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The Overcomer

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 5, 1908

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 85, No. 45.

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The Overcomer

By E. C. JAEGER

E. C. JAEGER
THE Bible holds out the hope of a reward only to the overcomer. The man who has victoriously come off the field of battle is the one upon whom is placed the victor's crown. We admire those who through all circumstances ever battle upward and onward, and our Father looks with kindly approval upon those who, with unselfish desire and in his strength overcome “for Jesus' sake.” When what we do is done for him alone, we forget to pity ourselves, and are lost in the joy of serving Jesus. This is the only kind of service Jesus can accept.
Not the least trace of self-serving or self-seeking will ever be admitted into heaven. Very much of our love is selfish, and is continued only so long as the object of that love “treats us well.” Such is not the love of heaven; God loved us when we were yet sinners, and in all our waywardness continued to call us unto that “inheritance which is incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away.”
If any of God's commands seem hard to perform, and we are inclined to murmur, it is wise to look for traces of selfishness,—for selfishness is surely there,—and then with fervent prayer seek God for the removal of that which is hindering cheerful obedience to his loving commands. He alone can remove these hindrances, and give strength to overcome. If we have striven hard, and yet seem unable to overcome, the probable reason is that we have depended too much upon our own strength; that we are not really in earnest; that we have, deep down in our hearts, just a little love for sin, for those idle words and unholy deeds which give pain to the Master. By continuing to indulge in such things, we are saying to Christ and this world, “I care not how I grieve my Lord.” By our unwillingness to do the will of God we have prolonged our Lord's period of suffering and sorrow. Long ago he ought to have been crowned Lord of lords and King of kings. Let us no longer, through our love of self and sin, hinder the work of God, and delay the day of his appearing. “Arise, shine for thy light is come.”
Riverside, Cal.