WE should not live for self, or selfish purposes; for we are not our own, but have been bought with a price—the precious blood of Jesus. "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world; if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." Let us, as the apostle says, in all things give God the pre-eminence. Pride, avarice, and self-seeking are worldly characteristics; but they have clandestinely found their way into many of the churches, defeating the real object for which the latter were established; that is, the salvation of the people.
The Scripture declaration that "no man liveth to himself" is sufficient proof that we have a more worthy object in life than ministering to self alone. Kind, generous, and unselfish deeds have a weight and influence for good, which the enemies of Christ and His truth can not counteract nor gainsay. If we could fully realize that we are not our own, how much more easily could we surrender our all unto Him, who counted His life not dear, but laid it down for the enemies of the cross. How wonderfully unselfish was Jesus!
We are not our own; and we should be glad we are not. If we belonged absolutely to self, we, no doubt, would sow to the flesh, for the carnal mind "is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." God is our heavenly Father; all men, white or black, are our brothers. The Lord is no respecter of persons; He sends the rain on the just and on the unjust. He died for us all, that we might live. It is now high time for us to be up and doing, for our redemption draweth nigh.
What a sad thing it is for any one to live a narrow, selfish life, when there are thousands, yea, millions, that are perishing, not only for daily provisions, but also, and especially, for the bread of life! Many Christians, I am sorry to say, are doing comparatively nothing for the dissemination of God's last warning message in this dark and sinful world. May all who profess to know the Lord, from this time on, resolve to be earnest, prayerful laborers together with God. May we realize, as never before, the shortness of time and the importance of zealous, persistent work in His vineyard.