Our Example in Christ by C. M. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 12, 1914

Our Example in Christ

By C. M. S.

WHEN Jesus Christ gave himself to the world for its redemption, he set an example which every true child of his will seek to emulate. He threw himself into the turmoil of this world's activities, into the vortex of its greedy graspings, into the clamor of its selfish strivings, that out of its turmoil, its graspings, and its strivings, he might win for the kingdom of righteousness and for the vindication of divine justice a harvest of trial-tested souls who would shine with the spotless luster of transparent purity through the ages that shall never end.

For that purpose he gave himself, and to that purpose they who are his will dedicate their lives. It matters not how high a position any man or woman may hold in this world, they are not exempt from this soul-winning service. In this Christ is still our example. Concerning this we read:—

“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus; who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Phil 2: 4-11.

There is no position that man can occupy in this world that can in any way compare with the position which Jesus Christ laid down when he made himself a servant of sinful men. There is no honor or glory that earthly governments can bestow that can in any degree compare with that which our Redeemer laid down when he laid down his life that they who had forfeited theirs might live again and have the right again to walk in the paradise of God.

Do you think that your renunciation of this world and its allurements is a sacrifice? If that be a sacrifice, what then is that act of our Saviour's when he laid down the highest position and the greatest glory and honor any being could have under God, to serve human beings in this world of iniquity, and render up his life a sacrifice on that despised emblem of a licentious pagan worship? He gave his life and made that sacrifice without reservation and without complaint, and permitted himself to be accounted accursed and to be crucified among malefactors that you and I might be blessed and given the right of association with unfallen angels.

He made that his business in the world. To sanctify means to set apart for a specific use; and so he says of himself:— “As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” John 17: 18, 19.

The purpose which he set before himself is the purpose he has set before his followers. As he sanctified himself (set himself apart) to that specific work, so he expects his followers to be sanctified (set apart) to that same work. That work was the salvation of men; and it is impossible for any person to be a true follower of Christ and not have burning in his soul an unquenchable desire to be used of God in the work of saving other men. The moment we take the name of Christ upon us, we take upon us the obligation “so to walk, even as he walked,” to employ ourselves in his chosen occupation, to make self and our own ambition secondary, and Christ and the service of others the primary object of our lives.

We began this year with a well-defined denominational purpose. It was that each member should win at least one soul for Christ before the year should close. Some have done it; some have tried it and not done it; some have not even tried; and the year is drawing to a close. With Jesus, every day and every fiber of his being was committed to that all-important project. Wherever he went, he was winning souls for his kingdom. That was his life; and that purpose never ceased for a moment until that life went out on Calvary's cross. There he gave the full measure of all he had to offer, and in that gift he purchased our release from the final penalty of sin. Are we his when we make no effort to extend his purpose in our lives? Are we his truly when we make no effort to win a soul for him? Can we be his and never present him for another's acceptance? Can we be his and speak no word for him? We know it cannot be. He set himself apart to that work, and then laid upon his followers the obligation to do for others what he had done for them; that is, to lay their lives upon the altar of service for their fellow men.

Now, as we have taken his name upon us, as we hope for a place in his kingdom in the day of final awards, as we trust in his mercy and rejoice in his sacrifice, let us accept the responsibility which that involves, and give him the willing and glad sacrifice of our lives. Much precious time has been lost; but the eleventh hour has not yet passed. There are still souls unsaved who have as yet had no opportunity to accept the message which God has commissioned us to bear to the world. Let us sanctify ourselves to that service, living the life of Christ before them and presenting the requirements of God's kingdom to them, that they, too, may rejoice in the blessed light and the glad prospect that have come to us in the mighty truths of the third angel's message.

Let every Seventh-day Adventist take up the work at once, and do all in his or her power to make this year the most glorious year in the history of this people. God is waiting to add his blessing and his power to our efforts; and if we will place ourselves in the channel of his purpose, he will crown our efforts with success. If there are any among us who have not yet entered this soul-winning campaign for the year 1914, I appeal to them in the name of their Saviour, Do not delay it longer. The terrible conditions now prevalent in this world tell us in no uncertain language that probation's hours are drawing to a close. The need of workers is most urgent; the time for work is short; and very soon the door of mercy will be closed upon an impenitent and unsaved world. Are you doing all God expects of you? Could you answer Yes if the Judge himself should ask you? “For their sakes I sanctify myself,” said Jesus. Let us, as we look out upon an unsaved world, resolve within ourselves, as Christ resolved within himself, and say of them, and mean it when we say it, “For their sakes I sanctify myself.” C. M. S.