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Energy in the Christian Race, October 29
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth
the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth
for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a
corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
1 Corinthians 9:24, 25
.
In order to render to God perfect service, we must have clear concep-
tions of His will. This will require us to use only healthful food, prepared
in a simple manner, that the fine nerves of the brain be not injured, making
it impossible for us to discern the value of the atonement, and the priceless
worth of the cleansing blood of Christ....
If, for no higher object than a wreath or perishable crown as a reward
of their ambition, men subjected themselves to temperance in all things,
how much more should those who profess to be seeking, not only an
unfading crown of immortal glory, but a life which is to endure as long
as the throne of Jehovah, and riches that are eternal, honors which are
imperishable, and an eternal weight of glory. Will not the inducements
presented before those who are running in the Christian race, lead them
to practice self-denial, and temperance in all things? ...
With earnestness and intensity of desire to do the will of God, we
should excel the zeal of those who are engaged in any other enterprise,
to a degree as much greater as the value of the object we are seeking to
attain is higher. The treasure we are striving to secure is imperishable,
immortal, and all-glorious; while that which the worldling is in pursuit of
endures but a day....
May it not be our great anxiety to succeed in this world; but may the
burden of our souls be, How shall I secure the better world? What have I
to do to be saved? ... The position all must come into, is to value salvation
dearer than earthly gain, to count everything but loss that they may win
Christ. The consecration must be entire. God will admit of no reserve, of
no divided sacrifice, no idol. All must die to self, and to the world. Then
let us each renew our consecration to God daily. Everlasting life is worth
a lifelong, persevering, untiring effort.
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