The Present Truth

Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14).

Oh, Christians, never be satisfied with being merely saved. Move up! Move on! Go onward to the high mountains, to the clearer light, to the brighter joy! If you are saved and are brought like the shipwrecked mariner to shore, is that enough? Yes, for the moment it is enough to justify the purest satisfaction and the warmest congratulations, but the mariner must seek a livelihood as long as he lives. He must put forth his energy. He must vigorously seek whatever job opportunities open up before him.

Let it be the same with you. Saved from the depths of sin that threatened to swallow you up, rejoice that you are preserved from death, but be determined that the life granted to you will be active, earnest, vigorous, and fruitful in every good work. Be as diligent as the industrious workers are. Notice that they wake up early in the morning. This man rushes to one place, and that man to another. How direct they speak! How quickly they move about! They will go about their business, and they spare no effort to increase it. Oh, that Christians were half as diligent in the service of God!