Christ a True Missionary.
By D. T. Bourdeau
“AND the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them. And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also; for therefore am I sent.” Luke 4 : 42, 43. It would have been very pleasant for those who received Christ on this occasion to have him settle with them as a preacher; and had Christ looked at his own case, he would have gratified them in complying with their request. But he came not to please himself, or to encourage in others a selfish spirit. There were souls in other cities who were as precious as those to whom he had just been dispensing the words of life, and he wanted them also to have the benefits of his labors. Therefore, he could not remain where he was. Again, it would not have been for the best good of his followers to remain with him. It was only one part of their duty to receive his testimony; they must also reduce it to practice in their daily life. They must be scattered at different points, to reflect more generally the light which they had received from Jesus, and thus accomplish more good. They must make experiments for themselves in the Christian life. They must get experience, which is knowledge obtained by practice, and not merely theory committed to memory. They must test the merits of Christianity for themselves, by reaping the benefits derived by practice, the sweets that true religion affords. Their graces must be tried and brought into exercise; and their defects of character must appear, that they may overcome them. They must learn the art of obtaining help from God by their own individual effort. They must grow by exercise, and bear their own weight, and not remain spiritual dwarfs, babes in Christ. In short, they must develop character in working out their own salvation with fear and trembling. God wants us to cultivate a missionary spirit, and to realize the value of the truth, not only as we see it experienced and exhibited by others, but by having a part and lot in the matter. Then can we stand alone, if need be, amid the perils of the last days.