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Chapter 31
The Sermon on the Mount
CHRIST seldom gathered His disciples alone to receive His words. He did not choose for His
audience those only who knew the way of life. It was His work to reach the multitudes who
were in ignorance and error. He gave His lessons of truth where they could reach the
darkened understanding. He Himself was the Truth, standing with girded loins and hands
ever outstretched to bless, and in words of warning, entreaty, and encouragement, seeking
to uplift all who would come unto Him.
The Sermon on the Mount, though given especially to the disciples, was spoken in the
hearing of the multitude. After the ordination of the apostles, Jesus went with them to
the seaside. Here in the early morning the people had begun to assemble. Besides the usual
crowds from the Galilean towns, there were people from Judea, and even from Jerusalem
itself; from Perea, from Decapolis, from Idumea, away to the south of Judea; and from Tyre
and Sidon, the Phoenician cities on the shore of the Mediterranean. "When they had
heard what great things He did," they "came to hear Him, and to be healed of
their diseases: . . . there went virtue out of Him, and healed them all." Mark 3:8;
Luke 6:17-19.
The narrow beach did not afford even standing room within reach of His voice for all who
desired to hear Him, and Jesus led the way back to the mountainside. Reaching a level
space that offered a pleasant gathering place for the vast assembly, He seated Himself on
the grass, and the disciples and the multitude followed His example.
The disciples' place was always next to Jesus. The people constantly pressed upon Him, yet
the disciples understood that they were not to be crowded away from His presence. They sat
close beside Him, that they might not lose a word of His instruction. They were attentive
listeners, eager to understand the truths they were to make known to all lands and all
ages.
With a feeling that something more than usual might be expected, they now pressed about
their Master. They believed that the kingdom was soon to be established, and from the
events of the morning they gathered assurance that some announcement concerning it was
about to be made. A feeling of expectancy pervaded the multitude also, and eager faces
gave evidence of the deep interest. As the people sat upon the green hillside, awaiting
the words of the divine Teacher, their hearts were filled with thoughts of future glory.
There were scribes and Pharisees who looked forward to the day when they should have
dominion over the hated Romans, and possess the riches and splendor of the world's great
empire. The poor peasants and fishermen hoped to hear the assurance that their wretched
hovels, the scanty food, the life of toil, and fear of want were to be exchanged for
mansions of plenty and days of ease. In place of the one coarse garment which was their
covering by day, and their blanket at night, they hoped that Christ would give them the
rich and costly robes of their conquerors. All hearts thrilled with the proud hope that
Israel was soon to be honored before the nations as the chosen of the Lord, and Jerusalem
exalted as the head of a universal kingdom.
Christ disappointed the hope of worldly greatness. In the Sermon on the Mount He sought to
undo the work that had been wrought by false education, and to give His hearers a right
conception of His kingdom and of His own character. Yet He did not make a direct attack on
the errors of the people. He saw the misery of the world on account of sin, yet He did not
present before them a vivid delineation of their wretchedness. He taught them of something
infinitely better than they had known. Without combating their ideas of the kingdom of
God, He told them the conditions of entrance therein, leaving them to draw their own
conclusions as to its nature. The truths He taught are no less important to us than to the
multitude that followed Him. We no less than they need to learn the foundation principles
of the kingdom of God.
Christ's first words to the people on the mount were words of blessing. Happy are they, He
said, who recognize their spiritual poverty, and
feel their need of redemption. The gospel is to be preached to the poor. Not to the
spiritually proud, those who claim to be rich and in need of nothing, is it revealed, but
to those who are humble and contrite. One fountain only has been opened for sin, a
fountain for the poor in spirit.
The proud heart strives to earn salvation; but both our title to heaven and our fitness
for it are found in the righteousness of Christ. The Lord can do nothing toward the
recovery of man until, convinced of his own weakness, and stripped of all
self-sufficiency, he yields himself to the control of God. Then he can receive the gift
that God is waiting to bestow. From the soul that feels his need, nothing is withheld. He
has unrestricted access to Him in whom all fullness dwells. "For thus saith the high
and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy
place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the
humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." Isa. 57:15.
"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." By these words
Christ does not teach that mourning in itself has power to remove the guilt of sin. He
gives no sanction to pretense or to voluntary humility. The mourning of which He speaks
does not consist in melancholy and lamentation. While we sorrow on account of sin, we are
to rejoice in the precious privilege of being children of God.
We often sorrow because our evil deeds bring unpleasant consequences to ourselves; but
this is not repentance. Real sorrow for sin is the result of the working of the Holy
Spirit. The Spirit reveals the ingratitude of the heart that has slighted and grieved the
Saviour, and brings us in contrition to the foot of the cross. By every sin Jesus is
wounded afresh; and as we look upon Him whom we have pierced, we mourn for the sins that
have brought anguish upon Him. Such mourning will lead to the renunciation of sin.
The worldling may pronounce this sorrow a weakness; but it is the strength which binds the
penitent to the Infinite One with links that cannot be broken. It shows that the angels of
God are bringing back to the soul the graces that were lost through hardness of heart and
transgression. The tears of the penitent are only the raindrops that precede the sunshine
of holiness. This sorrow heralds a joy which will be a living fountain in the soul.
"Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy
God;" "and I will not cause Mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful,
saith the Lord." Jer. 3:13, 12. "Unto them that mourn in Zion," He has
appointed to give
"beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit
of heaviness." Isa. 61:3.
And for those also who mourn in trial and sorrow there is comfort. The bitterness of grief
and humiliation is better than the indulgences of sin. Through affliction God reveals to
us the plague spots in our characters, that by His grace we may overcome our faults.
Unknown chapters in regard to ourselves are opened to us, and the test comes, whether we
will accept the reproof and the counsel of God. When brought into trial, we are not to
fret and complain. We should not rebel, or worry ourselves out of the hand of Christ. We
are to humble the soul before God. The ways of the Lord are obscure to him who desires to
see things in a light pleasing to himself. They appear dark and joyless to our human
nature. But God's ways are ways of mercy and the end is salvation. Elijah knew not what he
was doing when in the desert he said that he had had enough of life, and prayed that he
might die. The Lord in His mercy did not take him at his word. There was yet a great work
for Elijah to do; and when his work was done, he was not to perish in discouragement and
solitude in the wilderness. Not for him the descent into the dust of death, but the ascent
in glory, with the convoy of celestial chariots, to the throne on high.
God's word for the sorrowing is, "I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will
lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners." "I will turn
their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their
sorrow." Isa. 57:18; Jer. 31:13.
"Blessed are the meek." The difficulties we have to encounter may be very much
lessened by that meekness which hides itself in Christ. If we possess the humility of our
Master, we shall rise above the slights, the rebuffs, the annoyances, to which we are
daily exposed, and they will cease to cast a gloom over the spirit. The highest evidence
of nobility in a Christian is self-control. He who under abuse or cruelty fails to
maintain a calm and trustful spirit robs God of His right to reveal in him His own
perfection of character. Lowliness of heart is the strength that gives victory to the
followers of Christ; it is the token of their connection with the courts above.
"Though the Lord be high, yet hath He respect unto the lowly." Ps. 138:6. Those
who reveal the meek and lowly spirit of Christ are tenderly regarded by God. They may be
looked upon with scorn by the world, but they are of great value in His sight. Not only
the wise, the great, the beneficent, will gain a passport to the heavenly courts; not only
the busy worker, full of zeal and restless activity. No; the poor in spirit, who crave the
presence of an abiding Christ, the humble in heart, whose highest ambition is to do God's
will,--these will gain an abundant entrance. They will be among that number who have
washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. "Therefore are they
before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth
on the throne shall dwell among them." Rev. 7:15.
"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness." The sense of
unworthiness will lead the heart to hunger and thirst for righteousness, and this desire
will not be disappointed. Those who make room in their hearts for Jesus will realize His
love. All who long to bear the likeness of the character of God shall be satisfied. The
Holy Spirit never leaves unassisted the soul who is looking unto Jesus. He takes of the
things of Christ and shows them unto him. If the eye is kept fixed on Christ, the work of
the Spirit ceases not until the soul is conformed to His image. The pure element of love
will expand the soul, giving it a capacity for higher attainments, for increased knowledge
of heavenly things, so that it will not rest short of the fullness. "Blessed are they
which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled."
The merciful shall find mercy, and the pure in heart shall see God. Every impure thought
defiles the soul, impairs the moral sense, and tends to obliterate the impressions of the
Holy Spirit. It dims the spiritual vision, so that men cannot behold God. The Lord may and
does forgive the repenting sinner; but though forgiven, the soul is marred. All impurity
of speech or of thought must be shunned by him who would have clear discernment of
spiritual truth.
But the words of Christ cover more than freedom from sensual impurity, more than freedom
from that ceremonial defilement which the Jews so rigorously shunned. Selfishness prevents
us from beholding God. The self-seeking spirit judges of God as altogether such a one as
itself. Until we have renounced this, we cannot understand Him who is love. Only the
unselfish heart, the humble and trustful spirit, shall see God as "merciful and
gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth." Ex. 34:6.
"Blessed are the peacemakers." The peace of Christ is born of truth. It is
harmony with God. The world is at enmity with the law of God;
sinners are at enmity with their Maker; and as a result they are at enmity with one
another. But the psalmist declares, "Great peace have they which love Thy law: and
nothing shall offend them." Ps. 119:165. Men cannot manufacture peace. Human plans
for the purification and uplifting of individuals or of society will fail of producing
peace, because they do not reach the heart. The only power that can create or perpetuate
true peace is the grace of Christ. When this is implanted in the heart, it will cast out
the evil passions that cause strife and dissension. "Instead of the thorn shall come
up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree;" and life's
desert "shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose." Isa. 55:13; 35:1.
The multitudes were amazed at this teaching, which was so at variance with the precepts
and example of the Pharisees. The people had come to think that happiness consisted in the
possession of the things of this world, and that fame and the honor of men were much to be
coveted. It was very pleasing to be called "Rabbi," and to be extolled as wise
and religious, having their virtues paraded before the public. This was regarded as the
crown of happiness. But in the presence of that vast throng, Jesus declared that earthly
gain and honor were all the reward such persons would ever receive. He spoke with
certainty, and a convincing power attended His words. The people were silenced, and a
feeling of fear crept over them. They looked at one another doubtfully. Who of them would
be saved if this Man's teachings were true? Many were convicted that this remarkable
Teacher was actuated by the Spirit of God, and that the sentiments He uttered were divine.
After explaining what constitutes true happiness, and how it may be obtained, Jesus more
definitely pointed out the duty of His disciples, as teachers chosen of God to lead others
into the path of righteousness and eternal life. He knew that they would often suffer from
disappointment and discouragement, that they would meet with decided opposition, that they
would be insulted, and their testimony rejected. Well He knew that in the fulfillment of
their mission, the humble men who listened so attentively to His words were to bear
calumny, torture, imprisonment, and death, and He continued:
"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall
say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad:
for great is your
reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."
The world loves sin, and hates righteousness, and this was the cause of its hostility to
Jesus. All who refuse His infinite love will find Christianity a disturbing element. The
light of Christ sweeps away the darkness that covers their sins, and the need of reform is
made manifest. While those who yield to the influence of the Holy Spirit begin war with
themselves, those who cling to sin war against the truth and its representatives.
Thus strife is created, and Christ's followers are accused as troublers of the people. But
it is fellowship with God that brings them the world's enmity. They are bearing the
reproach of Christ. They are treading the path that has been trodden by the noblest of the
earth. Not with sorrow, but with rejoicing, should they meet persecution. Each fiery trial
is God's agent for their refining. Each is fitting them for their work as colaborers with
Him. Each conflict has its place in the great battle for righteousness, and each will add
to the joy of their final triumph. Having this in view, the test of their faith and
patience will be cheerfully accepted rather than dreaded and avoided. Anxious to fulfill
their obligation to the world, fixing their desire upon the approval of God, His servants
are to fulfill every duty, irrespective of the fear or the favor of men.
"Ye are the salt of the earth," Jesus said. Do not withdraw yourselves from the
world in order to escape persecution. You are to abide among men, that the savor of the
divine love may be as salt to preserve the world from corruption.
Hearts that respond to the influence of the Holy Spirit are the channels through which
God's blessing flows. Were those who serve God removed from the earth, and His Spirit
withdrawn from among men, this world would be left to desolation and destruction, the
fruit of Satan's dominion. Though the wicked know it not, they owe even the blessings of
this life to the presence, in the world, of God's people whom they despise and oppress.
But if Christians are such in name only, they are like the salt that has lost its savor.
They have no influence for good in the world. Through their misrepresentation of God they
are worse than unbelievers.
"Ye are the light of the world." The Jews thought to confine the benefits of
salvation to their own nation; but Christ showed them that
salvation is like the sunshine. It belongs to the whole world. The religion of the Bible
is not to be confined between the covers of a book, nor within the walls of a church. It
is not to be brought out occasionally for our own benefit, and then to be carefully laid
aside again. It is to sanctify the daily life, to manifest itself in every business
transaction and in all our social relations.
True character is not shaped from without, and put on; it radiates from within. If we wish
to direct others in the path of righteousness, the principles of righteousness must be
enshrined in our own hearts. Our profession of faith may proclaim the theory of religion,
but it is our practical piety that holds forth the word of truth. The consistent life, the
holy conversation, the unswerving integrity, the active, benevolent spirit, the godly
example,--these are the mediums through which light is conveyed to the world.
Jesus had not dwelt on the specifications of the law, but He did not leave His hearers to
conclude that He had come to set aside its requirements. He knew that spies stood ready to
seize upon every word that might be wrested to serve their purpose. He knew the prejudice
that existed in the minds of many of His hearers, and He said nothing to unsettle their
faith in the religion and institutions that had been committed to them through Moses.
Christ Himself had given both the moral and the ceremonial law. He did not come to destroy
confidence in His own instruction. It was because of His great reverence for the law and
the prophets that He sought to break through the wall of traditional requirements which
hemmed in the Jews. While He set aside their false interpretations of the law, He
carefully guarded His disciples against yielding up the vital truths committed to the
Hebrews.
The Pharisees prided themselves on their obedience to the law; yet they knew so little of
its principles through everyday practice that to them the Saviour's words sounded like
heresy. As He swept away the rubbish under which the truth had been buried, they thought
He was sweeping away the truth itself. They whispered to one another that He was making
light of the law. He read their thoughts, and answered them, saying,--
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to
destroy, but to fulfill." Here Jesus refutes the charge of the Pharisees. His mission
to the world is to vindicate the sacred claims of that law which they charge Him with
breaking. If the law
of God could have been changed or abrogated, then Christ need not have suffered the
consequences of our transgression. He came to explain the relation of the law to man, and
to illustrate its precepts by His own life of obedience.
God has given us His holy precepts, because He loves mankind. To shield us from the
results of transgression, He reveals the principles of righteousness. The law is an
expression of the thought of God; when received in Christ, it becomes our thought. It
lifts us above the power of natural desires and tendencies, above temptations that lead to
sin. God desires us to be happy, and He gave us the precepts of the law that in obeying
them we might have joy. When at Jesus' birth the angels sang,-- "Glory to God in the
highest, And on earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14), they were declaring
the principles of the law which He had come to magnify and make honorable.
When the law was proclaimed from Sinai, God made known to men the holiness of His
character, that by contrast they might see the sinfulness of their own. The law was given
to convict them of sin, and reveal their need of a Saviour. It would do this as its
principles were applied to the heart by the Holy Spirit. This work it is still to do. In
the life of Christ the principles of the law are made plain; and as the Holy Spirit of God
touches the heart, as the light of Christ reveals to men their need of His cleansing blood
and His justifying righteousness, the law is still an agent in bringing us to Christ, that
we may be justified by faith. "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the
soul." Ps. 19:7.
"Till heaven and earth pass," said Jesus, "one jot or one tittle shall in
nowise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." The sun shining in the heavens, the
solid earth upon which you dwell, are God's witnesses that His law is changeless and
eternal. Though they may pass away, the divine precepts shall endure. "It is easier
for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail." Luke 16:17. The
system of types that pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God was to be abolished at His death;
but the precepts of the Decalogue are as immutable as the throne of God.
Since "the law of the Lord is perfect," every variation from it must be evil.
Those who disobey the commandments of God, and teach others
to do so, are condemned by Christ. The Saviour's life of obedience maintained the claims
of the law; it proved that the law could be kept in humanity, and showed the excellence of
character that obedience would develop. All who obey as He did are likewise declaring that
the law is "holy, and just, and good." Rom. 7:12. On the other hand, all who
break God's commandments are sustaining Satan's claim that the law is unjust, and cannot
be obeyed. Thus they second the deceptions of the great adversary, and cast dishonor upon
God. They are the children of the wicked one, who was the first rebel against God's law.
To admit them into heaven would again bring in the elements of discord and rebellion, and
imperil the well-being of the universe. No man who willfully disregards one principle of
the law shall enter the kingdom of heaven.
The rabbis counted their righteousness a passport to heaven; but Jesus declared it to be
insufficient and unworthy. External ceremonies and a theoretical knowledge of truth
constituted Pharisaical righteousness. The rabbis claimed to be holy through their own
efforts in keeping the law; but their works had divorced righteousness from religion.
While they were punctilious in ritual observances, their lives were immoral and debased.
Their so-called righteousness could never enter the kingdom of heaven.
The greatest deception of the human mind in Christ's day was that a mere assent to the
truth constitutes righteousness. In all human experience a theoretical knowledge of the
truth has been proved to be insufficient for the saving of the soul. It does not bring
forth the fruits of righteousness. A jealous regard for what is termed theological truth
often accompanies a hatred of genuine truth as made manifest in life. The darkest chapters
of history are burdened with the record of crimes committed by bigoted religionists. The
Pharisees claimed to be children of Abraham, and boasted of their possession of the
oracles of God; yet these advantages did not preserve them from selfishness, malignity,
greed for gain, and the basest hypocrisy. They thought themselves the greatest
religionists of the world, but their so-called orthodoxy led them to crucify the Lord of
glory.
The same danger still exists. Many take it for granted that they are Christians, simply
because they subscribe to certain theological tenets. But they have not brought the truth
into practical life. They have not believed and loved it, therefore they have not received
the power and
grace that come through sanctification of the truth. Men may profess faith in the truth;
but if it does not make them sincere, kind, patient, forbearing, heavenly-minded, it is a
curse to its possessors, and through their influence it is a curse to the world.
The righteousness which Christ taught is conformity of heart and life to the revealed will
of God. Sinful men can become righteous only as they have faith in God and maintain a
vital connection with Him. Then true godliness will elevate the thoughts and ennoble the
life. Then the external forms of religion accord with the Christian's internal purity.
Then the ceremonies required in the service of God are not meaningless rites, like those
of the hypocritical Pharisees.
Jesus takes up the commandments separately, and explains the depth and breadth of their
requirement. Instead of removing one jot of their force, He shows how far-reaching their
principles are, and exposes the fatal mistake of the Jews in their outward show of
obedience. He declares that by the evil thought or the lustful look the law of God is
transgressed. One who becomes a party to the least injustice is breaking the law and
degrading his own moral nature. Murder first exists in the mind. He who gives hatred a
place in his heart is setting his feet in the path of the murderer, and his offerings are
abhorrent to God.
The Jews cultivated a spirit of retaliation. In their hatred of the Romans they gave
utterance to hard denunciations, and pleased the wicked one by manifesting his attributes.
Thus they were training themselves to do the terrible deeds to which he led them on. In
the religious life of the Pharisees there was nothing to recommend piety to the Gentiles.
Jesus bade them not to deceive themselves with the thought that they could in heart rise
up against their oppressors, and cherish the longing to avenge their wrongs.
It is true there is an indignation that is justifiable, even in the followers of Christ.
When they see that God is dishonored, and His service brought into disrepute, when they
see the innocent oppressed, a righteous indignation stirs the soul. Such anger, born of
sensitive morals, is not a sin. But those who at any supposed provocation feel at liberty
to indulge anger or resentment are opening the heart to Satan. Bitterness and animosity
must be banished from the soul if we would be in harmony with heaven.
The Saviour goes farther than this. He says, "If thou bring thy gift to the altar,
and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee; leave there thy gift
before the altar, and go thy way; first be
reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift." Many are zealous in
religious services, while between them and their brethren are unhappy differences which
they might reconcile. God requires them to do all in their power to restore harmony. Until
they do this, He cannot accept their services. The Christian's duty in this matter is
clearly pointed out.
God pours His blessings upon all. "He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the
good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." He is "kind unto the
unthankful and to the evil." Luke 6:35. He bids us to be like Him. "Bless them
that curse you," said Jesus; "do good to them that hate you, . . . that ye may
be the children of your Father which is in heaven." These are the principles of the
law, and they are the wellsprings of life.
God's ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. "Be
ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." This
command is a promise. The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the
power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin. He came to destroy the
works of the devil, and He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to
every repentant soul, to keep him from sinning.
The tempter's agency is not to be accounted an excuse for one wrong act. Satan is jubilant
when he hears the professed followers of Christ making excuses for their deformity of
character. It is these excuses that lead to sin. There is no excuse for sinning. A holy
temper, a Christlike life, is accessible to every repenting, believing child of God.
The ideal of Christian character is Christlikeness. As the Son of man was perfect in His
life, so His followers are to be perfect in their life. Jesus was in all things made like
unto His brethren. He became flesh, even as we are. He was hungry and thirsty and weary.
He was sustained by food and refreshed by sleep. He shared the lot of man; yet He was the
blameless Son of God. He was God in the flesh. His character is to be ours. The Lord says
of those who believe in Him, "I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be
their God, and they shall be My people." 2 Cor. 6:16.
Christ is the ladder that Jacob saw, the base resting on the earth, and the topmost round
reaching to the gate of heaven, to the very threshold of glory. If that ladder had failed
by a single step of reaching the earth, we should have been lost. But Christ reaches us
where we are. He took our nature and overcame, that we through taking His
nature might overcome. Made "in the likeness of sinful flesh" (Rom. 8:3), He
lived a sinless life. Now by His divinity He lays hold upon the throne of heaven, while by
His humanity He reaches us. He bids us by faith in Him attain to the glory of the
character of God. Therefore are we to be perfect, even as our "Father which is in
heaven is perfect."
Jesus had shown in what righteousness consists, and had pointed to God as its source. Now
He turned to practical duties. In almsgiving, in prayer, in fasting, He said, let nothing
be done to attract attention or win praise to self. Give in sincerity, for the benefit of
the suffering poor. In prayer, let the soul commune with God. In fasting, go not with the
head bowed down, and heart filled with thoughts of self. The heart of the Pharisee is a
barren and profitless soil, in which no seeds of divine life can flourish. It is he who
yields himself most unreservedly to God that will render Him the most acceptable service.
For through fellowship with God men become workers together with Him in presenting His
character in humanity.
The service rendered in sincerity of heart has great recompense. "Thy Father which
seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly." By the life we live through the
grace of Christ the character is formed. The original loveliness begins to be restored to
the soul. The attributes of the character of Christ are imparted, and the image of the
Divine begins to shine forth. The faces of men and women who walk and work with God
express the peace of heaven. They are surrounded with the atmosphere of heaven. For these
souls the kingdom of God has begun. They have Christ's joy, the joy of being a blessing to
humanity. They have the honor of being accepted for the Master's use; they are trusted to
do His work in His name.
"No man can serve two masters." We cannot serve God with a divided heart. Bible
religion is not one influence among many others; its influence is to be supreme, pervading
and controlling every other. It is not to be like a dash of color brushed here and there
upon the canvas, but it is to pervade the whole life, as if the canvas were dipped into
the color, until every thread of the fabric were dyed a deep, unfading hue.
"If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if
thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness." Purity and
steadfastness of purpose are the conditions of receiving light from God. He who desires to
know the truth must be willing to accept all that it reveals. He can make no compromise
with error. To be
wavering and halfhearted in allegiance to truth is to choose the darkness of error and
satanic delusion.
Worldly policy and the undeviating principles of righteousness do not blend into each
other imperceptibly, like the colors of the rainbow. Between the two a broad, clear line
is drawn by the eternal God. The likeness of Christ stands out as distinct from that of
Satan as midday in contrast with midnight. And only those who live the life of Christ are
His co-workers. If one sin is cherished in the soul, or one wrong practice retained in the
life, the whole being is contaminated. The man becomes an instrument of unrighteousness.
All who have chosen God's service are to rest in His care. Christ pointed to the birds
flying in the heavens, to the flowers of the field, and bade His hearers consider these
objects of God's creation. "Are not ye of much more value than they?" He said.
Matt. 6:26, R. V. The measure of divine attention bestowed on any object is proportionate
to its rank in the scale of being. The little brown sparrow is watched over by Providence.
The flowers of the field, the grass that carpets the earth, share the notice and care of
our heavenly Father. The great Master Artist has taken thought for the lilies, making them
so beautiful that they outshine the glory of Solomon. How much more does He care for man,
who is the image and glory of God. He longs to see His children reveal a character after
His similitude. As the sunbeam imparts to the flowers their varied and delicate tints, so
does God impart to the soul the beauty of His own character.
All who choose Christ's kingdom of love and righteousness and peace, making its interest
paramount to all other, are linked to the world above, and every blessing needed for this
life is theirs. In the book of God's providence, the volume of life, we are each given a
page. That page contains every particular of our history; even the hairs of the head are
numbered. God's children are never absent from His mind.
"Be not therefore anxious for the morrow." Matt. 6:34, R. V. We are to follow
Christ day by day. God does not bestow help for tomorrow. He does not give His children
all the directions for their life journey at once, lest they should become confused. He
tells them just as much as they can remember and perform. The strength and wisdom imparted
are for the present emergency. "If any of you lack wisdom,"--for
today,--"let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not;
and it shall be given him." James 1:5.
"Judge not, that ye be not judged." Do not think yourself better than other men,
and set yourself up as their judge. Since you cannot discern motive, you are incapable of
judging another. In criticizing him, you are passing sentence upon yourself; for you show
that you are a participant with Satan, the accuser of the brethren. The Lord says,
"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves." This is
our work. "If we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged." 2 Cor. 13:5; 1
Cor. 11:31.
The good tree will produce good fruit. If the fruit is unpalatable and worthless, the tree
is evil. So the fruit borne in the life testifies as to the condition of the heart and the
excellence of the character. Good works can never purchase salvation, but they are an
evidence of the faith that acts by love and purifies the soul. And though the eternal
reward is not bestowed because of our merit, yet it will be in proportion to the work that
has been done through the grace of Christ.
Thus Christ set forth the principles of His kingdom, and showed them to be the great rule
of life. To impress the lesson He adds an illustration. It is not enough, He says, for you
to hear My words. By obedience you must make them the foundation of your character. Self
is but shifting sand. If you build upon human theories and inventions, your house will
fall. By the winds of temptation, the tempests of trial, it will be swept away. But these
principles that I have given will endure. Receive Me; build on My words.
"Everyone therefore which heareth these words of Mine, and doeth them, shall be
likened unto a wise man, which built his house upon the rock: and the rain descended, and
the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was
founded upon the rock." Matt. 7:24, 25, R.V.
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