BY J. M. HOPKINS
GOD has given His people a high standard of morality to attain. Jesus said to his disciples, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matt. 5:48. On this text, Mr. Cruden comments thus: “As imitating God in loving and doing good to others.” No one can imitate God unless he has a good understanding of the character and works of God, nor can one imitate God, be “perfect in his sphere of action as God is in his,” unless he has strength of character to resist temptation, and stand firmly at his post, unselfishly, lovingly working and sacrificing for others, even as God has done for us. See Rom. 5:8. Respecting this standard of Christian character, the apostle Peter said: “But as He which hath called you is Holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am Holy.” 1 Pet. 1:15, 16.
Such is the exalted standard marked out for us in the book of God; and nothing lower than this, nothing less than the best efforts, the whole heart, will meet the divine approval. And yet, with many, the first effort in religious life seems to be the last. They have been led, and it may have been honestly enough, too, to accept the truth of God, in part, at least. They have submitted to the ordinances of the Lord’s house, have become members of the church, and thus far have given promise of becoming strong, useful workers in the cause of God. But here they stop! They appear to be at rest, at ease. They seem to have no longing, no hungering to know more of God. They always have the same experience to relate, but they have made no progress. (They quickly become Laodicean) They have no higher aspirations or attainments, after years of professional life, than when they started. Indeed, their hope and experience seem less bright. They are such as Paul styles “babes in Christ.” 1 Cor. 3:1, 2 ; see also Heb. 5:12-14. This should not be so.
True religion in the heart is ever onward, upward. The true child of God is never satisfied to stand still. The prayer of David is his prayer: “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, 0 God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” Ps. 42:1, 2. Each new blessing, each feast from the heavenly board, creates a desire for more and still more. “Nearer, my God, to thee” will be the aspiration of the true Christian’s heart, and the watchword and song of his life. Thus he will “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Pet. 3:18. Thus he will have clearer views of the divine character as revealed in the book of God, and by “beholding” he will be “changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Cor. 3:18. His life will be “as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Prov. 4:18. In him will be manifest all those lovely traits of character enumerated in 2 Pet. 1:5-8, by means of which he will “neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Such persons will have strength of character. They will be skillful workers in the cause of God. They cannot be led astray by every wind of doctrine, every cunning device of Satan. They have a knowledge of God’s character and word. They know what they believe, and why they believe it; and thus have an intelligent faith. In the advancing light of truth, they have been able to discover and correct the defects in their characters. The enemy is unable to take advantage of these defects and weaknesses. In passing through a forest after a hard wind storm, you will notice that those trees which have been broken down or uprooted, are those which either have no life, have weak, unsound places in the wood where they have been broken, or have no depth of earth. Their roots are not interwoven with the rocks below. Thus it is with many Christians. They have no strength. They have weak places in their characters, of which the enemy takes advantage to destroy them. They are not “rooted and grounded” in the truth.
Satan is working with all “deceivableness of unrighteousness.” He will deceive all who have not strength of character. Paul says: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” 1 Cor. 15:58. Every possible avenue must be fortified against the invasions of the enemy, and all laudable means used to come up to that standard of Christian perfection prescribed by our divine Lord. The true child of God cannot be satisfied with anything short of this; and this alone will insure safety.
Advent Review and Sabbath Herald —March 23, 1886