Basic HTML Version
Eternal Vigilance, July 5
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion,
walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.
1 Peter 5:8
.
Christ has laid down the conditions of acceptable service. “He that loveth his
life shall lose it,” He says; “and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep
it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am,
there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour”
(
John 12:25, 26
).
It is Christ’s method of serving that is of value in God’s sight. The service
of those who serve in the world’s way is worthless, for it is all for self. The
selfishness of human nature takes control. They do not serve as Christ has given
them example.
Let us study the life and death of Christ. Let us do all in our power to work
out the plan of God. What tongue can tell, what pen unfold the mighty results of
looking to Jesus and living His life? How few of those claiming to be Christians
have any real right to that sacred name.
Satan watches eagerly to find Christians off their guard. O that the followers
of Christ would remember that eternal vigilance is the price of eternal life. Many
have a slumbering faith. Unless they are invigorated, revived, quickened into
action, their souls will be lost.
Self must die, and Christ must be enthroned in the heart as all and in all. The
thoughts must be stayed on Him. Then the life will be an honor to His name. The
soul will receive power from on high to resist Satan’s specious devisings.
Have Seventh-day Adventists forgotten the warning given in the sixth chapter
of Ephesians? We are engaged in a warfare against the hosts of darkness. Unless
we follow our Leader closely, Satan will obtain the victory over us.
“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to
withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having
your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking
the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the
wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is
the word of God” (
Ephesians 6:13-17
).—
Letter 140, July 5, 1903
, to “My Dear
Brethren.”
[201]
202