01.07. The River of Meekness and Quietness, of long suffering, of kindness, other rivers

RIVER OF MEEKNESS AND QUIETNESS From the Christ centered heart flows the River of Meekness, and also Quietness. From an inner meekness and quietness of heart flows these rivers. So evidenced and needful are these, that the Apostle Peter speaks of them as an ornament, that in the sight of God is of great price. Meekness and quietness is an outward manner of an inward holiness. In the midst of persecution, the true saint, leaves all in the hands of God, the avenger. When he is reviled, he reviles not again; when he suffers, he threatens not; but commits himself to him that judges righteously. He does not find someone to blame, but allows that God permits situations to arise, circumstances to surround us, that are working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. The one made perfect in heart does not resist authority. Governments are ordained of God, whether national state, community, church or departments of employment. We may not enjoy all things. We may see inconsistencies or even injustices, but we will yield to authority. We may pursue logical and reasonable means as are ordained in voting, petitioning, and representation to better conditions, but never will there be in the acts or spirit of the sanctified, an antagonism or rebellion. Prayer in meekness of spirit, will accomplish more than our puny human efforts. If we, as many have been, are called to leave our former affiliation, and separate ourselves unto God and from sin, we must leave as gracefully as we can. There must not be any malice or hard feelings on our part. If God is leading, he does not lead with hatreds or selfish interests. If those we leave have ought against us, let us pour the oil of love in the wound and pray much for them. When by our God-given convictions, that we receive through the word and prayer, we are called to come out and be separate, we must willingly obey Him. Never will we act because of peevish notions or hatreds. The sanctified are never led by carnal promptings of rebellion but by the spirit of God. Was it not James Russell Lowell, in the dark days of our nation, that penned the words:

“Truth forever on the scaffold, Wrong forever on the Throne, Yet that scaffold sways the future, And behind the dim unknown, Standeth God, within the shadows, Keeping watch above his own.” The Church of Jesus Christ was not called to solve all social injustices or better social conditions, as such, but was called to preach the Gospel to the poor, to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and the restoration of sight to the blind. Our calling is to preach the gospel, that saves from sin, to every creature. Let us never let Satan turn us from giving to everyone the gospel, that meets the need of the inner man. Pointing to social disorders provoked by sin and using humanistic methods to try to recover will never meet the need. It is the blood of Jesus that atones. It is Christ that sets free. It is sin that wrecks, it is Jesus that heals. Jesus said, “The thief cometh not but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Although the Christian is concerned for his nation, laws and problems of government, he is not overly disturbed by political struggles and tumults. He takes his concern to God in prayer. He does not agitate for an overthrow of power, but leaves his interests of nation and state in the hands of Almighty God. Is not this the manner that God would have us follow? Read the instruction to Timothy. “I exhort therefore, the first of all, supplications, prayers, intercession, and giving thanks be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.” However this does not call us to be slothful or unconcerned. The saints of God should be most concerned about laws of right, and the liberties to preach the gospel; to worship God as we desire, but our weapons are not carnal. If ever God’s people should be praying, it is now! “If the people that are called by my name, shall humble themselves! and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” And again, “when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” Sanctified heart, let us not fear the break ups of life — the difficulties, or the seeming destructions. God allows what the world looks on as failures to cause his purpose to be perfected. The cross would seem the end of Christ’s kingdom on earth, but not so, it established it. The corn of wheat must die or it abideth alone, but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. The deaths, the beatings, the stonings, the imprisonments worked to scatter the church. Was this the end? Oh, no! It grew to all nations. God is still on the throne! Fear not little flock! “For we know all things work together for good to them that love the Lord and to them that are the called according to his purpose.” THE RIVER OF LONG SUFFERING From the life of the sanctified will flow the river of Long Suffering with it the tributaries of Patience and Tolerance. The life of Jesus is emitted through the holy in heart. The sufferer does not seek to tell others of his patience in suffering, but suffers silently. We bring our griefs and sorrows to Jesus but in true trust in his infinite wisdom acknowledge that those that live godly in this world shall suffer. We willingly fellowship in the sufferings of Christ. Jesus said, “Blessed are you when men shall revile you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake; rejoice and be exceedingly glad for great is your reward in heaven.” We may be called upon to bear grief and sorrow, but let us know that if we suffer with him, we shall reign with him. Our light afflictions that we suffer for a little season, worketh for us a far more exceeding eternal weight of glory. The Christ filled one never complains or grumbles under sufferings, but finds a strength, a peace, a healing that is not of this earth. THE RIVER OF KINDNESS

Also from the indwelt life there flows the River of Kindness, with its tributaries of Forbearance and Gentleness. Regardless of profession, the one that is filled with Christ’s Spirit is never rude. Harshness is of the carnal nature, not of the divine. The irritations of life do not effect the spirit of the sanctified to be unChristlike. Even when we must form a battle line against evil, against false teachers, against error, there will be a sweetness of spirit that cannot be imitated by the unholy. We must stand against and oppose compromise and the compromiser, but although we must be firm and withstand them to their face, there will be no malice, no hatred against them. Oh! yes, we will hate their sin. We will eschew the propagation of falsehood; even to the place of crying out against such but with the spirit of Jesus who would desire that none perish. “The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing them that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2 Timothy 2:24-26.

OTHER RIVERS

We have only named a few of the Rivers that flow from a Christ filled life. As we walk with God and drink from him, these Rivers enlarge to become billows of godliness and holiness of life. The desert awaits the overflowing of the rivers. This world is looking for the reality of true holiness. Need they be disappointed? True holiness is far more than excitement. It is a life hid with Christ in God. May we value one grain of divine love far more than a ton of excitement. Love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance are evidenced in the Spirit-filled believer. Never does one find the fullness of this fruit until he is purged by the sanctifying of the Holy Ghost. But oh! the reality of the provisional grace of God! It makes one complete in Christ. Dear reader, live no longer in the wilderness; come over into Canaan Land.