The Keeping Power of God

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 24, 1914

The Keeping Power of God

WE are living in a world of sin and iniquity, but God can keep us even in the midst of it all. It is necessary, however, for us to partake of the divine nature in order that we may be protected. We must have a desire for the help we need. God does not force us to yield to him. He says, “With loving-kindness have I drawn thee,” and again, “My son, give me thine heart.” He invites us, and his goodness ought to lead us to repentance of all our iniquities.

We are in the closing moments of time, and we must make no delay in seeking the kingdom. “Let not the sun go down upon your wrath,” says the heavenly messenger. We must make straight paths for our feet. May we as parents work as never before to live clean, godly lives in our homes and before our children. The Lord says he will keep the feet of his saints. We must have this keeping power with us every day.

When Satan came to Christ, he found nothing in him; and we must reach the place in our experience where sin will be hateful to us. We must so partake of the nature of the Master that the allurements of Satan will not appeal to us; then we shall find no pleasure in unrighteousness. God is waiting to clothe us with his robe of purity, which will make us able to resist every dart of the enemy.

The following beautiful story illustrates what God can do:—

“A traveler once went with a party into a coal mine. On the side of the shaft a perfectly white plant was growing. ‘How is this?’ exclaimed the traveler. ‘Here where the coal dust is continually flying about, how can this little plant remain so pure and white?’ ‘Look here, sir,’ said the miner, and as he spoke he threw a handful of coal dust upon the plant. Not a particle remained upon it. The visitors repeated the experiment, with exactly the same result: the coal dust would not cling.”

“On the white plant there was something that appeared like white enamel, and to this not the tiniest speck could adhere. Living there amid clouds of black dust, its snowy whiteness remained unchanged. Beautiful as is the thought of this pure blossom, it is not so lovely as a white life in a sin-stained world. Let us remember that the same God who made and kept the little plant stainless amid clouds of black dust can make our hearts pure and keep our lives free from sin.”

If he could create a plant with power to resist every impurity, will he not do as much for his children, created in his own image?—Yea, verily.