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THE
NEW LIFE by
John Marshall
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Chapter
20 • THE
FORGOTTEN DOCTRINE
It
is the assertion of self-will that leads to the neglect of
attendance at meetings; it is the fulfillment of one's own
desires that leads to want of service to others, and it is
the gratification of one's own pleasures that leads to lack
of time either "to feed the flock of God" or "to
preach the gospel to the poor". These weaknesses are
possible in the lives of every one of us if we forget this
fundamental doctrine of self-denial whose fruit is the grace
and truth so characteristic of the Father and expected of
His children.
When self-denial truly works in us we shall manifest the compassion,
grace, long-suffering, mercy and truth that Jesus so clearly
exemplified and if we look around us with his discernment
we, too, shall be moved with compassion at the sight of so
many who are "as sheep not having a shepherd". Thus
the warmth of the spirit will not only take the chill out
of the hearts of some in the world, but preserve the fellowship
of the saints in the ecclesia.
We need to look critically into our own minds and to examine
the motives in our own wills. We may be dismayed to find how
lacking we are in some of the fruits of the spirit which are
the result of the nurture of self-denial. You will remember
them: "Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." Can we mark each
of them and say, "Amen"? If not, we should pray
for forgiveness and resolve to try again.
Our lives must be founded upon these three pillars of doctrine:
The things concerning the name of Jesus; the renunciation
of self; and the kingdom of God. If they are, we shall stand
as immortals in the dawn of a new age, to begin, under Jesus,
the rule of the nations in grace and in truth.
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References
1 Peter 5v2, Luke 4v18, Gal 5v22
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Chapter
21 • THE
GOLDEN MEAN
JESUS was the supreme example of how to get on with people and how
to be temperate in conduct and expression. In any situation, however
serious, he leaves us with the impression of a calm, balanced, reasonable
person. All but those who wished for his death were attracted to
him. The aged and children, the beggar and rich ruler, the sinner
and the righteous: all were at ease in his company, for they seemed
to know that with him they would find truth, tranquillity, compassion
and forgiveness. What was his secret?
As we have already seen, he had wrestled with, and conquered, the
desires of self-will-a battle that goes on in us throughout our
lives-and he obeyed only the will of his Father. His one aim was
to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. To take the
words of the Apostle Paul he led a "tranquil and quiet life
in all godliness and gravity", and near the end of his ministry
bequeathed to his disciples what he called "my peace".
If we are to follow Jesus it must be through his temperament, as
well as his teaching: his serenity and balanced conduct must, if
possible, be made our virtues. If he could ever be called unrestrained
it was in his love and compassion for people: he held out to them
helping hands. It is in such a spirit that we shall be at ease with
people and that everyone will feel at ease in our company.
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References
1 Tim 2v2 RV, John 14v27
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