Words of Counsel to the Newly Converted # 3

Words of Counsel to the Newly Converted # 3

4. Maintain a clear and distinct witness for Christ in the world. In spite of all hindrances within and without, in spite of all that may occur to draw you back, in spite of your great adversary, the devil, and your own evil heart - be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Be steadfast and bold as a soldier of the Cross. Do not be afraid to own the Master whose servant you are. Even the most ungodly will in their hearts respect one who is consistent in his life, and fearless in his confession of Christ.

Remember too that He has said, "Whoever shall be ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation - of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father, with the holy angels."

5. Be separate from a world that lies in wickedness. Of course in some measure you must mix in the world, while you live on earth - but let it be evident that you rise above it. Don't be the slave of worldly amusements. God loves that His people should be cheerful and happy - but there is little true enjoyment in the excitement of the theater, the race track, the ballroom, the gambling table, and the like. Choose something higher and better.

Consider how such things, by late hours and in other ways, check the growth of true piety. If you err, let it be on the safe side. Do not ask, "How far may I go, and yet be guiltless?" Rather ask, "How may I walk closely with God? "How may I enjoy most of the love of Christ?" "How shall I best glorify my Father in Heaven?"

Whenever you stand in doubt as to whether it is right or not to go to any place, bear in mind the old rule: Ask yourself, "Can I kneel down and with a good conscience ask the Lord to go with me?" If not, be sure that it is not safe for you.

Above all, bear witness for Christ in the world by a very holy and consistent life. Manfully resist sin in every shape and form. Watchfully guard against the least approach to to youthful lusts. In thought, word, and deed, be pure, be chaste. Regard the least allusion to anything impure, as the poison of the old serpent which is death to the soul.

Beware of any companion, in whose society you are not safe from such temptations. Beware of any place where there may be reason to fear them. After the example of Joseph, utterly abhor such iniquity: "How?" said he, "shall I do this great wickedness and sin against God?" So likewise shrink from every other sin. Keep a very tender conscience. Don't make light of little sins, as you may think them. Little acts of dishonesty, of selfishness, of neglect, indulged vanity, and self-conceit - who can tell how much harm is often done by those things?

But while you watch against sin, do not be content even with this. Be zealous in doing good. Follow in Christ's footsteps. Lay out yourself for the welfare of your fellow men. Wherever you may be placed, let your influence for good be felt by those with whom you have to do. "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven."

"To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy - to the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen." (Jude 1:24-25).

O help us, Lord, each hour of need
Your heavenly support give,
Help us in thought, and word, and deed,
Each hour on earth we live!

O help us when our spirits bleed
With contrite anguish sore;
And when our hearts are cold and dead,
O help us, Lord, the more!

O help us, through the prayer of faith
More firmly to believe,
For still the more the servant has,
The more shall he receive.

O help us, Jesus, from on high,
We know no help but Thee!
O help us so to live and die
As Yours in Heaven to be!

~George Everard~

(The End)