|
Although for “many” in our
self-pleasing age that divinely inspired love has grown cold, yet there
are also some in all lands who grasp its implications and who feel its
constraining motivation. For these sensuality and materialism have lost
their appeal. They gladly yield all their capabilities and resources to
Christ, demonstrating a devotion that contradicts the “me-first”
orientation natural to the human heart. These people would never claim
that they are an iota better than anybody else; they have simply seen
something!
These people are the “salt of the
earth,” exercising an influence for good out of all proportion to
their scant numbers, preserving the world from complete deterioration. And
this is the reason why Huxley’s and Orwell’s pessimistic prophecies
have not yet come true.
How can you catch the vision?
By looking at the magnificent love God
has revealed in His Word and by telling Him, “Thank You!” By
choosing to let His love motivate you to take the first step of faith, by
letting it bear its fruit of self-denial in your heart and life. By
letting its power begin to work in you “to will and to act according
to his good purpose,” rather than your own selfish will (Philippians 2:
13). By choosing to dam up the love which has flowed down to you from the
cross of Christ, and letting it flow out from you to someone else.
By letting tears of contrition come for your past unbelief; by choosing to
believe the heart-melting assurance of God’s personal, persistent love
for unworthy you.
The reward, either now or eventually, is
not what’s important. Those who respond to Christ are not looking for a
crown to wear; they want to help crown Him King of kings and Lord
of lords. He alone, the Prince of agape, deserves a crown.
He is still asking the question,
"When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"
Imagine His joy when He can answer, “Yes! I have found it in
you.”
(Robert J. Wieland is a lecturer and
writer in Meadow Vista California. Reprinted from Signs of the Times,
with permission.)
|
