Lift Him UP

Lift Him Up

Paul in Philippians 4:8 tell us: “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Already, 2019 has been ushered in; yet before we forget 2018 may we pause to ask, “What has been the history of the year that with its burden of records has now passed into eternity? Let us “examine ourselves, whether you be in the faith; prove your own selves.” God forbid that at this important hour of worlds history, that we should be so engrossed with other matters as to give no time to serious, candid, critical self-examination! Let things of minor consequence be put in the background and let us now bring to the front the things which concern our eternal interest, which is eternal life with Christ.

None of us can in our own strength represent the character of Christ; unless Jesus lives in the heart, the spirit dwelling in Him will be revealed in us; where we lack, it will be supplied. Who will seek at the beginning of this new year to obtain a new and genuine experience in the things of God? Make your wrongs right as far as possible. Confess your errors and sins one to another. Let all bitterness and wrath and malice be put away; let patience, long-sufferings, kindness, and love become a part of your very being; then whatsoever things are pure and lovely and of good report will mature in your experience.

What is the fruit we have borne during the year, now just past? What has been our influence upon others? Whom have we gathered to the fold of Christ? The eyes of the world are upon us. Are we living epistles of Christ, and known and read of all men? Do we follow the example of Jesus in self-denial, in meekness, in humility, in forbearance, in cross-bearing, and in devotion to our Lord? Will the world be compelled to acknowledge us to be the servants of Christ?

If not, then shall we in this new year seek to correct the errors of the past? It behooves us individually to cultivate the grace of Christ, to be meek and lowly of heart, but strong in Christ. To be firm, unwavering, and steadfast in the truth; for in this way only can be advance in holiness and be made fir for the inheritance of the saints. Let us begin the year with an entire renunciation of self; let us pray for clear discernment, that we may understand our Saviour’s claims upon us, and that we may always and everywhere be witnesses and ambassadors for Christ.

Therefore, lift up Jesus. Lift Him up in exhortations, in sermons, in songs, and in prayer. Let all your efforts be directed to pointing souls that are confused, bewildered, and lost to Christ, the Lamb of God, which came to take away the sins of the world. As Moses bid the Israelite to look upon the brass serpent and live, so must we compel other to look upon Christ to live. Therefore, don’t wait, bid them to look and live.