The Teaching of Christ.
By W. N. G.
All through the Scriptures emphasis is laid upon the transitory, temporary nature of the things pertaining to this world, even the uncertainty of life itself. And concerning worldly possessions, the Lord is very explicit in his counsel: “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.” Matt. 6: 19, 20. The reason given for this course is equally forcible: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Verse 21. Then if the heart be centered upon the perishable things of this life, it is impossible to keep the commandments of God, for the great commandment is, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart.” With this idea agree the words of Solomon: “A faithful man shall abound with blessings; but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent” (margin, “unpunished”). Prov. 28: 20. That is, one can not strive to be rich in this life and at the same time be faithful to God; for “he that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.” The unprofitableness of this world’s wealth is suggested in the question, “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mark 8: 36, 37. The teaching of Christ is all in harmony with his life—self-denial here, and riches and honor hereafter. “Blessed are ye that hunger now; for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now; for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy; for, behold, your reward is great in heaven. . . . But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.” Luke 6: 21–25. We have seen that in this world Christ’s example was one of poverty, of humility, and of strife against sin; that, altho he was “in all points tempted like as we are,” yet by faith he overcame all, and was exalted to the throne of God, where is access to all wealth and joy of the Father. From that high station he sends us this word of promise: “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” Rev. 3: 21. This implies access to all the wealth and joy of Christ for all who will seek for it in his way. By walking in the true way, “the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,” it is possible to be “joint-heir” with Him who is “appointed heir of all things.” W. N. G.