p. 26 | CHRIST, OUR HELPER by Nellie F. Heald

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 25, 1877

CHRIST, OUR HELPER.

By Nellie F. Heald

NONE can be successful in the Christian warfare who have not divine help—the help of One who is mighty to save. Says our Saviour, “Without me ye can do nothing.” Christ in the soul as a quickening spirit, is what gives holiness to the life, and ministers growth and peace. We fail to subdue self, and conquer the spirit of evil, because we have so little of Christ within us. Without his spirit to blend with ours, thrilling all the soul, we are as growthless as a tree without sap—like a branch almost severed from the vine. It barely clings by a few fibers, and draws just enough of the vitalizing sap to keep it from utterly perishing. Much of its freshness and vigor is lost; and we look in vain for the rich, full clusters of the purple fruit. None whose affections are severed from the living Vine, can bring forth fruit to perfection. Unless their love is renewed, and they form a closer connection with Heaven, they will be cast aside by the Master of the vineyard as withered branches; and at last will be gathered in bundles to be burned.

There are many things that tend to sever our affections from Christ; and so gradually is the change wrought that we may not be aware of our true condition. We little realize how fraught with danger is our pathway, when we stray from the divine guidance, and thus expose ourselves unprotected to the deceptive wiles of Satan, who does not appear to us as the “prince of darkness,” for then we should cry for help to resist him, but who “is transformed into an angel of light,” with power to deceive and lead away every unconsecrated soul.

It is only when we surrender fully to Christ, and abide under the shadow of his wings, that we are safe from the subtle temptations of the enemy. We are complete in him. When in our trials and discouragements we go to Jesus for help, in faith unwavering, help will come; and with the psalmist we may say, “The Lord is my helper.” We are capable of endless growth, of unmeasured joy and peace, for Christ within must be our joy; that which gives life its sweetness, and the one thing that makes it desirable. In himself, Jesus saw the perfect reflection of the Father, hence he could say, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” He whose life is pure, in accordance with the precepts of the gospel, reflects the lovely character of Christ; and is climbing the shining rounds of that ladder whose top reaches even to the gates of pearl.

Of such, Jesus hath said, “The pure in heart shall see God.” Not to the great, the learned, the honored of earth, is this grand, sweet promise given. Nay,—only the pure in heart shall see God. He who loves God, not he who believes in his truth, hath everlasting life. It is not sufficient merely to believe the truth; something more is required. “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me.”

When the record of our lives is seen in the Judgment, may it not be said, “Ye knew your duty, but ye did it not.” Our opportunities are many, and precious, and God is ready to help. We have seen in our late camp-meeting that which inspires us with renewed courage. We have seen God’s readiness to help; and something of his power to move the hearts of the people. He only waits for us to so wait upon him in humility and self-surrender that he can consistently bless and help.

“In the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.” In the language of the apostle, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Christ our helper alone can enlarge our hearts, give us moral elevation, and such an influence as will help us to win souls. May it be our daily and earnest petition, that he may be to us a present help in time of need.

NELLIE F. HEALD.

[Copied from The Missionary Worker.]