strict diet and habits conducive to health. They did all this just to win a corruptible crown and the plaudits of men. How much more ought the Christian be willing to undergo self-denial in view of the in corruptible crown that awaits faithful endeavor for Christ. Paul also uses the boxer to stress his point (w . 26b, 27). The latter had to keep his body in subjection if he expected to make a good showing in the ring. The Apostle bears testimony on his own part to the possibility of being careless in these matters with the result that he would be “ disapproved” as far as winning the prize was concerned. He is
IN CHRIST IS LIFE
How to be a Failure « id you ever read a book on how to be a failure? I don’t recall of ever seeing one. There are literally thousands of books and articles written on how to be a success. I guess this is as it should be. All of us want to be a success. I don’t mean we want to be famous or millionaires. We just want to be a success in everyday living. We want life to have a deep ^ basic meaning. This is. good. It’s the way it should be. But it isn’t always this way. All-too-often life seems to be a failure. I mean deep inside. At the very center. Where it really counts. Since this is such a universal thing perhaps it will help if we think briefly on just how to be a failure. If we can understand the workings ■ of failure we are well on the road to conquering it. W e will, in fact, be on the very threshold of success in the art of living. I Here’s how to be a failure. Do the very best you can. Work, try, resolve, regret. Do all you can and still in God’s sight you are a failure. Deep in your own heart you know this. Being a failure at living is simply living apart from God’s plan for you r life. It’s just that simple. Have a right relationship with God and all of life falls into perfect harmony. What is a right relationship with God? It is casting self with its cares and fears and defeats onto Jesus Christ. He is eternal love. In Him is life. In Him is life— successful life— ■ for you this day, this hour, this minute. Recognizing that your best is a failure in God’s sight doesn’t mean that you are any H worse or less successful than others. It means that you have arrived at that supremely wonderful place in life where you are awakening to reality. While others blindly attempt to succeed you have ceased struggling. You have learned that H man’s best is failure. You have learned that Christ is right there beside you to forgive your past and to give real meaning to your present life. You have learned to look away from self and out and up to Him who is able and willing to fill our lives to overflowing. When you come to Christ you find He has cast out your anxious worries. You need not be lonely. He cares and loves you with an everlasting love. You need not fear. His great arms of protection and strength are forever about you. This is success. It is finding in Christ the solution to the knotty prob lems of our inner self. As Augustine of old said, “ Thou hast touched me and hast translated me into Thy peace.” This is the peace every seeking heart wants. It is what you want. ■ It is yours as you cast yourself on Christ. “ And the peace of ■ God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts I I and minds through Christ Jesus.” — L . H . If you have found in this short article a way of life that you would like. We urge you now— this very moment— to yield your will to His will and in doing so find that in Christ is Life. If you have a question, or if we can be of help in any way, please write us. We shall be happy to send you a copy of the Gospel of John. It is yours free for the asking. Address: The Editors, King's Business, 558 S. Hope, Los Angeles 17, Calif.
Because You Care Because you care we are counting on you to give this special col umn to someone who doesn't yet know Christ. Suggestions: your postman, grocer, one you work with^—or mail it. Remember this column will not reach that soul unless you give it out. Thank you. w m S3
not speaking about the matter of salva tion here. It is the matter of faithfulness in service that concerns him. Hindrances Removed Heb. 12:1-4 No runner on the racetrack could win the race if he was encumbered with robes, heavy shoes, etc. Neither will the Chris tian do a good work for Christ if he clings to the things of the world, the flesh and the devil. He must put off these things (Col. 3:8 ,9 ). The positive aspect of Chris tian living is looking unto Jesus. As we do this there will be no’ possibility of be setting weights and sins. Helps for the Children Learning to Do Right 1 Cor. 9:24, 25; 2 Tim. 2:4, 5 Memory Verse: "Thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the Lord" (Deut. 6:18a). When the great missionary Paul was preaching the gospel, many of the great Roman and Greek athletes were training for the races and games in which they took part. Because many of those to whom Paul wrote letters had seen these athletes, Paul often used them as examples of the Christian life. In First Corinthians, Paul reminds the Christians that although many may run in a race, there can be only one winner. Those who race or play a game in sports must obey certain rules concerning food, health and rest. If they disobey, they can not expect to be winners. Even a winner cannot expect to receive a prize if he has broken a rule of the game. Christian boys and girls need to prac tice self-control if they expect to grow in their Christian life. Those who cannot control their own temper and emotions can never be placed in leadership over others. Those who are ashamed to tell their neighbors and friends about the Lord Jesus can never be used as great mission aries. Perhaps you have a temper or a sinful habit that causes you and your family to CONTINUED ►
.
43
J U L Y , 1 9 5 4
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter