Basic HTML Version
114
Temperance
according to His good pleasure. Thus our whole nature will be
brought under the control of Christ.
Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may
be made in the life. By yielding up the will to Christ, we ally
[113]
ourselves with divine power. We receive strength from above to
hold us steadfast. A pure and noble life, a life of victory over
appetite and lust, is possible to everyone who will unite his weak,
wavering human will to the omnipotent, unwavering will of God.—
The Ministry of Healing, 174-176
.
If the Will Is Set Right
—The will is the governing power in
the nature of man. If the will is set right, all the rest of the being will
come under its sway. The will is not the taste or the inclination, but
it is the choice, the deciding power, the kingly power, which works
in the children of men unto obedience to God or to disobedience.
You will be in constant peril until you understand the true force of
the will. You may believe and promise all things, but your promises
and your faith are of no account until you put your will on the right
side. If you will fight the fight of faith with your will power, there is
no doubt that you will conquer.
When We Put the Will on the Side of Christ
—Your part is to
put your will on the side of Christ. When you yield your will to
His, He immediately takes possession of you, and works in you to
will and to do of His good pleasure. Your nature is brought under
the control of His Spirit. Even your thoughts are subject to Him.
If you cannot control your impulses, your emotions, as you may
desire, you can control the will, and thus an entire change will be
wrought in your life. When you yield up your will to Christ, your
life is hid with Christ in God. It is allied to the power which is above
all principalities and powers. You have a strength from God that
holds you fast to His strength; and a new life, even the life of faith,
is possible to you.
You can never be successful in elevating yourself, unless your
will is on the side of Christ, co-operating with the Spirit of God.
Do not feel that you cannot; but say, “I can, I will.” And God has
[114]
pledged His Holy Spirit to help you in every decided effort.
The Feeblest Cry for Help Is Heard
—Every one of us may
know that there is a power working with our efforts to overcome.
Why will not men lay hold upon the help that has been provided,