The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1921-11-10

vi Christian nhlng which comes INTO
view In this Scripture-"Count 1t al
joy when we fall into manifold tempta-
tions"
The word temptation" means trial
or testing. 1t is a test of character.
not an Indictment to wrongdoing
Sometimes these testings are unlocked
for, so that we are said Ito fall" into
them. They are manifold" This
refers to their variety rather than
their number. They are many sided.
many colored; some severe, others
mild, some prolonged, others brief.
They give occasion for every sort OF
joy. This is the literal meaning OF
the words "all JOY" We are to count
it every sort of Joy when we fall into"
these manifold temptations"
But how can we do this7 Only by
knowing that the test patiently en-
dured will lead to great triumph. the
triumph of faith and of strong en-
during character which Is the result
Of faith.
Faith Is the most precious and pow
erful thing In the world. Its educa-
ton is of untold importance. A re-
turned missionary from Tibet recently
said in a public address, "God is look.
ing everywhere for men and women
who will trust Him." Trust Is devel-
oped through trial. Under divine d.
rection, Moses led the Israelites to
the Red sea that they might learn In
experience the power Of God to save.
and that their trust In Him might be
strengthened. Jesus took His disciples
into storm that through the test
they might learn to trust, because OF
the experimental knowledge Of His
power to deliver.
Every trial f. trial Of faith. We
never fail till we fail inside. Every
outward yielding Is the expression
and result of surrender within. The
trial Of faith is declared to be much
more precious than gold that perish
eth. Gold Is the standard of value In
the world Of men and affairs, but In
the higher realm Of spirit and char.
acter, faith Is the standard, the faith
that endures. From this springs every
noble and Chrlstlike quality.
| All the New Testament writer's push
into prominence this point of view.
1--WE glory In tribulations." says Paul.
because they produce In us patience.
steadfastness and hope. These are
Christlike qualities, the flower OF
Christian character, the possession of
which constitutes the triumph which
makes all the tests worth while. When
| we become Christians, new life from
above is impaired to us. Every Christ.
like and gracious quality Is EMBODIED
in this new life, even as the oak tree
is wrapped up In the acorn. The un-
folding and development of this life
is the one big outstanding problem
confronting us. Without the manifold
temptations, the new life would be
dwarfed and stunted. Because OF
their operation and result, the life is
perfected, so that where patience has
her perfect work the life stands per.
feet and entire, wanting nothing
Somehow the Christian life develops
best under adversely. All sunshine
makes the desert. Life needs clouds
in order to have a glorious sunset.
Another factor entering into the
triumph emanating from the manifold
temptations Is the capacity to enjoy
which those have who patiently en-
dure the sufferings Of this presen,
time. They will best be able to enjoy
the glories that shall be revealed In us
So then, there Is reason to "count II
all Joy when We fall into manifold
temptations, knowing that the trial OF
your faith worketh patience" This II
not mere passive submission, but rath
er endurance. 1t is the faith that does
not shrink, the perseverance that doe!
not falter under burdens. When thi!
sort of patience Is permitted to have
a perfect work, perfection Of life ant
character is reached. and this Is TIT
triumph that makes all endurance
worth while and enables us to count .
every sort of Joy when we fall Int
manifold temptations" II Is possible
TO hinder this triumph unless the hu
man will co-operates with the divine
purpose. There Is grace enough FOL
this also, so that sufferings may bt
borne joyously as well as submisslvely