THE PROMISE IS TO THE OVERCOMER ONLY.
By R. F. Cottrell
Many start in the service of God, but after they make their profession go no farther, as though all was done and Heaven was secured; like a soldier that, having enlisted, considers the victory won, and is ready to lay off his armor. A sad mistake many are making, to awake to the truth when it is too late to be corrected. Embracing the truth is but the beginning merely. The work is only just begun. The work of purification must be carried forward. The refining process must proceed till the image of the Refiner is seen in the silver. Some of the professed followers of Christ are coarse and rough in their manners and conversation; not realizing that such characteristics poorly represent, or rather misrepresent, the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus was of a meek, or mild, spirit. He was lowly in heart. He was not proud. But can any one suppose that his demeanor and conversation were anything but of the most refined and courteous sort? The thought is repulsive to every truly enlightened and sensitive mind, that our great Pattern should let a coarse or rude expression ever escape his lips. No; he was truly chaste, refined and polite in all his communications with men. And his followers must learn of him. Having begun the work of purification, it must be carried forward to perfection. The reward is to those who finish the work. They will finish their course with joy. They alone will do well; and to such only will it be said, “Well done.” The great work of overcoming is to get the victory over sin and self. It is to bring every thought into obedience to Christ, and truly represent him in our character and converse with our fellow-men. It is truly a great work. Who will accomplish it? Let none hope for the reward without overcoming.