GIVE ME A WORKS-BASED RELIGION. 010

"There must be persevering effort to overcome selfishness and self-confidence. Self-examination must be thorough, that there be no danger of self-deception. A little catechizing of self on special occasions is not sufficient. Daily examine the foundation of your hope and see whether you are indeed in the love of Christ. Deal truly with your own hearts, for you cannot afford to run any risk here. Count the cost of being a wholehearted Christian, and then gird on the armor. Study the Pattern; look to Jesus and be like Him. Your peace of mind, your hope of eternal salvation, depend on faithfulness in this work. As Christians we are less thorough in self-examination than in anything else; it is no wonder, then, that we make such slow advancement in understanding self. {5T 332.2}"

Something about reading this, makes me feel that it is necessary to reflect on, and though there is not much to say that has not already been said, I do think it is imperative for me and whoever else cares about this sort of this to really deal truly with ourselves. Where are the weak spots? guard them. Self-examination must be thorough if we would shun temptation and discord

"It is your work to study and to imitate the Pattern. Was Christ self-denying? so must you be. Was He meek and lowly? so must you be. Was He zealous in the work of saving souls? so must you be. Did He labor to promote the glory of His Father? so must you. Did He often seek help from God? so must you. Was Christ patient? so will you be patient. As Christ forgave His enemies, so will you forgive. {5T 160.3}"

As I compare myself with Jesus, though I see how far I am, I am grateful that the plan is simple and not convoluted. MY WORK IS TO IMITATE JESUS, THE END.

Jesus was self-denying – Am I?

Jesus was meek and humble – Am I?

Jesus was zealous (passionate/fervent) in the work of saving souls – Am I?

Jesus laboured to promote the glory of The Father – Do I?

Jesus often sought help from God – Do I?

Jesus was patient – Am I?

JESUS FORGAVE HIS ENEMIES – Have I?

Simple, yet it will take all the effort of man possible. The gospel is simple, the requirements are simple. These are gospel aspirations. I feel like I don’t expect more from myself sometimes spiritually, because I am afraid of falling into a works-based religion, which is crazy because Christianity is a works-based religion, a religion that works – for the saving of souls, and the glory of God, by faith. Work, by faith, do not be deceived you do not have faith, if you do not work.

"Galatians 5:6 For in Jesus Christ... faith works by love."

Lord God give me Jesus, practically, not just Jesus in the music and the sermons and the feelings, give me Jesus and the cross. The cross of self-denial, of meekness and humility. The cross of zeal in saving souls and working only for Your glory not mine. The cross of seeking help from You, the cross of patience, and yes, even the cross that comes with forgiving even my enemies. IJN amen.

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