Whether our warfare be of the more public kind or of the more private sort, there must be warfare; and, more than this, there must be progress and victory, else we can never be accepted of the Lord as "overcomers." Another thought should be borne in mind by us all. The Lord in making His estimate will take knowledge of the spirit which actuated us, rather than of the results secured by our efforts. In view of this, let us see to it, not only that we do with our might what our hands find to do, but also that our every sacrifice and gift to the Lord and His cause is so full of love and devotion that the Lord will surely approve it, as done from love for Him and His, and not from vainglory.
The Lord's people are called upon to stand on God's side in battling for righteousness. A strong love for the prize of God's calling will be an efficient help by way of stimulating hope and courage in this good fight of faith; and having publicly taken their stand on God's side in this warfare, let them bring no shame upon the cause of God and Christ by cowardice in ignoble flight from, or surrender to, the enemy.
1 Tim. 1:18; Eph. 6:12; 2 Tim. 2:5; 4:7; Phil. 3:12-14; 1 Tim. 6:19; Matt. 7:21-23; 10:32, 33; John 9:22-28; Rom. 2:7; 10:9, 10; 1 John 4:15.
