TO WHOM ARE YOU LOOKING?
By A. A. John
In traveling from place to place one meets a great variety of people among Christians. Some are nearly always discouraged on account of the failure of some fellow-mortal. Others are watching the world to see if they can get wealth, honor, or pleasure from it to make smooth and cheerful the rugged, lonely path in which Christians are supposed to walk. Many belong to these classes, and it is not difficult to point them out. They are often emotional, and it is nothing strange to see them elated one day and the next almost in despair. Another class, very much smaller than either of the above, seem to have so few shadows in their pathway that their joy is almost complete. This class do not seek joy and comfort from the world, nor do they continually watch their erring brethren. Their own weaknesses teach them that "vain is the help of man," so they look unto Jesus, and find in him an ever-present helper. This is the secret of the whole matter. Nothing seems to stimulate them but the nectar from the Lord's great chalice of divine grace. It is their all-satisfying portion. And thus they walk in the humble path of life with a silent, but irresistible influence. They are the salt of the earth. They are Christians, and we cannot help loving them. Dear reader, are you almost ready to yield to doubts, discouragements, and worldly temptations just because some poor striving mortal like yourself is failing in his efforts to overcome? or, because the worldling's cup seems to overflow with pleasure? If so, you are in danger. You are looking in the wrong direction. Says the apostle: "Let us run with patience the race that is set before us." By heeding these words you may have a new experience in the divine life, and may finish your course with joy. A. A. JOHN.