It will be found a great help to the weaknesses of the fallen nature to have understandingly made a full consecration of the will, a full enlistment of every power and talent of mind and of body. He who takes this proper view of his consecration to the Lord and enlistment in the Lord's army, realizes that he has nothing more to give to the Lord, and hence, whatever struggle of the will he may have is all ended when he has finally decided: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." How important it is, therefore, that all the soldiers realize that the term of the enlistment is until death, and that there is no room for even considering any suggestion to withdraw from the battle and cease even for an hour to fight the good fight of faith.
In order successfully to prosecute the Christian life, knowledge of the things to be done and the constant appreciation and keeping of the end in view, are indispensable. As nonsensical as it would be for people to expect a reward for a race whose conditions and course they did not know or follow, so nonsensical would it be for people to expect to receive the Kingdom reward promised with Christ, if they do not know and observe the conditions under which, and the purpose for which it is offered, as well as the course to run.
2 Chron. 20:15, 17; Psa. 19:5; Eccles. 9:11; 1 Cor. 9:24-27; Gal. 5:7; Phil. 2:16; 3:14, 15; Heb. 6:20; 12:1, 2; Eph. 6:11, 17; 1 Cor. 16:13; 2 Tim. 2:3, 4; 4:7; Heb. 12:10; 10:32; 11:34; 1 Tim. 6:12.
