"Lately
there has been much attention given to the small details of worship, but who is
looking after the little child-- that is, the main duties of Christianity? Was
there ever less love, compassion, self-denial or power of holiness than today?
Unfortunately these cardinal duties, like the child, are in great danger of
perishing in the fire of contention and division which a perverse zeal for
lesser things has kindled among us.
Be especially
careful to watch yourself in those areas where you know you are weak. The
weakest part of the city needs the strongest guard; in our bodies, the most
vulnerable parts are covered and kept the warmest. I would think it most
unusual if the fabric of your grace was so consistently strong that you could
find no weakness of any point.
Take my advice in
the matter, and watch most carefully the area you find weakest. Is your head
weak-- your judgment I mean? See to it that you do not keep company with those
who drink only the strong wine of "seraphic notions" and high-flown
opinions. Is your weakness in your passions? Watch over them, as one who dwells
in a thatched-roof house is careful of every spark that flies out his chimney,
for fear one should land on the thatch and set the whole house on fire. When
our neighbor's house is ablaze, we throw water on our own roof, or cover it
with a wet sheet. When flame breaks out at another's mouth, throw water on your
own hot spirit to prevent a fire breaking out in you. You should always have
available some cooling, wrath-quenching scriptures for just such a situation.
These preventive measures
will enable you to secure your house against any attack by the devil. And when
the enemy has been put down, you will still be "standing."
Quoted material from, ”The Christian in Complete
Armour Daily Readings in Spiritual Warfare” by Gurnall and James S Bell.
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