We do not know how soon our probation may close. At the longest, we have but a brief lifetime here, and we do not know how soon the arrow of death may strike our hearts. We do not know how soon we may be called to give up the world and all its interests. Eternity stretches before us. The curtain is about to be lifted. Soon the mandate will go forth for everyone now numbered with the living: “‘He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; ... he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.’” Revelation 22:11.
Are we prepared? Have we become acquainted with God, the Governor of heaven, the Lawgiver, and with Jesus Christ whom He sent into the world as His representative? When our lifework is ended, shall we be able to say, as did Christ our example: “‘I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. ... I have manifested Your name’”? John 17:4-6.
The angels of God are seeking to attract us from ourselves and from earthly things. May this work not be in vain.
Minds that have been given up to loose thought need to change. “Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’” 1 Peter 1:13-16.
The thoughts must be centered upon God. We must put forth earnest effort to overcome the evil tendencies of the natural heart. Our efforts, our self-denial and perseverance, must be proportionate to the infinite value of the object we are pursuing. Only by overcoming as Christ overcame shall we win the crown of life.
Hebrews 3:15-17 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
16 For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.
17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?
(Charmaine Riley)
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