God's Preparation for Service, No. I: Why?
By Augusta C. Bainbridge
GOD'S PREPARATION FOR SERVICE. NO. I.
Is it a mournful fact that many Christians are not happy? Look over a congregation. Count the cheerful, restful faces that you see. Many are dissatisfied; others fretful, care-burdened, weak with constant yielding to sin; and still others are seeking, yet doubting while they seek; but few have the glad expression of peace within and victory over sin. If they would confess it, they have been greatly disappointed in their Christian life. When they recognized and accepted truth, the prospect was full of promise; it seemed as if there had dawned a cloudless day of peace and joy. Ere long, darkness between has obscured the Sun of Righteousness, and there have since been only occasional gleams of light. Conflict was expected; but contrary to expectation, the conflict has often ended in defeat. Evil has triumphed where it was thought conquered; and questioning, doubt, dejection, have, in turn, taken the joy out of life. To this is added the sorrowful knowledge that such an experience is contrary to that given in the Word of God, and unbelief in that Word has increased the helplessness of the situation. It is true we are in a far country, among the enemies of God, where we are exposed to Satan's wiles and entanglements; where our rest and comfort are disturbed by the afflictions and trials of the scenes through which we are passing; where our bodies are subject to suffering of every kind; but not one of these—no, nor all combined—according to the Word of God, ought to cloud the life of the soul. David says, “Yea, tho I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” Ps. 23:4. Paul says, “Rejoice evermore.” 1 Thess. 5:16; “Rejoice in the Lord” (Phil. 4:4); and even goes so far as to say something about glorying in tribulation. Rom. 5:1–5. We find in Philippians that a Christian can be perfectly happy in prison; and, even while facing death, can have Christ for his only object and aim—his only desire to be like Him in character and service; that he may be entirely superior to circumstances, be content in any state, and be able to do all things through Christ who fills him with inward strength. How different from the experience of most believers! What is the matter? As God's Word is true there must be something the matter with the believer. What is it? Paul, it is true, was an apostle, and his attainments were high, but our standard is higher than Paul. Christ is our Pattern. Not a single blessing was enjoyed by Paul that the humblest believer may not share. Was he a child of God?—So are we. Had he been begotten again?—So have we. Did he possess the in-dwelling Spirit of adoption?—It is also ours. Was he a member of the body of Christ?—So are we. In all things we are enriched in Him. If the privileges of all Christians are the same, why do we not have a like experience? The first cause, the prime cause, is the neglect or unwillingness of God's people to advance in the Christian life. We are too lazy, spiritually, to “follow on to know” all that God has given us in Christ. We are prone to be content that our sins are forgiven, and we desire little besides. By neglecting the study of the Word, we do not see the Lord; hence, do not appreciate our need; and relief from guilt of sinning, while continuing to sin, gives us no message of deliverance to bear to a sin-burdened world. The giving of this message is our life in Christ. Less than this is to live for self. The consequence is that the first days are the best days. Let us settle it now, in all loving plainness. If we desire nothing beyond the forgiveness of our sins, we shall soon discover that we have no power to resist the solicitations of the flesh within or the temptations of Satan without. It is an indispensable requisite to a happy Christian life that a daily dying with Christ be practically known. Less than this is hopeless conflict; with this, is continual victory. I thank God that there is victory through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. 7:25. And this victory is the message we bear.