Basic HTML Version
A Superficial Experience Not Enough, November 20
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without
rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom
ye shine as lights in the world.
Philippians 2:15
.
There is always danger of being satisfied with a superficial work; there
is always danger that souls will not anchor themselves in God, but be
content to drift hither and thither, the sport of Satan’s temptations.... The
work of the Spirit of God in the heart will develop true penitence, which
will not end with confession, but will work a decided reformation in the
daily life. There will be manifested an earnestness, a perseverance, and a
determination that can be properly represented by agonizing....
The fact that iniquity abounds, that we are surrounded by infidels and
skeptics, or by professed Christians who have a name to live, and are dead,
is no reason why one of us should be swept away by the current toward
perdition. Because there is an almost universal forsaking of God, there
is the greater need that we stand firm and loyal.... We must gather the
divine rays from the Sun of Righteousness, and reflect them to the world.
In the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, we must show forth
the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous
light.
Nothing but a deep personal experience will enable us to stand the
test of the trials and temptations we shall meet in the Christian warfare.
Too often we feel well when everything goes smoothly; but when doubts
assail the soul, and Satan whispers his suggestions, our defense is gone,
and we yield quickly to the arts of the tempter, with scarcely an effort
to resist and repulse him, It is not enough to have good impulses. The
soul must be barricaded by prayer and study the Scriptures. Armed with
these weapons, Jesus encountered our wily foe on the field of battle, and
overcame him. We may all conquer in His strength; but it will not answer
for us to suppose that we can dispense with His help. He says, “Without
me ye can do nothing.”
John 15:5
. But no truly humble soul who walks
in the light as Christ is in the light, will be ensnared by Satan’s deceptive
devices.
[331]
343