How To Become a Citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven
How To Become a Citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven HOW TO BECOME A CITIZEN OF THE
KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
By Forrest R. Waldrop
Ours is the great privilege of citizenship in the two greatest governments known to man: the Government of the United States of America, which is the greatest carnal government, and the kingdom of heaven, which far surpasses, any physical government. Truly did Isaiah say: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith Jehovah. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts, than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9). One needs only to think upon the temporal, fleeting benefits and privileges of physical life, as contrasted with the everlasting, enduring benefits of spiritual life, to see the superiority of God’s kingdom over the kingdoms of men. Physical things endure only until death, but the spiritual shall take on greater reality, and greater benefits after death. That we may be subjects of both governments, and enjoy the privileges provided in them, cannot be ques-tioned when we hear Jesus say, as recorded in, Matthew 22:21, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s,.” Or to hear Paul say in Romans 13:1, “Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God: and the powers that be are
ordained of God.”
1. “Marks and Scars” of Citizenship
There are certain unmistakable “marks and scars” present with every individual on earth. When we hear the description given relative to the marks of identification, the finger prints, and the marks and scars, we are made to realize their importance, and how impossible it is to escape them. And, there are certain identifying marks borne by every true child of God, from which ye cannot depart, and remain acceptable unto God These were apparent in Peter and John when they stood before the council of the. Jews as recorded in Acts 4:13 : “Now when they beheld the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” Their being unlearned and ignorant men did not label them as disciples of the Christ, but the works which they did, and the words which they spoke did definitely caus,e the Jews to recognize this fact. Jesus spoke of the same point in this way, Matthew 7:16 : “By their fruits ye shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles,?” As children of God, we should see to it that we manifest the “marks and scars” of the kingdom of heaven.
2. The Desirability of Citizenship.
The desire for citizenship in the United States, is evidently greater today than it has ever been. This is caused by the disturbing conditions of the world in general, together with the added advantages insured by the Constitution, and the protection of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which may be enjoyed in this country. And, there must be the desire of these things before citizenship can be acquired. Aliens do not become citizens by accident.
Neither do individuals enter into the kingdom of Christ by accident. There must be the desiring before the acquiring! But, citizenship in the kingdom of heaven should be far more desirable than in any other government. It offers benefits, here and now in the lives of men and women, and in the world to come, eternal life. Where is the government of men which offers benefits to man beyond the grave? Some governments today even confiscate the property of the citizens.
3. Who May Become Citizens?
The citizenship of our country is made up by those who are born and reach the age of majority, and by those who have left their former country and have obtained citizenship in our country. A great many more people enter this country through birth than through any other avenue. A child enters, the world through no fault or merit of its own, and may grow to manhood little realizing the advantages offered and the principles prevailing in the country of its birth. But not so with the church of the Lord. He who enters the church or kingdom does so with an understanding of its teachings and principles. In fact, no individual can became a Christian who lacks the
ability to understand, believe and obey the gospel. For we read, Hebrews 11:6 : “And without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him.”
4. The New Birth
Jesus chose a well understood principle when he taught that one enters into the church through the new birth. He taught Nicodemus at this point when he s,aid, John 3:3-5 : “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” This statement is the equivalent to the great commission as stated in Mark 16:15-16. In every birth, there is the agency of two parents. There is the begetting and the bringing forth. In the spiritual birth the begetting is accomplis,hed when the word of God enters the heart and begets faith. The apostle Peter said, 1 Peter 1:23 : “Having been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which liv- eth and abideth.” Herein is the Spirit’s part in the new birth, for the Holy Spirit was sent into the world to guide men into all truth (John 16:13), and when faith is thus produced, the begetting has been accomplished by the Spirit through the word of God. It was. for this purpose that the gospel was written (John 20:30-31).
Faith is acquired through the hearing of the word of God, Romans 10:17 : “So belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Therefore, a man has a part in his own spiritual birth, for he possesses the ability to believe or disbelieve the word, and to accept or reject it. Herein lies a difference between the spiritual birth, and the natural birth, for the child has no choice relative to its birth. Do you ask: How were people born of the Spirit in the days of the apostles ? Let us examine the first instance of it in the New Testament and see how it was accomplished. On the first Pentecost after the death of Christ, the word of God was placed in the hearts of the multitude by the preaching of the apostle Peter, as he declared unto them the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. In this manner they were begotten by the Spirit, and faith was produced in their hearts. If anyone was ever born of the Spirit, surely these were, for the Holy Spirit had just been given unto the apostle and he was completely guided by him, so that it-was not Peter speaking, but the Spirit speaking through him. Notice the results of believing the preaching of the word of God, Acts 2:37-38 : “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do? And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Chris,t unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Upon these instructions three thousand people were baptized in the name of Christ.
They were born again, born of water and the Spirit. And, the same procedure which thus made them citizens of the kingdom of God, saved them from their past sins. Furthermore, everyone who has entered into the family of God, since that day, has entered in identically the same manner.
Those who contend that the Spirit operates directly upon the heart of man, overlook the facts of the gospel. For in every conversion the word of God was preached by men. The case of the eunuch of Acts 8 is a good example. The Spirit directed Philip to the man, but Philip did the preaching and the eunuch could not tell that the Spirit was hovering over the scene. Yet he was begotten by the Spirit through the word spoken by Philip the preacher. When Peter began preaching to the house of Cornelius the Holy Spirit came upon them in baptismal measure, yet this was not done to save them, for they were to hear words whereby they would be saved (Acts, 11:14). Peter commanded them to be baptized in water (Acts 10:47-48) and thus they were born of water and the Spirit, Mark 16:15-16 : “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned.” In this same manner the Corinthians were begotten and born again. Whatever followed the begetting was the new birth (See 1 Corinthians 4:15; Acts 18:8).
5. A Record of Births
When a child is born into the world, the attending doctor is required to fill out a Birth Certificate, and deliver it to a Justice of the Peace, who in turn files it with the Bureau of Vital Statistics, a department of the government whose purpose it is to look after such records. It is becoming more important year after year that we have certificates of the births of our children, and of ourselves. It is exceedingly difficult to obtain a passport, or to travel in other countries, without such a record. Our schools are becoming stricter in requiring the presentation of these papers at the time a child enters into the institution.
It is possible that an individual may have complied with all requirements of the government relative to natural birth, and his name not be enrolled in the Book of Life of the United States. For, at times, doctors have failed to properly execute the papers at the time of birth. This necessitates, the filling out of certain papers to establish the fact of birth, and to secure a certificate of the same. Such a mistake is never made concerning the New Birth. The great Recorder of the Lamb’s Book of Life never fails to enter those names which should be on its pages. Hence, we need not doubt that our names were recorded there, if we were born again as taught in God’s Word. Heavenly recorders make no mistakes. This fact is noticeable in Acts 2:47, “. . . And the Lord added to them day by day those that were saved.” This is equal to saying that the Lord added day by day those who were born into the family of God. None were added who were not saved, and none were added who were not born again. These expressions are synonymous. But, imagine the folly of a doctor trying to record the birth certificate of a child before it is born, and you will have the very predicament that men are in who teach salvation before and apart from baptism. God does not record the names of his children before they are born into his family! Hence, names are not entered in the Book of Life before baptism, for baptism is, the act of bringing forth in the spiritual birth.
Thus, we note that when the word of God produces faith in the heart of man, the Spirit has begotten him again. But faith must grow and produce repentance, or the reformation of life, it must be a confessing faith, and it must culminate in baptism or the bringing forth unto spiritual life. This is, the meaning of being born of water and the Spirit.
Although the Lord never fails to enter the names which should appear in the Book of Life, it is altogether possible that our names may be blotted out of that Book.
Revelation 3:4-5 : “But thou hast a few names in Sardis that did not defile their garments: and they shall walk with m,e in white; for they are worthy. He that overcometh s.hall thus be arrayed in white garments; and I will in no wise blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.'’
Notice please, that this is conditioned upon the fact that he overcomes, that he is worthy, and that he does not defile his garments of righteousness. It is necessary that he overcome if his name is to remain on the Lamb’s Book of Life.
The great thought that should search every heart is: IS MY NAME WRITTEN THERE?
Within the holy Book of Life,
I know The angels, write with care,
The names of those who triumph here below,
Is my name written there?
Is my name written in the Book of Life,
Where shining pens record,
Is mine with those who conquer in the strife,
And win the great reward?
6. Come Out From Among Them
There is one great fact which is not set forth by the figure of birth, relative to entering the Kingdom of God. For the one who enters God’s kingdom comes out of the devil’s kingdom. He must renounce sin and all its practices. Read with me, Colossians 1:12-13 : “Giving thanks unto the Father, who mads us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and transplated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love.” Hence, there is a coming out of sin, as further attested by Paul in 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 : “Wherefore, Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch no unclean thing; And I will receive you, And will be to you a Father, and ye shall be to me sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” Notice als,o that God’s receiving us is conditioned upon the fact that we “come out from among them,” and “touch no unclean thing.” This is similar, in a way, to the Process of Natural-ization in the United States. When an alien desiresj to become a citizen of this government, there are certain rigid requirements with which he must comply. This, of course, differs with different persons, for some remain in the country longer than others before applying for citizenship. Hence, I shall s,et forth the most general procedure, for there are some sixteen different conditions which arise relative to different aliens.
1. In cases where there is no record of admission into this country, it is, necessary to establish a Record of Arrival, or of legal admission for the purpose of permanent residence. In such case, if the alien has resided here continuously since June 29, 1906, he may establish this fact by affidavits, from two citizens who have personally known the applicant. This fact may also be established by documentary evidence, such as: old papers, deeds to property, receipts and records of this, type which show residence during that time.
2. Both the witnesses and applicant must be of good moral character, and this is determined by questioning and investigation by the Migration Service.
3. Those who entered this country prior to July 1, 1924, must fill out an Application for Registry of an Alien (Form No. 659), giving detailed information relative to himself, and his entrance into this country, even to the extent of giving the date of arrival, the port at which he arrived, and the ship or conveyance on which he arrived, and much other information, together with two plain photographs of himself, properly signed by him.
4. Having thus established his record of admission, he is, in a position to proceed further. His next step is to apply for a Declaration of Intention of becoming a citizen of the United States (Form No. A-2213). This petitioner must be at least eighteen years of age. Here again he must submit two photographs of himself and give information relative to himself, his former country, and the time and place of his, arrival, and declare his intention to become a citizen of this country.
Just here we find a striking similarity with the teachings of God’s word. The apostle Peter wrote, 2 Peter 3:15 : “But sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: being ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear.” Therefore, it is required that a Christian be able to establish a reason for his hope. And, what a contrast this is with those who claim salvation in a way that is “better felt than told.”
Having made the above declaration of intention, the petitioner must wait at least two years before taking further action. And, during this period of time the petitioner must acquaint himself with the constitution of the United States, and the principles of government, as well as to learn to speak the English language. As. an aid in acquainting him with our government, he is furnished a “Manual for Citizenship,” published by the Daughters of the American Revolution. In this manual is printed the constitution with all its articles and amendments, a history of the government, and it sets forth what is expected and required of citizens. This work has been published in seventeen languages other than English.
After two years from the time of making the above declaration, and upon reaching the age of twenty- one years, the petitioner is. permitted to take further action in securing citizenship. In most cases, it is required that he be a resident of this country for five consecutive years, and in the county and district for six months. This, varies with different conditions.
5. The Petition for Naturalization (Form No. A- 2214) is made at this time, and it is literally an asking of the court to confer citizenship upon him. In a preliminary hearing, held ninety days before the final court hearing, the petitioner is required to affirm that:
“(7) I am not a disbeliever in or opposed to organized government or a member of or affiliated with any organization or body of persons teaching disbelief in or opposed to organized government. I am not a polygamist nor a believer in the practice of polygamy. I am attached to the principles of the constitution of the United States and well disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States. It is my intention to become a citizen of the United States and to renounce absolutely and forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom (which) at this time I am a subject (or citizen), and it is my intention to reside permanently in the United States.” “(8) I am able to speak the English language.” (Form No. 2204-LA). There must appear with the petitioner, two reliable citizens who have known him personally, who must testify by affidavit to the five years of continuous residence in this country. In this affidavit the witnesses must attest : “That this petitioner is, (and during all such periods has been) a person of good moral character, attached to the principles of the constitution of the United States, well disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States, and in my opinion the petitioner is in every way qualified to be admitted a citizen of the United States.” (Form No. 2204-LA). Absence from this country for a period of six months cr more in the country of his foimer allegiance may break the continuity of residence, and generally makes it difficult for him to obtain citizenship. This condition differs according to the circumstances. At this time he must be able to speak the English language and sign the petition in his own handwriting. When the applicant presents himself for citizen- s,hip, in addition to being questioned concerning his past life, a record is made of his marks of identification, such as: his age, height, and weight, the color of his hair and eyes, his complexion, build, and scars and marks which he bears, together with the complete finger prints, of both hands. Also, he is thoroughly questioned concerning the constitution and the form of our government, in order to determine his knowledge of the country, and his sincerity in seeking citizenship. This requirement presents the greatest stumbling block for most petitioners.
As, citizens in the kingdom of heaven, we are not required to speak English, or any other established language of men, to the exclusion of others, but God does definitely demand that we speak a pure speech, and that we speak as the “oracles of God.” Hear Paul just here, Colossians 4:6 : “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may knowhow ye ought to answer each one.” Then notice the declaration of the apostle Peter in 1 Peter 4:11 : “If any man speaketh, speaking as it were the oracles of God, . . .” or as translated in the King James Versjon: “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; . . .”
6. At the final hearing, held in open court ninety days after the preliminary hearing, information relative to the petitioner’s knowledge of the government and the principles of our country is closely examined, to determine his knowledge of the san^e, and if he passes the examination, he is questioned concerning his willingness to take the oath of allegiance as follows: “I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all fidelity to the country of my former allegiance; that I will support and defend the constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion. So help me God.” (Form No. A-2214). Later he is required to take this oath in open court, and after taking this oath of allegiance, he is admitted by court, a citizen of the United States of America, and given a certificate of citizenship. At this point, may I acknowledge the great help given my by the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the United States, and to Mr. R. F. Abbott, Mr. V. J. Bintliff, and Mr. W. J. Mangum, all of whom are members of the local office in Corpus Christi, Texas. And, if there should be any of you s.eeking further information than is given in this lecture, you may get in touch with the nearest Immigration Office, or Clerk of District Court or Federal Court, and the desired information will be gladly given you. As citizens of this country we owe it to ourselves to be as well acquainted with our government as possible.
7. A Process of Spiritualization
I am not here advocating that Christianity is a process of naturalization, but I do sincerely believe that Christianity is a process of “spiritualization” wherein one gives up the works of the flesh and does the works of the Spirit, Galatians 5:19-24 : “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practise such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruits of the Spirit is, love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control; against such there is no law. And they that are of Christ Jesus, have crucified the flesh with the pas-sions and the lusts thereof.”
Yes, friends, there is definitely a giving up of sinfulness in obeying the gospel of Christ. And, jus,t as our nation demands the breaking of allegiance to one’s former country, and swearing allegiance to this country, so also God demands that we break off our allegiance to the devil and his kingdom. Hear James, at this point, James 4:4 : “Ye adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore would be a friend of the world maketh himself an enemy of God.” And read with me, 1 John 2:15-17 : “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the fles,h and the lust of the eyes and the vainglory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” Hence, allegiance to the world must be broken off, or as Moses said, Exodus 10:26 : “. . . there shall not a hoof be left behind. . .”
8. The Benefits and Privileges of Citizenship
One needs only to meditate upon the benefits and privileges secured to him by the constitution, to have aroused in his soul a greater love for the land of the free and the home of the brave. Listen to the reading of the first article added to the original constitution: “Congress shall make no law respecting an estab-lishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” Where can you find a carnal government which se-cures more than this to its citizens? Thus, the consti-tution grants to us the following rights:
1.The protection of life and property, at home and abroad, assuring us, that property cannot legally be seized without court order. The constitution protects all alike. It safeguards the working man who is striving for an existence, as well as the man high on the ladder of success..
2. The right to trial by (an unbiased) jury, and freedom from excessive bail.
3. The freedom of speech and the freedom of the press, to say and write what we choose, so long as we do not interfere with the rights and blessjngs of others.
4. The right of people to peaceably assemble, and
5. The right of religious freedom, to worship God according to the dictates of our consciences according to the word of God.
And, how thankful we ought to be that we live in a land of liberty, where we may pursue the course of life without the fear of being molested.
9. Spiritual Benefits
The spiritual benefits to be had in Christ, far surpass, the physical benefits of life. The one is eternal, while the other is only temporal. While we enjoy the physical protection through our government, we enjoy spiritual protection through Christ. You may read the beatitudes of Christ in his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-12) and you will be impressed with the blessings which Christ promises to those who live in harmony with his teachings. The comfort and satisfaction which comes from a Christian, life is not equalled by anything in life. Furthermore, the Lord has promised certain protection and help which cannot be received from any other source.
1 Corinthians 10:13 : “There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that he may be able to endure it.”
Again,—Php_4:6-7 : “In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts, in Christ Jesus.” Herein may be found the greatest satisfaction to the soul of man!
Christianity is the greatest civilizing influence in the world. It has lifted men and nations from the level of servitude and ignorance. Even the skeptics and atheists drink of the blessings of Christianity while they fight against them. Why do they not go to some God-forsaken country where God is unknown, or has been outlawed? No, they would not live there, nor bring their children up there, yet they fight against the source of the greatest blessings of life.
10. Loyalty and Patriotism
Were you not deeply impressed with the demands of loyalty, as set forth in the requirements for citizenship in the United States? Whether we realize it or not, the government expects the same degree of loyalty from natural born citizens that it does from naturalized citizens. And, why should we not respect the flag which is the symbol of our country? It is waving over and protecting 118,000,000 people. It has waved triumphantly in eight wars, seven foreign and one civil. Where is the man whose soul is not thrilled by the waving of “Old Glory”?
Just imagine the thrill that came to the United States citizen who had been before a firing squad in a foreign land, when just in the nick of time, an American legate or consul rushed forward with the flag and draped it around his body, and said: “Now fire.” Not a shot was fired. Foreigners respect the flag. Do we ? When you hear the National Anthem, does it not set your soul to vibrating? A few years ago a football game was in progress, when for some cause or other, there resulted a free-for-all fight. But the band leader thought quickly and directed the band in playing the National Anthem. What happened? When those beautiful tones floated through the air to the ears of the angry mob, those well grounded in loyalty and patriotism ceased fighting and stood at attention. Others rushed upon them knocking them down. But they stood again and again. They were loyal! Shall we allow ourselves to be more loyal to the United States than we are to the God of heaven? To be sure, we must be loyal to both. Loyalty demands that we respect all three divisions of government, the legislative, the executive, and the judicial, both on earth and in heaven. And how glad we should be that our government does, not seek to interfere with God’s law, such as was the case when the apostles were taken before the Jewish council. They were commanded not to speak any more in the name of Jesus, Acts 5:29 : “But Peter and the apostles answered and said, We must obey God rather than men.” All three divisions of divine government are bound up in Christ, for he is Lawgiver, King and Judge. He is our perfect King. Even Pontius Pilate said of him, John 19:4 : Behold, I bring him out to you, that ye may know that I find no crime in him.” Brethren, we must be faithful and loyal unto the Christ and his kingdom. Remember the wonderful words of Jesus, Matthew 16:18 : “And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” Paul said at this point, 1 Corinthians 4:2 : “Here moreover, it is, required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” Disloyalty is a crime subject to punishment in every government on earth. How can we expect to be disloyal to God, and escape punishment at his hand? A good moral character is very necessary to one seeking citizenship in this country, in fact, it is considered one of the greatest requirements. But, the kingdom of heaven makes greater moral demands than does our government. The scribes and Pharisees of Jesus’ day evidently possessed some good moral characteristics. Yet Jesus had this to say to his disciples concerning them, Matthew 5:20 : “For I s,ay unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.” This is not confined to the deeds of life alone. It goes deeper, into the very soul of man, to the very thoughts, of his mind, for Jesus said, Matthew 5:8 : “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” A Christian must strive to keep his mind pure. This is one of the requirements for those seeking to enter into that heavenly home. Paul was a s.trong advocate of good moral character. Hear his words, 1 Corinthians 6:8-10 : “Nay, but ye yourselves do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren. Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with men, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”
11. What of the Future?
What does the future hold for you? Do you find the genuine joy in Christian service which should characterize every child of God? The answer depends upon the kind of life you live, and that which you seek most in life. If you seek self-gratification you have your reward. But if you seek righteousness and the kingdom of heaven your reward shall be great in heaven. Remember that Jesus said, Matthew 6:33 : “But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; And all these things s,hall be added unto you.” Why can’t we find genuine satisfaction and delight in doing the will of God? It brings the greatest satisfaction in life. It makes life worth more here, and has great promises for the future. Hear the psalmist declare the joy of doing God’s, will, Psalms 84:9-10 : “Behold, 0 God our shield, And look upon the face of thine anointed. For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” What is your vision of life? Are you living an indolent empty life with little hope of the future? Or, do you possess a strong faith which cannot be shaken, and a hope as an anchor to your soul, yea, a living faith in joyful service to Christ?
It was just that which spurred Paul on to greater heights in Christian service. It was that which caused him to suffer joyously and to look upon life as follows, 2 Corinthians 4:17 to 2 Corinthians 5:1 : “For our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things, which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. For we know that if the earthly house of our tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens.” Again he said, Romans 8:18 : “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward.” And again,—as he quotes from the words of Isaiah (64:4; 65:17), 1 Corinthians 2:9 : “But as it is written, things which eye saw not, and ear heard not, and w^hich entered not into the heart of man, whatsoever things God prepared for them that love him.” This was responsible for Paul’s being such a lively Christian. Paul could not sit idly by and be at ease when the souls of men were lost, without hope and without God in the world. He labored, he toiled, he strove, and he wept. No wonder that he could look from his prison cell with bright hopes and say, 2 Timothy 4:6-8 : “For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing.” Is this what the future holds for you? Remember, P'rov. 29:18: “Where there is no vision the people perish.”
12. Lives of Ease
The sufferings of Christians today are not worthy to be compared with the sufferings of Christians in New Testament times. Visualize the apostle John in exile on the Isle of Patmos, receiving the great vis,ion of future life through the spirit of God, and observe the encouragement which he wrote to his fellow sufferers, Revelation 1:4-6 : “John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from him who is and who was and who is to come; and from the seven spirits that are before his throne; and from Jes,us Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loveth us, and loosed us from our sins by his blood; and he made us to be a kingdom, to be priests unto his God and Father; to him be glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” I say, brethren, these are some of the benefits of the kingdom of God. Herein lies the strength of Christianity, for when we are weak, we may become strong through faith in Christ. Hereby you may come to possess a hope which will stabilize your soul and caus.e you to look for a city whose builder and maker is God.
Purer in Heart, 0 God
Purer in heart, 0 God,
Help me to be;
May I devote my life Wholly to thee.
Watch Thou my wayward feet,
Guide me with counsel sweet;
Purer in heart Help me to be.
Purer in heart, 0 God,
Help me to be;
Teach me to do Thy will Most lovingly.
Be Thou my friend and guide,
Let me with Thee abide;
Purer in heart Help me to be.
Purer in heart, 0 God,
Help me to be;
That I Thy holy face One day may see.
Keep me from secret sin.
Reign Thou my soul within; Purer in heart,
Help me to be.
—Mrs. A. L. Davidson.