Counting the Cost by Hiram Morrell

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 24, 1913

Counting the Cost

By Hiram Morrell

HIRAM MORRELL

WHILE it is true that our blessed Saviour with his own precious blood paid the price that our sins might be canceled and God still be just, it will cost us suffering in the flesh to perfect character so we shall be fitted to live in a sinless world. I wonder if we count the cost enough, or are we in danger of taking it for granted that because we know the truth we shall be all right, somehow? I believe it is high time to wake up to our real condition and count the cost as we never have before, for surely it will be “through much tribulation” that we shall enter into the kingdom. We must be willing to suffer in the flesh and to deny self daily in order to overcome every wrong word and act, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. And let him that nameth the name of Christ depart from evil. It will be a battle and a march, and a battle and a march; and we need to remember that it will not be all marching, for we are exhorted not to think it strange concerning the fiery trial that is to try us, as though some strange thing had happened unto us, but rejoice, inasmuch as we are partakers of Christ’s sufferings. 1 Peter 4:12, 13.

Is it all suffering, all struggling, all fighting, with nothing else to look ahead to while in this world?—Ah, no. We are to count it all joy to suffer with our blessed Saviour; for it bringeth the peaceable fruits of righteousness, and we are filled with much love, joy, and peace: that love that vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, envieth not, seeketh not her own, is not provoked, and is long-suffering and kind; that joy that comes through suffering for the right and in unselfish service for others; that peace one has whose mind is stayed on Christ, and no amount of praise can elate or puff up, or no amount of censure or abuse can discourage or cast down. “We must have a faith that will endure hardship, hunger, delay, if need be.” I believe many of us need to examine ourselves as we never have before, and see if we are really in the faith and are really getting the victory every day over our besetting sins. Our names may soon be brought up before the great tribunal, the investigative judgment now going on in heaven; and surely “it is high time to awake out of sleep,” “for now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Solemn are the times in which we live, and we are soon to meet a just and holy God, and we must be holy to meet him in peace. Do we realize these things as we should?

We must make a real business of living a Christian life day by day, and really overcoming all sin in our lives. If we do our part, Jesus will give us all the help we need as the days come and go, and we shall grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and our path will be a shining light that groweth more and more unto the perfect day.

Portland, Maine.