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Edification, Unity, Perfection! December 27
Made Perfect in Love
“Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the
day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear
in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He
that feareth is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:17, 18).
Even as Christ was in the world, so are His followers. They are the
sons of God, and joint heirs with Christ; and the kingdom and dominion
belong to them. The world understand not their character and
holy calling; they perceive not their adoption into the family of God.
. . . They are strangers. The world know them not, and appreciate not
the motives which actuate them.
The world is ripening for its destruction. God can bear with sinners
but a little longer. They must drink the dregs of the cup of His
wrath unmixed with mercy. Those who will be heirs of God, and joint
heirs with Christ to the immortal inheritance, will be peculiar. Yes, so
peculiar that God places a mark upon them as His, wholly His. . . . It
is soon to be known who is on the Lord’s side, who will not be
ashamed of Jesus. Those who have not moral courage to conscientiously
take their position in the face of unbelievers, leave the fashions
of the world, and imitate the self-denying life of Christ, are ashamed
of Him, and do not love His example. 69
The Master calls for gospel workers. Who will respond? Not all
who enter the army are to be generals, captains, sergeants, or even
corporals. Not all have the care and responsibility of leaders. There is
hard work of other kinds to be done. Some must dig trenches and
build fortifications; some are to stand as sentinels, some to carry messages.
While there are but few officers, it requires many soldiers to
form the rank and file of the army; and yet its success depends upon
the fidelity of every soldier. One man’s cowardice or treachery may
bring disaster upon the entire army.
He who has appointed “to every man his work” (Mark 13:34),
according to his ability, will never let the faithful performance of duty
go unrewarded. Every act of loyalty and faith will be crowned with
special tokens of God’s favor and approbation. 70
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