Wander Woman

“It is a curious fact that there is such a thing as being proud of grace.  A person says, “I have great faith, I shall not fall; poor little faith may, but I never shall.”  “I have fervent love,” says another, “I can stand, there is no danger of my going astray.”  They who boast of grace have little grace to boast of.  Some who do this imagine that their graces can keep them, not realizing that the stream most flow constantly from the fountainhead, or else the brook will soon be dry.  If a continuous stream of oil does not reach the lamp, even though it burns brightly today, it will smoke tomorrow, and send out a noxious odor.  Take heed that you do not glory in your graces, but let all your glorying and confidences be in Christ and His strength, for this is the only way you can be kept from falling.  Pray more often.  Spend longer periods of time in holy adoration.  Read the Scriptures more earnestly and constantly.  Watch your lives more carefully.  Live nearer to God.  Take the best examples for your pattern.  Let your conversation emit the fragrance of heaven.  Let your hearts be perfumed with affection for the souls of others.  So live that others may recognize that you have been with Jesus, and have learned of Him; and when that happy day shall come, when He whom you love shall say, “Come up higher,” may it be your happiness to hear Him say, “You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for you the crown of righteousness.”  On, Christian, with care and caution!  On, with holy fear and trembling!  On, with faith and confidence in Jesus alone, and let your constant petition be, “Sustain me according to your promise.”  He, and He alone, is able “to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy.”