No Excuse for Failure
We know that
whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth
himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. 1 John 5:18.
Many fail to
recognize the claims that God has upon them. They profess to be sons and
daughters of God, but they do not behave as children of God. They argue that
their evil habits and customs which they followed when they served under the
black banner of the prince of darkness must be excused on the ground of their
weakness, while they claim that "it is their way." . . . Their
objectionable hereditary traits of character they choose to retain as idols.
When a soul is
truly converted, old habits and natural evil besetments are done away in Christ
Jesus and all things become new. Among those who profess to be servants of
Christ an earnest purpose should be cultivated, such as Daniel manifested in
the courts of Babylon. He knew that God was his strength and his shield, his
front guard and his rear guard. Amid the corruptions that surrounded him in the
courts of Babylon he kept himself free from those sights and sounds which would
allure him and draw him into temptation. When his duties required that he be present
at scenes of revelry, intemperance, and basest idolatry, he cultivated the
habit of silent prayer, and thus he was kept by the power of God. To have the
mind uplifted to God will be a benefit in all times and in all places....
Let the soul
cultivate the habit of contemplating the world's Redeemer. . . . Help has been
laid upon One that is mighty. Jesus has given His life, that every soul might
have abundant help in Him. . . .
Will you who
read these words resolve that you will never again seek to excuse your defects
of character by saying, "It is my way"? Let no one declare, "I
cannot change my natural habits and tendencies." The truth must be
admitted into the soul, and it will work the sanctification of the character.
It will refine and elevate the life, and fit you for an entrance into the
mansions which Jesus has gone to prepare for those who love Him.
From That I May Know Him - Page 247
