3. Then, as a last motive to stimulate you in the pursuit of Holiness,
I will name _self-interest_. That may seem rather a low-down motive,
seeing that Holiness, which is perfect love, is the extreme opposite of
that selfishness which is the essence or root of all sin. It seems like
a paradox or contradiction to say that self-denial can harmonize with
enjoyment; and yet it is true. A man does advance his highest interests
and truest well-being when he submits to the sanctifying conditions of
the Holy Ghost; for what the world counts loss, he finds to be gain.
I would point out that we find God Himself appealing to men just at
that point of self-interest. What a chapter is that fifty-fifth of
Isaiah, beginning, 'Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the
waters', and so on, the second verse finishing, 'Eat ye that which is
good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness'. As much as to say,
'You will find it worth while to come into right relations with Me'.
There is no doubt that people are moved when they properly understand
the fact which Paul set forth in the words: 'Godliness is profitable
unto all things, having the promise of the life that now is, and of
that which is to come'; 'Godliness with contentment is great gain'. And
I want you to see that to have the blessing of Full Salvation will be
worth your while, because it will meet the deep needs of your
individual life.
If I am asked to define what you must be in order that your religious
life may be happy and successful, I would state the case thus.
First, you need to be in right and happy relationship with God. There
must be no enmity there; no clouds in that sky; no closed doors between
you and your Heavenly Father. Salvation does nothing for you if it does
not bring that.
Second, you need to be delivered from those inward evils which have
darkened your mind, polluted your soul, and will be like roots of
bitterness springing up to trouble you if they are not removed.
Third, you want power to live up to your own ideals; that is, up to the
standards of life upon which your consecrated heart will be set. You do
not want to be in the position of the man who exclaims, 'The good that
I would I do not; but the evil which I would not, that I do'. You want
power to live 'unspotted from the world', to walk in Divine fellowship,
to triumph over temptation, and to have victory and success in your
service. These are the things you must have to meet your deepest need,
and they are all secured to you in the blessing of Holiness which we
urge you to seek.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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