Obtaining Mercy

Considering that the following quote comes from a book written in 1901, I find it an amazing summation of the attitude of Christians today:

"We hear much about 'personal liberty' in these days, and, to hear some talk, one would think that personal liberty was a gift to be selfishly guarded rather than to be sacrificed for the good of others. But Paul, the apostle, sacrificed his liberty for the sake of others; so did Onesimus, the Christian slave. 

Surely those professing Christians who make 'personal liberty ' their plea for engaging in some form of worldly amusement…and those who are given to some filthy habit…have not studied the life of Jesus, or of Paul or of Onesimus. 

If there were no other reasons why these things should be renounced, that they injure our influence…would be sufficient…To say the least, they are 'weights', and must be laid aside."*

I purposely left out the author's list of "worldly amusement" and "filthy habits".  We must be engaged in a personal relationship with our Saviour to know what things He would have us cull from our lives so that we can be a profitable witness for Him.

What is the first "amusement" or "habit" that pops into your mind after reading the above quote?  My guess is that perhaps that is the very thing about which you need to be seeking God's guidance – Just as I will be! {smile}

Let Scripture be your teacher, and God's Holy Spirit your guide, as you seek to be a worthy vessel used by the Lord to win others to Him.

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us"

Hebrews 12:1

 

*The Art of Soul Winning by J.W. Mahood

I have wondered at times about my reluctance to speak up for Christ in certain situations.  Do you ever feel the need to witness of Him, but feel embarrassed or timid or hesitant to do so?

I read this quote this morning in a free Kindle book I downloaded –The Art of Soul-Winning by J. W. Mahood.  He says,

"The witness of the Spirit will give a holy confidence to the soul-winner…

Much of the timidity and reluctance shown by Christians toward personal work may be traced to a refusal or neglect to live the surrendered life and have the clear assurance of acceptance with God."

Wow!  That is so true!

If I am living my life in an unGodly way, unsure of my own salvation due to sin I am harboring against my Saviour, I am not going to be willing to witness of Him.

Also, if I am indulging my flesh, refusing to submit my will to His in any area, I am going to be hesitant to speak of Him in loving, inviting words to someone who doesn't know Him. 

I feel embarrassed to be recommending a Christ Who I am not wholeheartedly following.

• Do we want others to know our Christ?
• Do we long for our loved ones to be saved?
• Do we dream of being in Heaven with those we have lived with here on earth?

Just another compelling reason to live our lives in accordance with His Word and His precepts.

Our sin robs us of our confidence in witnessing of our Christ! 

May we be obedient to His leading so that we can, in turn, lead others to Him.