A city
that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put
it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that
are in the house. Matt. 5:14, 15.
“Ye
are the light of the world,” said Christ to His disciples. As the sun
goes forth in the heavens, dispelling the shades of night, and filling the
world with brightness, so must the followers of Jesus let their light shine
to dispel the moral darkness of a world lying in sin. But they have no light
of themselves; it is the light of Heaven which they are to reflect to the
world.
“A
city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” Our thoughts and purposes
are the secret springs of action, and hence determine the character. The purpose
formed in the heart need not be expressed in word or deed in order to make
it sin, and bring the soul into condemnation. Every thought, feeling, and
inclination, though unseen by men, is discerned by the eye of God. But it
is only when the evil that has taken root in the heart reaches its fruition
in the unlawful word or deed that man can judge the character of his fellowman.
The Christian
is Christ’s representative. He is to show to the world the transforming
power of divine grace. He is a living epistle of the truth of God, known and
read of all men. The rule given by Christ by which to determine who are His
true followers is, “By their fruits ye shall know them.” . . .
The Christian’s
godly life and holy conversation are a daily testimony against sin and sinners.
But he must present Christ, not self. Christ is the great remedy for sin.
Our compassionate Redeemer has provided for us the help we need. He is waiting
to impute His righteousness to the sincere penitent, and to kindle in his
heart such divine love as only our gracious Redeemer can inspire. Then let
us who profess to be His witnesses on earth, His ambassadors from the court
of heaven, glorify Him whom we represent, by being faithful to our trust as
light bearers to the world.
Everyone
who at last secures eternal life will here manifest zeal and devotion in the
service of God. He will not desert the post of duty at the approach of trial,
hardship, or reproach. He will be a diligent student of the Scriptures, and
will follow the light as it shines upon his pathway. When some plain, scriptural
requirement is presented he will not stop to inquire, What will my friends
say, if I take my position with the people of God? Knowing his duty, he will
do it heartily and fearlessly.
Of such
truehearted followers Jesus declares that He is not ashamed to call them brethren.
The God of truth will be on their side, and will never forsake them. All apparent
losses for Christ’s sake will count to them as infinite gain.
No comments:
Post a Comment