The Path of the Just by F. J. STEMPLE

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 15, 1909

The Path of the Just

By F. J. STEMPLE

F. J. STEMPLE

THERE are two paths set before us,—the strait and narrow path, “which leadeth unto life,” and the broad way, leading down to death. A great many start out to follow the right path; but some grow weary in well-doing, and the path seems to be too narrow, and so they step over the line and take the broad way followed by the majority. They feel that the standard is set too high. Says the Scriptures, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary, in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

If we would follow Jesus, he would lead us up the strait and narrow path; for his standard is a perfect life. He came to do the Father’s will. He had no time to spend at card parties, theaters, and shows, nor at any other worldly amusements. It is said of him, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn.” We are also called to carry a message to a dying world, and if we are faithful in giving this message, we shall find no time for selfish amusements, but we shall find great pleasure in doing the Father’s will.

If we have not the spirit of Christ abiding in us, and so fail to carry this message, God will raise up others who will carry it. So let us hold fast our profession, that no man take our crown. “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Jesus is soon coming again; and “every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” In order to do this we shall have to follow in his steps, and take heed to the instructions he has given us in his Word. “No man can serve two masters.” Let us therefore walk humbly before the Lord, and do only those things that will edify the body of Christ. For “they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”

David says, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Let us keep our minds filled with his Word, which is a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path. Then we shall be able to keep our feet on the path that our Lord and Master has set before us, and that path will grow clearer and brighter each day, “till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man.”

Weston, Ore.