Steadfast Unto the End by Francis M. Wilcox

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 15, 1910

Steadfast Unto the End

By Francis M. Wilcox

Success in every enterprise comes as a rule from earnest, steadfast effort. He who starts, however bravely, only to cease his efforts in a short time, can not hope to succeed. This principle is particularly true as applied to the Christian warfare; for many make shipwreck of their experience on this very point.

The apostle Paul says, “We are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.” Earnest Christian living does not admit of a wavering, vacillating experience. Real strength of character can be secured only by the exercise of constancy, faithfulness, and perseverance. Living for God is not a question of mental power or brilliant attainments; but it is a matter of being right, and of earnest, steady plodding in right-doing.

During these summer months many have experienced a revival in Christian living. In the excellent camp-meetings which have been held in various conferences, scores have obtained a new awakening. New purposes have been formed. There has been made to God and his service a new consecration. Will this new-found experience be only for a day or a month or a year. Will the next annual camp-meeting find those who have taken their stand for God this year in a backslidden state? Will vows be broken, resolutions forgotten, and there be a lapse into the old state of lethargy and indifference? It need not be so. The experience in God gained to-day may be made brighter to-morrow, and may grow brighter through all the coming days and years. This is God’s purpose. This is the experience of Christian growth.

One great safeguard to those who have obtained a new experience in the Lord will be found in the exercise of their faith in engaging in active service for their Lord and Master. Exercise is life; without it we can not live, either physically or spiritually. It is a law of nature that those who do not work, die. While we see this illustrated in the natural world, we see continually many illustrations in the spiritual realm as well; hence let every believer take up active missionary labor for those around him. Seek some one in need. Be a missionary in the family, a worker in the church, a light in the neighborhood. This will keep the lamp of life burning in your own experience; and as you seek to impart that which God has given you, he of his grace will add the more to your supply.

Every one finding God this year may come up to next year’s season of refreshing with a broader knowledge and a brighter experience.

Shall we permit God to make this possible in our own lives? Will the year to come be a year of advancement or retrogression? May we hold fast the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end! F. M. W.