TAKE HEED UNTO THYSELF

 

JANUARY 10
 
Take heed unto thyself.  1 Timothy 4:16

 
This is a very necessary admonition.
 
We all need it.
 
Each one of us should attend to it.
 
Take heed unto the body.
  Do not pamper it.
  Do not neglect it.
  Do not allow it to take that place in your thoughts,
     plans, purposes, and provision,
       which should be assigned to the soul.
 
It is the inferior part, treat it as such.
  But it is an important part, therefore use it prudently.
 
Take heed unto the soul.
  See to it, that it is regenerated by
    the power of the Holy Spirit.
  Be sure that it is in Christ.
  Feed it with the bread of God which
      came down from heaven.
  Wash it in the fountain that is opened for sin and uncleanness.
  Clothe it in the robe of righteousness,
       and the garments of salvation.
  Store it with the doctrines, promises,
     and precepts of the holy scripture.
  Guard it against the influences of error,
     the spirit of this evil world, and
     the prince of the power of the air,
      the spirit that now worked in the children of disobedience.
  Exercise it, in meditating upon the character of God,
     the work of Jesus,
       the operation of the Holy Spirit, and
          the prospects of glory.
 
     Renewing grace for Jesus sake,
       O God to me impart;
     Power continually to awake,
       And watch my sinful heart;
     That I may constantly take heed,
       And prove myself a saint indeed.
 
 
James Smith 1849