The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1889-04-03
In the World, Yet Not of It.

In the World, Yet Not of It.
There are two kinds of error abroad in
respect to this life The one tends to ex-
clusiveness, on account of an assumed
antagonism between earthly and heavenly
interests the other leads to the betrayal
of our Lord in yielding to outward press
ure, and in imbibing a spirit that is
hostile to the divine life in the soul. It
is not worth while to consider the cues
ton which of these is the more baneful.
The promise of spiritual growth is effec-
tually blighted in either case.
| There are many, however, who admit
all this, and yet do not see how they can
live in the world, and still be separate
from it. 1t is not surprising that this
should seem to them difficult. The tests
OF life which daily confront US, the pro-
blems which defy human explanation,
the inevitable struggles that arise through
competition in business pursuits-all
these combine to make the question one
of serious embarrassment. And there is
this popularity in the self attempts to
solve such dificulties-the longer the
period of time consumed in seeking the
answer on mere rational grounds, the
|
the further we are removed from settled
peace.
1t is just there that we find the key by
which this problem is susceptible of easy
solution. On mere rational grounds, and
in accordance with all that seems to make
for present advantage, the way of living
in the world and Partsking of its spirit
appears to be the true way. But the
soul is not expected to settle perplexing
questions on such grounds. God COM
mands US to look upward, and to inter-
pref the present by those eternal prin-
ciples which He has 80 clearly revealed.
What are some of these principles Find
ing these, we shall come at once to Joy
full answer to the inquiry, How may
live in the world, and vet not be of the
world?
God has revealed that the present is
only the prelude to life, only the theater
for varied activities and testings which
help to broaden and mature character
for higher realm. Beholding this, the
soul that yearns for immortal treasure
will ioyfully accept its earthly allotment.
Seeing that contact with this world
with it's companionships, its Methods and
its oharms-is not of necessity an accept
ance of the world, but ia only provi-
Dental arrangement out of which God
purposes to bring highest good, we go
forward day by day to grapple success
fully with its difficulties. Do we some
times seem to meet these difficulties at q
disadvantage because we resist the spirit
of evil in the world ? Most certainly.
What then2 Manifestly even this is
made leading test by which our char
aoter ia perfected.
The privilege of holding conscious
fellowship with God, and this, too, when
we have no righteousness Of our own to
plead, IS distinct revelation from Him
self. o who cannot find just here an
answer to the question how to meet this
world at every point? Walking in the
light that His revealed presence insures
us, staying our hearts upon His love that
is 30 unwasting, seeking counsel contin-
uslly form that One who is the sole foun-
tain of wisdom, entreating the guidance
anu protection of our heavenly Father
hour by hour, we may, indeed, live in the
world, and yet soar far above 1T.
Hold, therefore, Christian believer, the
privilege Of conscious Fellowship with an
unyielding grasp. It is always yours
Trouble may not mar it changes else
where may not corrupt it; conflicting
theories of the manner Of the Spirits
testimony cannot destroyit. tits God'sgift
to you to known that you are His child
amid all the descriptions and struggles in
: cdent to this life
But one thing more God has clearly
: revealed and this is no less important
than the others named, He has put Us
in close contact with the world, that we
, may illuminate the world Our willing
ness to endure because Of loyalty to our
faith is one Of the ways by which we be-
come the light Of the world. The thought
; that we may by our conduct point out
the way to eternal life TO other souls is
not only wonderful corrective of our
, selfshness, but is also made an effective
shield against that worldly spirit that
would stealthiIy invade our own hearts.