Morning  “Ye are Christ’s.” / 1 Corinthians 3:23

“Ye are Christ’s.” You are his by donation, for the Father gave you to the

Son; his by his bloody purchase, for he counted down the price for your

redemption; his by dedication, for you have consecrated yourself to him; his

by relation, for you are named by his name, and made one of his brethren and

joint-heirs. Labour practically to show the world that you are the servant,

the friend, the bride of Jesus. When tempted to sin, reply, “I cannot do this

great wickedness, for I am Christ’s.” Immortal principles forbid the friend of

Christ to sin. When wealth is before you to be won by sin, say that you are

Christ’s, and touch it not. Are you exposed to difficulties and dangers? Stand

fast in the evil day, remembering that you are Christ’s. Are you placed where

others are sitting down idly, doing nothing? Rise to the work with all your

powers; and when the sweat stands upon your brow, and you are tempted to

loiter, cry, “No, I cannot stop, for I am Christ’s. If I were not purchased by

blood, I might be like Issachar, crouching between two burdens; but I am

Christ’s, and cannot loiter.” When the siren song of pleasure would tempt you

from the path of right, reply, “Thy music cannot charm me; I am Christ’s.”

When the cause of God invites thee, give thy goods and thyself away, for thou

art Christ’s. Never belie thy profession. Be thou ever one of those whose

manners are Christian, whose speech is like the Nazarene, whose conduct and

conversation are so redolent of heaven, that all who see you may know that you

are the Saviour’s, recognizing in you his features of love and his countenance

of holiness. “I am a Roman!” was of old a reason for integrity; far more,

then, let it be your argument for holiness, “I am Christ’s!”

 

Evening “I have yet to speak on God’s behalf.” / Job 36:2

We ought not to court publicity for our virtue, or notoriety for our zeal;

but, at the same time, it is a sin to be always seeking to hide that which God

has bestowed upon us for the good of others. A Christian is not to be a

village in a valley, but “a city set upon a hill;” he is not to be a candle

under a bushel, but a candle in a candlestick, giving light to all. Retirement

may be lovely in its season, and to hide one’s self is doubtless modest, but

the hiding of Christ in us can never be justified, and the keeping back of

truth which is precious to ourselves is a sin against others and an offence

against God. If you are of a nervous temperament and of retiring disposition,

take care that you do not too much indulge this trembling propensity, lest you

should be useless to the church. Seek in the name of him who was not ashamed

of you to do some little violence to your feelings, and tell to others what

Christ has told to you. If thou canst not speak with trumpet tongue, use the

still small voice. If the pulpit must not be thy tribune, if the press may not

carry on its wings thy words, yet say with Peter and John, “Silver and gold

have I none; but such as I have give I thee.” By Sychar’s well talk to the

Samaritan woman, if thou canst not on the mountain preach a sermon; utter the

praises of Jesus in the house, if not in the temple; in the field, if not upon

the exchange; in the midst of thine own household, if thou canst not in the

midst of the great family of man. From the hidden springs within let sweetly

flowing rivulets of testimony flow forth, giving drink to every passer-by.

Hide not thy talent; trade with it; and thou shalt bring in good interest to

thy Lord and Master. To speak for God will be refreshing to ourselves,

cheering to saints, useful to sinners, and honouring to the Saviour. Dumb

children are an affliction to their parents. Lord, unloose all thy children’s

tongue.