effort, and setting aside selfish desires is important in the spiritual realm, too! If we would drink deeply of the water of life and find that high plateau of perfect peace, attendant upon spir itual growth and maturity, we must be willing to endure self-crucifixion. “I’d give the world to have your Christian testimony and experience,” a wealthy man boasted to a zealous missionary. His reply was, “That’s exactly what it cost me! I gave up the world that I might gain His higher calling." “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world.” THE CAR THAT SPOKE! Man, I feel great today. The gover nor of our state has just proclaimed it Safe Driving Sunday. I’m sure hoping my owner, Mr. Christian, has heard the word. Maybe somebody will tell him at church. He never misses attending, that is, Sunday mornings. Trouble is, he is always late! The way he hurries nearly kills me! Actually he goes through more stop signs on Sunday than the rest of the week put together. Why he has to fracture the speed limit on the Lord’s day is beyond me. It bothers me even more that he can get so “onery” and irritable on his way to church. Do you know he even yells at other drivers? Just between us, “Fat Head” or “Numbskull” are hardly terms that sound right, coming out of a deacon’s mouth. Sure like to be used on Sunday evening, but he’s always too tired, or finds some other excuse. Of course, prayer meetings are always for the others only! I don’t know why I am grumbling on like this, but while I’m at it, I might as well get a few more knocks out of my motor. One of my biggest complaints are those two signs on my back bumper. One says, “Prepare to meet thy God.” The other reads, “Attend church regu larly.” Now, I am not against the signs, 25 The Gospel breaks hard hearts and heals broken ones.
this’ll take most of my time for now. Maybe Christ could come in July. Busi ness is lousy then anyway! And the tithe from our store’s profits could be helpful to establish His kingdom.” Naturally, the other foolish church members, nodded in agreement as the fourth pointed out, ‘‘I’ve been gone so much lately, I have to spend more time at home with my. family. I’m afraid you can’t count on me for money, either. We plan to buy that new color TV set. It’s a great thing for the kids. That Disney puts on some great features Sunday evenings!” What about the fifth? Oh, he was too occupied as well. “Wife’s been telling me how hgrd I’ve been working. We’re taking an early vacation. You can put me down for a few phone calls when I get back . . . that is, if the Lord’s still here!” Far-fetched you say? Perhaps, but what excuses do we use, seeing evident signs on so many hands that the return of Jesus Christ could be at any mo ment? How much there is to be done! Each of us has the privilege and oppor tunity of being used, through the power of God’s Holy Spirit. May the challenge come forcefully to our hearts with this modern-day parable of the foolish church members. “Therefore, be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh!” THE COST OF SERVICE Probably one of the best known names in the field of violin artistry is that of Fritz Kreisler. When in his 80’s, his music still thrilled multitudes as liquid tones literally poured from his instrument. One day a woman rushed up to him after one of his concerts, and gushingly declared, “Oh, you know, Mr. Kreisler, I’d give my life if I could play as you do.” The great violinist answered soberly, “Madam, I’ll have you know that’s exactly what I have done! I’ve given my life!” How right he was, for accomplishment that is meaningful includes sacrifice. Time, A short prayer will reach the throne if you don’t live too far away.
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