What Does the Christian Gain?

Many speak of the life of the Christian taking away from us pleasure and worldly enjoyment. I say it takes away nothing worth having. Is there perplexity, poverty, and distress endured by the Christian? Oh, yes, this is expected in this life. But are the sinners of whom we speak as enjoying the pleasures of this world free from these ills of life? Do we not often see in them the pale cheek, the wracking cough, indicating a fatal disease? Are they not subject to burning fevers and contagious diseases? How often do you hear their complaints of meeting with heavy losses of worldly goods; and consider, this is their only treasure. They lose all. These troubles of sinners are overlooked.

Christians are too apt to think they are the only ones who have a hard time, and some seem to think that it is a condescension in them to embrace unpopular truth and profess to be Christ’s followers. The road seems hard. They think they have many sacrifices to make, when in truth they make no real sacrifice. If they are adopted into the family of God, what sacrifices have they made? Their following Christ may have broken friendship with worldly relatives, but look at the exchange—their names written in the Lamb’s book of life—elevated, yes, greatly exalted to be partakers of salvation—heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ to an imperishable inheritance. If the link which binds them to worldly relatives is weakened for Christ’s sake, a stronger one is formed, a link which binds finite humanity to the infinite God. Shall we call this a sacrifice on our part because we yield error for truth, light for darkness, weakness for strength, sin for righteousness, and a perishable name and inheritance for honors that are lasting and an immortal treasure? …

If there is anyone who enjoys happiness even in this life, it is the faithful follower of Jesus Christ…. If Christians dwell too much upon the rough pathway, they make it harder than it really is. If they dwell upon the bright spots in the way and are grateful for every ray of light, and then dwell upon the rich reward that lies at the end of the race, instead of gloom, mourning, and complaints, they will bear a cheerful countenance.—The Review and Herald, April 28, 1859.
From the Heart p. 134
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for David who is having health issues.
—-Please pray for Steve who is recovering from surgery. Ron
—-Please pray for our president. Jerry
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Dear Friends,

When Ronnie Jay was four, we lived in a small trailer park located next to our pastor’s house. Whenever Pastor Earnhardt would come out of his house to mow his large lawn, do some repair work, or anything else, Ronnie Jay would follow him around, talking constantly, and often getting in the way. Sometimes the pastor would send him home because he was afraid that our son would get hurt, but most of the time he let him stay. Over the time we lived there, they developed quite a bond.

One of Ronnie Jay’s fondest childhood memories is of a church campout we went to when he was seven. Having the habit of awaking shortly after the first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon, he unzipped the tent and quietly crept outside. He was used to this quiet time before anyone else awakened, so he contented himself with exploring the campsite. Before long, he noticed that he was not alone. Pastor Earnhardt, quietly sitting against a tree, was reading his Bible. Soon Ronnie Jay was beside him quietly watching him. Before long, they were in whispered conversation.

When we finally awakened and looked out of the tent’s window, we had to smile at what we saw. A short distance away was our pastor with his arms around Ronnie Jay, teaching him how to swing a bat. Then Pastor Earnhardt walked a short distance away and tossed the ball toward our son. Ronnie Jay was so happy when he actually hit it. The pastor was nearly as excited as he was as well.

Just as our son watched for Pastor Earnhardt to come out of the house, so he could be with him; so our focus is to be upon our Dear Saviour. “Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens. Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.” “The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.” Psa 123:1,2; 145:15,16 As we behold our Loving Creator, we will be “changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Cor 3:18

Just as Ronnie Jay loved to spend time with our pastor, so we should love to spend time with our Redeemer by reading His Holy Word and time in prayer. “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.” Psa 119:9-12 “Paul advises, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Tim 2:15 As we study and pray, He answers us! He promises, “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Jer 33:3; Isa 30:21; Ps 32:8

May we, both now and throughout eternity, “follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth” is my prayer. Rev 14:4

Rose