Make us All like Jesus.
By M. E. Williams
PERHAPS this petition is offered to God often without fully realizing what it implies. Do we, in reality, desire to lead the humble, cross-bearing life he did? Are we willing to deny self? Jesus’ whole life here was made up of self-denial. Ah! and what self-denial, to leave the realms of glory where he was adored and honored, and come to this world where he knew he would be derided and mocked, and put to the most shameful death. Are we willing to spend our time in doing good to others, instead of ourselves? This was the whole work of the Master. Did he do it grudgingly? Oh! no; but mourned over those who would not let him do them good; saying to Jerusalem, “How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings; and ye would not.” Was he proud of his good deeds? Who might not have taken honor to himself, if not he? He might with propriety have sought the society of the rich, the noble, and the mighty: who if not he, the Son of God? But no, his chosen ones were of the humble poor. Should his professed followers then be seeking for the applause and honors of the rich and mighty? should the disciple desire to be above his Lord? Jesus gave all, even life itself, to save souls. How much are we willing to sacrifice to save them? Who has this end in view continually? Souls are perishing; can we be indifferent? Not if we would be207like Jesus. He was rich, but for our sakes he became poor. Who has such love for souls as to be willing to follow their Lord in this respect? Many of their abundance give a little, to send the truth to others; perhaps even that grudgingly; and still souls are perishing for lack of the good we might do them. How much to you, is the value of a soul? A few dollars, perhaps a few cents, may be the means of saving one. Would you be Christ-like, wait not for opportunities to do good to come to you, but seek for them. Shall wasted opportunities rise up in the judgment against us? Nearly every day, some one comes in our way, to whom we might impart a knowledge of the truth; whom we should warn that the Lord is at hand; the Judge at the door. Are we faithful to do this? The vineyard is large, but where are the laborers? I see some busy at work, toiling early and late, instant in season and out of season. But oh! how many sluggards and drones are there; only stumbling-blocks in the way of sinners. And what will be the end thereof? The day for settling accounts is at hand. The Master will ask, Where are thy sheaves? where the souls thou shouldst have saved? where thy robe of white? This one is stained; covered with the blood of souls. Here is the crown thou mightest have worn, but it shall be given to another more worthy than thou. May God beget within us an earnest zeal, that with meekness we may do our duty faithfully to all; and help us that we may truly become like Jesus. But God will not make us like Jesus, though we ask it ever so much; unless there is a willingness in our hearts to be so. We are to work together with him, in this matter. Study his life; and then strive to be like him, humbly asking God for help. I think I do really desire to be as near like Jesus, as it is possible for poor, weak, erring mortals to be. The more I study his life, the more I love and reverence him. I am ravished with his loveliness, and I will strive every day to become more like him.