Photo by H. L. Transtrom
Old Milldam near Washington Missionary College
Be Prepared for the Day
By May Wheeler
A Prize Within Our Grasp—Indifference and Delay May Lose It for Us
By May Wheeler
CHRIST has promised, in His word, that He is coming again to take the faithful to a home with Him. Evidences all show that His coming is near, “even at the door.” He has given us signs of the nearness of the event, so that we may make preparation for His coming, and be ready to meet Him.
Some do not heed or notice these signs, and say, “My Lord delayeth His coming.” They put off the needed preparation, thereby running the risk of losing their own souls, and causing loss of salvation to others.
FAILED TO HAVE THE POWDER
The story is told of a keeper of a life-saving station, who one day found that he was out of powder. The next village was two or three miles away, and he concluded that it was “not worth while to go so far expressly for such a trifle.” That night a ship was wrecked in sight of the station. A line might have been shot to the crew, but there was no powder. The keeper was not prepared. He saw the men perishing one by one, and knew that he alone was to blame.
How many are now going along in the same careless way, putting off the needed preparation, although this neglect will result in their eternal loss!
They are living only for this world, not realizing that they must soon stand before the “judgment seat of Christ.” Rom. 14: 10.
How will those feel who have spent all their energies in the laying up of wealth, in the gaining of honor, or in seeking the things of this world, when probation ceases, and they have no longer opportunity to accept of the salvation that had been so freely offered them? Of what value to them then will be their riches and honor?
TREASURE IN THE RIGHT PLACE
Let us remember the injunction of the Saviour. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.” When we lay up treasure in heaven, then we know it is safe; for no one can take it from us.
LOVERS WILL WATCH
But while some are paying no attention to the tokens of Christ’s soon coming, those who love Him will be watching for Him, and gladly noting the signs of His appearing.
How wonderful it is to think that we may look forward to beholding Christ ourselves, the One who loves us and died for us, coming in the clouds of heaven, to put an end to all sin and suffering!
Christ has told us to “watch and pray.” Watching signifies readiness, and He has told us how to get ready. We read in His word, “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” How much this means!
In view of the beautiful home awaiting us if faithful, is it not well worth while to put forth every effort to perfect that character which Christ may accept, and count worthy to enter the holy city?
We shall have trials to meet and difficulties to overcome while here, but they will appear very small to us when they are all over. Then the wonderful promises which Christ has made to those who overcome will be ours—the promises of being with Him forever, of eternal life, of eternal happiness.
