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Fundamentals of Christian Education
be reaped, no grain to be garnered. God provided the seed and the soil,
the sun and the rain; and if the agriculturist had employed the means
that were at his hand, he would have received according to his sowing
and his labor.
There are great laws that govern the world of nature, and spiritual
things are controlled by principles equally certain; the means for an
end must be employed, if the desired results are to be obtained. Those
who make no decided efforts themselves, are not working in harmony
with the laws of God. They are not using the provisions of the heavenly
Father, and they can expect nothing but meager returns. The Holy
Spirit will not compel men to take a certain course of action. We are
free moral agents; and when sufficient evidence has been given us as
to our duty, it is left with us to decide our course.
You who are waiting in idle expectation that God will perform
some wonderful miracle to enlighten the world in regard to the truth,
I want to ask you if you have employed the means God has provided
for the advancement of His cause? You who pray for light and truth
from heaven, have you studied the Scriptures? Have you desired “the
sincere milk of the word,” that you may grow thereby? Have you
submitted yourselves to the revealed command? “Thou shalt,” and
“thou shalt not,” are definite requirements, and there is no place for
idleness in the Christian life. You who mourn your spiritual dearth,
do you seek to know and to do the will of God? Are you striving to
enter in at the strait gate? There is work, earnest work, to be done for
the Master. The evils condemned in God’s word, must be overcome.
You must individually battle against the world, the flesh and the devil.
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The word of God is called “the sword of the Spirit,” and you should
become skillful in its use, if you would cut your way through the hosts
of opposition and darkness.
Wrench yourself away from hurtful associations. Count the cost
of following Jesus, and make it, with a determined purpose to cleanse
yourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. Eternal life is
worth your all, and Jesus has said, “Whosoever he be of you that
forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple.” He who does
nothing, but waits to be compelled by some supernatural agency, will
wait on in lethargy and darkness. God has given His word. God speaks
in unmistakable language to your soul. Is not the word of His mouth
sufficient to show you your duty, and to urge its fulfillment?