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Those Who Return To The Old Paths, November 28
And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs
and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy
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and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Isaiah 35:10
.
The world is full of men and women who manifest no sense of obligation to
God for their entrusted gifts. They do not realize that God has entrusted them with
talents, not for self-glorification, but for His own name’s glory. They are eager for
distinction....
There are men whom God has qualified with more than ordinary ability. They
are deep thinkers, energetic, and thorough. But many of them are bent upon the
attainment of their own selfish ends, without regard to the honor and glory of God.
Some of these have seen the light of truth, but because they honored themselves,
and did not make God first and last and best in everything, they have wandered
away from Bible truth into skepticism and infidelity. When these are arrested by
the chastisements of God, and through affliction are led to inquire for the old paths,
the mist of skepticism is swept from their minds. Some of them repent, return to
the old love, and set their feet in the way cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to
walk in. No longer are they actuated by the love of money or by selfish ambition.
The Spirit of God working upon the heart is valued by them more highly than
gold or the praise of men. When this amazing change is wrought, the thoughts are
directed by the Spirit of God into new channels, the character is transformed, and
the aspirations of the soul reach out toward heavenly things.
True religion has power today. It enables men to overcome the stubborn
influence of pride, selfishness, and unbelief, and in the simplicity of true godliness
to reveal a living connection with heaven. The grace which Christ imparts makes
it possible for men to rise superior to all the infatuating temptations of Satan.
It will lead them to the cross of Jesus as active, devoted, loyal workers for the
advancement of the truth of heaven.
Fidelity to God has marked the heroes of faith from age to age. As they have
been brought conspicuously before the world their light has shone forth. Their
obedience to the command of Christ, “Go forward,” has led others to glorify God.
There are today moral heroes, men and women who are living noble lives of
self-denial. They have no ambition for worldly fame. Their will is subordinate to
the will of God. The love of God inspires their ministry. To do good and to save
souls is their highest aim.
These have gained genuine knowledge, even the knowledge set forth by Christ
in the words, “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God,
and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (
John 17:3
).
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