THE STRUGGLE OF SIN WITHIN.
By J. H. Durland
SIN is a mighty foe to subdue, whether in the world or in the heart. Some Christians are often discouraged when sin rises to maintain its strongholds within them. They are led to think they have more sin now than they had at first, and instead of growing holier, they are growing less holy. When a special effort is made to confess Christ, or to be more fully consecrated to his service, the power of sin rises within them and sets up apparent unsurmountable obstacles. To those who have this experience we wish to say a few words. It is no proof that you are more sinful because you perceive more of your sin at one time than at another, but frequently the contrary, just as when one is sweeping a room, though the air is filled with dust floating in the sunlight, there is no more of it actually in the room than before, and there will be still less as the sweeping process goes on. The closer you come to Jesus, the more faulty you will appear in your own eyes; for your vision will be clearer, and your imperfections will be seen in broad and distinct contrast to his perfect nature. This is evidence that Satan's delusions have lost their power; that the vivifying influence of the Spirit of God is arousing you.—Steps to Christ. We do not fully know the strength of sin within us until we oppose it. The power of the tempest is only known when it comes against objects which stand in its way. A deep river may flow on in its course very peacefully, giving little indication of its power, but when an effort is made to stop its progress, it shows the immense force contained in its waters. So sin at one time might have been allowed to have its course, when to us it seemed comparatively feeble and smooth; but now we are attempting to stem its progress, it shows its character in fury, in energy, in appearance, which we thought it did not possess. He who makes more than an ordinary effort to live a Christian will be sure to meet with more than ordinary temptations from Satan, and strugglings of sin within. The attempt to bind the strong man will actually excite him to greater exertions of strength than if allowed to have liberty. When we were indifferent as to whether we should become more holy and useful, the enemy left us alone; but the moment we awake to more determined action to be better, and to do more good in the world, he comes out with stronger forces against us. "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Eph. 6:11. Satan is a wily foe and determined to bring us into discouragement. He knows our weakness, and ever seeks to attack us in that place and at that time when he sees he will succeed. If he can get us to doubt the promise of God, he knows we will become discouraged. If he can keep us in discouragement, he is sure he can lead us to despair, and from this prison he leads to destruction. The downward road is
Doubt,
Discouragement,
Despair,
Destruction. The Christian's first step towards destruction is doubt. When he concludes the promises of God (Isa. 1:18; 1 John 1:9; Ps. 32:6-8) do not reach his case, he has opened the gate to the broad road to destruction. Keep this gate closed, and locked by a personal appropriation of the promises of God. Take comfort that Jesus, who has overcome the world, is on your side. He fights for you. He is stronger than the struggling foe within. Even though you should be torn, and thrown down by the evil spirit, yet, if you are coming to Jesus, or walking with him, he will not suffer you to be destroyed, but will cast out the evil one and restore you to purity. His strength shall be made perfect in your weakness. Thou knowest, Lord, the weariness and sorrow
Of the sad heart that comes to thee for rest;
Cares of to-day are burdens for to-morrow,
Blessings implored, and sins to be confest;
I come before thee at thy gracious word,
And lay them at thy feet—thou knowest, Lord.