and
temptation.
And love will be revealed in sacrifice. The plan of redemption
was laid in sacrifice—a sacrifice so broad and deep and high that it is
immeasurable. Christ gave all for us, and those who receive Christ will
be ready to sacrifice all for the sake of their Redeemer. The thought of
His honor and glory will come before anything else.
If we love Jesus, we shall love to live for Him, to present our thank
offerings to Him, to labor for Him. The very labor will be light. For His
sake we shall covet pain and toil and sacrifice. We shall sympathize
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with His longing for the salvation of men. We shall feel the same
tender craving for souls that He has felt.