None of us liveth to himself

 

APRIL 23.
 
None of us liveth to himself
Romans 14:7

 

IS this true of professors in general?
   Is it true of you?
 
Are you living to amass a fortune,
  to enjoy pleasure, or
   to acquire a worldly reputation?
 
Or, are you living as a child of God,
  as a servant of Christ,
    as a traveler to eternity?
 
If we live unto ourselves we are not Christians,
  whatever profession we may make.
 
For if we are Christians we shall live
  to promote the cause of Christ,
    to advance the Kingdom of God, and
      to glorify God both in our bodies and
          spirits which are God’s.
 
If we are Christians,
  we shall live in some degree as Christ lived;
   and he lived not into himself.
 
What shall we live for today?
What object have we in view?
 
What is our rule?
   Is it the word of God?
Who is our guide?
   Is it the Holy Spirit?
What is our end?
 
Is it the increase of our sanctification,
  the entire consecration of our powers, and
  the advancement of the Redeemer’s cause?
 
Many, too many, make self the end in all they do.
 
Their religious actions as well as their civil,
  are directed to the justification of self.
 
Lord, search us, and try us,
   see if we are living to ourselves.
 

Long as I live beneath,

To thee oh let me live!

To thee my every breath,

In thanks and blessings give;

Me to thine image now restore,

And I shall praise thee evermore.

 
James Smith 1849