F. M. W by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 27, 1910

F. M. W

By F. M. W.

Christlikeness

CHRISTLIKENESS is the quality of being like the Lord Jesus. In this one word is comprehended Christianity and Christian experience. Christ is set forth in the Scriptures of truth as man’s perfect example. The apostle Paul tells us that we are to consider him,—to consider his sacrifice, his sufferings, his character, his perfect example. Whatever may be our position or condition, our environment or circumstances, in every relationship of life, we may consider Christ as our example, and may safely raise the question, What would he do if he were in my place at the present time? It is only the surrendered, consecrated heart that can truly raise this question, and claim in every detail of Christian experience divine guidance. To all such, God will vouchsafe an answer, either through his Word or through the leadings of his Holy Spirit.

It is sweet to live a truly surrendered life, a life where all has been laid upon God’s altar, where the Spirit of God actuates the purposes, where the motives are kept pure by his grace, and all plans are laid at his feet to be surrendered or carried out as his providence may indicate. What blessed communion may be enjoyed with the Master! how closely we may be enfolded in his arms of love! how near we may come to his great heart of affection! To such a one the doing of the divine will appeals as a privilege and not a stern duty; and while Christian service may be fraught with pain, with weariness and physical suffering, there is light in the darkness and joy in the pain. No urging is necessary to lead such a child to forsake the pleasures of the world. It may be necessary to instruct the immature Christian to rightly distinguish between truth and subtle error, but with the understanding enlightened, the path of duty will be chosen rather than the path of sinful pleasure.

We hear much discussion to-day as to whether Christians should attend theaters and gatherings for worldly pleasure. These questions would all find a solution by the truly consecrated soul, in considering before the throne of grace what course would be pursued by the Lord Jesus. Similarly, the question of dress and display, and the wearing of ornaments, would be settled in the same way. If the disciple obtains a clear view of his Saviour, of the simplicity and dignity of his character, of the modest, retiring spirit that characterizes his earthly life, he will not dress for show nor live for praise.

If our conception of Christ could picture him as engaging in the world’s wild sports, as decking his person for display and worldly ostentation, then we need to obtain a clearer and a nearer view of the spirit that actuated the Master. On every occasion he maintained the character of the Christ of God. Not once was his dignity laid aside; not once did he overstep the bounds of propriety; not once did he descend to sinful levity. In all this he was our example, and him we are to consider. If Christ, while on earth, did not partake of the spirit of the ungodly, nor find pleasure in their association, can he find such pleasure through his children in such association to-day?

Let us submit every account of life to the test as to whether we can ask Jesus to go with us, to be a partner in our business, a sharer in our experiences. The disciple who conscientiously does this, with an earnest desire to be guided by the study of the Word and led by the Spirit, will not go far amiss in rightly determining the questions of life.