Following Christ by L. A. Cartwright

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 19, 1871

Following Christ.

By L. A. Cartwright

In the new delight of sins forgiven, we scarcely think of the self-denial and cross-bearing life of the Christian. We feel that it is a pleasure to do our Lord’s requirements, and truly “his yoke is easy and his burden light;” but sin and temptation are in the world, and

“Satan with malicious art, Watches each unguarded heart.”

And ere we are aware, trials are upon us that make us feel there is bitterness in self-denial, and pain in the cross we must bear. The spirit may be willing, but the flesh is weak; and it is only by keeping ourselves in the love of God that we can “rejoice in tribulation,” and

“Bear unmoved the world’s dread frown, Nor heed it’s scornful smile.”

Thank God for the assurance that his grace is sufficient for us, and as our day so shall our strength be. But if we dally with temptation, we are in the “broad road;” and death is the sure consequence; for the “wages of sin is death.” The way of life is a strait and narrow way; there is no room for the sins and follies of earth. The cross reaches to the crown, and Christ alone leads there. And to follow him we must take up our cross daily whatever it may be, and move on, not a few days only, but every day; for there are no vacations till the work is done, and no tarrying place but at Jerusalem. It may be the work designed for us is humiliating to all our earthly hopes and aspirations; but it is just what we are fitted for. No one else can do it for us, nor can we do another’s work. “God has placed the members in the body as it pleased him,” and if instead of an eye or hand, we find ourselves only a foot, we should not despise the situation. God requires it, and that makes it noble. Thankful if one talent is committed to our trust, let us not “hide it in the earth,” but diligently inquire, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” And though

“Little and unknown, Loved and prized by God alone,”

if we truly follow Christ, we shall be with him and behold his glory.

L. A. CARTWRIGHT.