The True Christian by Clarence Santee

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 1, 1911

The True Christian

By Clarence Santee

CLARENCE SANTEE

To be a Christian is to be Christlike, or like Christ. We often hear it said, “The name is nothing;” “What’s in a name?” etc.; but when rightly considered, the name is truly of great importance. Those who regard the name so lightly, making great display of being and doing, are not marked by the name, neither are they upon the high plane to which, in words, they aspire. God says of his representative, “My name is in him.” Ex. 23: 21, last part. If the name is not there, the presence is also absent.

The reason the name Christian has come to be so lightly regarded is that many have borne the name of Christ while not bearing his yoke. Without the name we are nothing. With the name, and the fact that calls for it in the life, the man or woman who bears it will be a strong factor in calling the beholder to the Lamb of God. This again brings us to the heart experience as the basis of all Christian attainment. Church duties and privileges may become a form, family prayer may become a mere habit, but personal seeking of God alone can never become a form. As long as it lives in the experience, it is genuine. It will so fill the worship in the home and in the church that the members thereof will be saved from deadness and formality. Without it they can not be kept from these plagues, which are so fatal to the one who only professes, but does not live, the Christ life.

The experience of the soul alone with God is the experience written in the books of heaven. A recognition of his companionship, and a proper appreciation of it, will hold a man in the course of true obedience under all circumstances.

While traveling, a minister entered an eating-house, and sat down at the table. His order was not in accord with the light he had received in regard to diet. To excuse himself, he reasoned in this way: “I do not usually order this kind of food, but I feel the need of a change, and think I will have it. I am careful when in the presence of weak church-members, as I would not cause them to stumble. I can control my appetite.” The fact that this man was doing as he was, while admitting that others might lose confidence in him, or stumble over his course, proves that while believing that he was master of his appetite, he was still its slave. This is a sad condition, yet one that is often revealed.

The light drinker of wine often rests secure in his power to control his appetite, believing himself safe, while condemning in unsparing terms the weakness of the poor drunkard, who with unsteady feet seeks his poverty-stricken home. A few months, or perhaps years, pass by, and another is saying of him what he now says of the other man.

The life of a slave is pitiable; but when the slave believes himself master, it is doubly so. The reason is obvious. He who recognizes and appreciates the presence of angels of God as constant companions will have such an exalted association that contact with his fellow men will not change his outward life. It has been conformed to that of his angel companions, and the weaker association can not break the golden cords that bind him to heaven. That this companionship is the experience of the true Christian, is made clear by many scriptures.

“Whither shall I go from thy Spirit?” says David; “or whither shall I flee from thy presence? . . . If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; . . . the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. . . . When I awake, I am still with thee.” Ps. 139: 7-18. There is strong assurance to the Christian in these verses, but they bring no strength to the one who changes his conduct according to the visible company that surrounds him.

Of his protection and care for his people the Lord says: “The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” Ps. 34: 7. Speaking of his children as a vineyard, he says: “I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night

and day.” Isa. 27: 3. “The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.” Ps. 37: 31.

“Thou God seest me,” is the strength of the Christian, holding his steps wherever he may go. Christ endured most severe temptations when alone in the wilderness; but he was true to principle, and gained eternal victory. So to-day, some of the most severe temptations come to men when they consider themselves alone. Satan presents a process of reasoning that seems plausible, and instead of standing true on the unfailing Word, they allow sophistry to take the place of reason and conscience, and fall into the snare that they would not think of considering if some true, loyal church-member was present.

The decisions of conduct when marked or swerved by no human influences will form the basis of the Judgment. With this all must reckon, and beyond it lies the eternal reward.

Loma Linda, Cal.