Selfishness To Be Overcome.
By Angelia J. Edmunds
The work of overcoming self is a high and exalted work. It lifts us higher than the cares of this earth. It stimulates to a new engagedness in the service of our Maker, causing us to abhor the low and groveling, while the mind anxiously contemplates a seat at His right hand who has said, “I have overcome the world.” He who is the greatest victor at last, will be he who has striven the most heroically with the powers of darkness and sin. Horace Bushnell said, “The true hero is the great, wise man of duty—he whose soul is armed by truth, and supported by the smile of God—he who meets life’s perils with a cautious but tranquil spirit, gathers strength by facing its storms, and dies, if he is called to die, as a Christian victor at the post of duty. And, if we must have heroes, and wars wherein to make them, there is none so brilliant as a war with wrong—no hero so fit to be sung as he who hath gained the bloodless victory of truth and mercy.” We have much to contend with daily; but our greatest foe, the one most to be dreaded, and the hardest to vanquish, is a heart of selfishness within; which gives no place for the meek and quiet spirit, when the tempest is raging around us. Oh! that we may at all times be armed with strength from on high, that the tranquil spirit may be ours. When we have overcome selfishness, then can we peacefully “stand the storm” and, smiling, face the rage of Satan, gently bearing all the accusations brought against us, without being the least disturbed. He that is enabled to gain the victory over self, has truly attained a brilliant achievement, a glorious conquest, and will fully realize at last that he is amply rewarded. My brother, my sister, we will strive harder in this warfare, and, finally, when this weary life is ended, with all its struggles and agony, join in singing the song of Moses and of the Lamb. Then shall the 144,000 rest their tired feet upon the heights of Mount Zion.