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THE
NEW LIFE by
John Marshall
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Chapter
6 • A DANGEROUS
WORLD
The Answer of Faith
You will remember that Paul, more than once, compared life
to a race with laurels going to the winners, and we shall
be wise if we constantly keep in mind what he says, because
his figure of the athlete assumes bodies kept pure and fit
for their strenuous effort of running to the end of the course.
"Every athlete exercises self-control in all things.
They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable."
As to life in general and our attitude and behaviour to people
in the world Paul was equally clear, and it is astonishing
how relevant even to cur "modern" age his advice
is: "Adapt yourselves no longer to the pattern of this
present world, but let your minds be remade and your whole
nature thus transformed. Then you will be able to discern
the will of God, and to know what is good, acceptable and
perfect."
We have to work in the world, we may have to leave home for
further study; wherever we find ourselves, and however young
we may be, we are ministers of the Word, we are lights in
the world, and by the very intensity of that light we shall
expose the works of darkness. Because of the dangers it is
our bounden duty "to keep ourselves unspotted from the
world".
The world can be a cruel place; it is always our testing ground,
but we have the assurance that if we are mindful of, and loyal
to, our spiritual heritage we shall, with the Father's help
conquer the world, for "whatsoever is born of God overcometh
the world: and this is the victory that over-cometh the world,
even our faith".
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References
1 Cor 9v25 RSV, Rom 12v2 NEB, James 1v27, 1 John 5v4
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Chapter
7 • SERVING THE HOUSEHOLD
THERE is no honour, wealth or power on earth to equal the honour
and spiritual treasure that every believer possesses. Formerly alienated
as we were from the commonwealth of Israel, Paul says "ye that
once were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ... for through
him we both have our access in one spirit unto the Father. So then
ye are no more strangers and sojourners, but ye are fellow-citizens
with the saints, and of the household of God."
The Household of Faith
Every honour implies a responsibility, and once a believer becomes
a member of the divine household, he (or she) should be dedicated
to its service. When Paul exhorted the Galatians that "as we
have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men"
he added, as a vital part of good works, "and especially toward
them that are of the household of the faith".
In the new life one has to learn that the outstanding characteristic
of this divine household is love, because God is love. It is no
household of His where there is little or no love. On love of God
and one's neighbour, or fellow man, says Jesus, "hang all the
law and the prophets" ; and love must begin where God is, in
His household.
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References
Eph 2V13, 18-19 RV, Gal 6V10 RV, Matt 22V40
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