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January 12

Morning

Ye are Christ's. — 1 Cor 3:23

“You are Christ’s.” You are His by donation—for the Father gave you to the Son. You are His by His bloody purchase—for He paid the price for your redemption. You are His by dedication—for you have consecrated yourself to Him. You are His by relation—for you are named by his name, and made one of His brethren and joint-heirs.

Labor practically to show the world that you are the servant, the friend, the bride of Jesus. When tempted to sin, reply, “I cannot do this great wickedness—for I am Christ’s!” Immortal principles forbid the friend of Christ to sin. When wealth is before you to be won by sin, say, “I am Christ’s!” and touch it not. Are you exposed to difficulties and dangers? Stand fast in the evil day, remembering that you are Christ’s. Are you placed where others are sitting down idly, doing nothing? Rise to the work with all your powers; and when the sweat stands upon your brow, and you are tempted to loiter, cry, “No, I cannot stop, for I am Christ’s, and cannot loiter.”

When the siren song of pleasure would tempt you from the path of right, reply, “Your music cannot charm me—I am Christ’s.” When the cause of God invites you—give your goods and yourself away, for you are Christ’s. Never belie your profession. Be ever one of those whose manners are Christian, whose speech is like the Nazarene, whose conduct and conversation are so redolent of heaven—that all who see you may know that you are the Savior’s, recognizing in you His features of love and His countenance of holiness. “I am a Roman!” was of old a reason for integrity; far more, then, let it be your argument for holiness, “I am Christ’s!”


Evening

I have yet to speak on God's behalf. — Job 36:2

We ought not to court publicity for our virtue, or notoriety for our zeal; but, at the same time, it is a sin to be always seeking to hide that which God has bestowed upon us for the good of others. A Christian is not to be a village in a valley but “a city set upon a hill;” he is not to be a candle under a bushel but a candle on a candlestick, giving light to all. Retirement may be lovely in its season, and to hide one’s self is doubtless modest but the hiding of Christ in us can never be justified, and the keeping back of truth which is precious to ourselves, is a sin against others, and an offence against God.

If you are of a nervous temperament and of retiring disposition, take care that you do not too much indulge this trembling propensity, lest you should be useless to the church. Seek in the name of Him who was not ashamed of you to do some little violence to your feelings, and tell to others what Christ has told to you. If you cannot speak with trumpet tongue, use the still small voice. If the pulpit must not be your tribune, if the press may not carry your words on its wings—yet say with Peter and John, “Silver and gold have I none but such as I have, I give you.”

By Sychar’s well talk to the Samaritan woman—if you cannot on the mountain preach a sermon; utter the praises of Jesus in the house—if not in the temple; in the field—if not upon the exchange; in the midst of your own household—if you cannot in the midst of the great family of man. From the hidden springs within, let sweetly flowing rivulets of testimony flow forth, giving drink to every passer-by. Hide not your talent; trade with it; and you shall bring in good interest to your Lord and Master. To speak for God will be refreshing to ourselves, cheering to saints, useful to sinners, and honoring to the Savior. Dumb children are an affliction to their parents. Lord, unloose all Your children’s tongues.


Morning and Evening - January 12

Public domain content taken from Morning and Evening by Charles H. Spurgeon.


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