54
Christ’s Object Lessons
words, in spirit, and in character? Why are there so many who cannot
bear opposition to their purposes and plans, who manifest an unholy
temper, and whose words are harsh, overbearing, and passionate?
There is seen in their lives the same love of self, the same selfish
indulgence, the same temper and hasty speech, that is seen in the life
of the worldling. There is the same sensitive pride, the same yielding to
natural inclination, the same perversity of character, as if the truth were
wholly unknown to them. The reason is that they are not converted.
They have not hidden the leaven of truth in the heart. It has not had
opportunity to do its work. Their natural and cultivated tendencies to
evil have not been submitted
“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?
by taking heed thereto according to Thy Word. With my
whole heart have I sought Thee: O let me not wander from
Thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart
that I might not sin against Thee. ... I will meditate in Thy
precepts, and have respect unto Thy ways. I will delight
myself in Thy statutes: I will not forget Thy Word.”
Psalm
119:9-16
.
[100]
to its transforming power. Their lives reveal the absence of the grace
of Christ, an unbelief in His power to transform the character.
“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Ro-
mans 10:17
. The Scriptures are the great agency in the transformation
of character. Christ prayed, “Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy
word is truth.”
John 17:17
. If studied and obeyed, the word of God
works in the heart, subduing every unholy attribute. The Holy Spirit
comes to convict of sin, and the faith that springs up in the heart works
by love to Christ, conforming us in body, soul, and spirit to His own
image. Then God can use us to do His will. The power given us works
from within outwardly, leading us to communicate to others the truth
that has been communicated to us.
The truths of the word of God meet man’s great practical
necessity—the conversion of the soul through faith. These grand
principles are not to be thought too pure and holy to be brought into
the daily life. They are truths which reach to heaven and compass
eternity, yet their vital influence is to be woven into human experience.
They are