Pant for God Himself, personally have an insatiable thirst for Him, a longing for God, a sincere desire for His presence. Grace causes us to long after the living God. The best thing you will ever do after you are saved is to take up your cross, deny yourself daily, and follow closely after Jesus. Men hunt after gold on earth, but it is tread upon in heaven. Lord, help me to fall down in my utter insignificance before your throne of grace, and adore your eternal Majesty; make me more conscious of my sinfulness and insignificance. None can keep alive his own soul. Jesus helped me live, and He will help me die. Bring your mind down to your estate, for you cannot bring your estate up to your mind. What goes up, must come down, so you better stay humble.
This is the way to learn the secret of true happiness - be perfectly content with what the Lord provides. The best thing that unrenewed human nature can possibly produce is nothing better than a filthy rag in God's sight. Self-salvation is entirely impossible. You cannot produce a righteousness that God will accept, for you have sinned all your life. Do what you will, you cannot satisfy divine justice with your doings. Your best service is offensive to God. To obey Jesus every day is the best form of gratitude. The best thing to do for Christ is to do what Christ bids you to do next. The best gratitude is that which scrupulously renders humble obedience to every command of Jesus Christ. Take this to heart, and do ye so.
The tongue can no man tame, only the grace of God can tame it. Happy is the man whose tongue is tamed by Grace. A tender heart, a scrupulous conscience, a tenacity of not offending God in thought, word, or deed - these will hold us in check every day and every hour. Desire to get rid of every evil way, to be holy in character, sincere and without offense, a sensitivity to the Spirit's leading, to be obedient to God's words. Instantly obey Jesus, consider Him, acknowledge Him, enquire and ascertain to His will, with an eagerness to do His bidding. Take up your Cross for Jesus' sake, face worldly opposition, jeering, and ridicule; face your old companions and witness to them; confront the sneers of the workplace, be not afraid of the upper circles and their opinion, be not ashamed of Jesus. Human nature puts off trusting Jesus Christ, because of self-righteousness, a love of some secret sin, a love of religion, a fear of the loss of men's admiration, or loss of money. Nothing frightens a man more than the thought of giving up his darling sins.
The independent atheistic thinker is bound by no judgment but his own. He looks with indifference on all things whatsoever that his private judgment has not endorsed. He doubts the inspiration of the Bible. He professes much intelligence, but he exhibits gross negligence and ignorance. He is so wise that he exalts himself above God's revelation. The atheist is a degenerate that is only concerned with his immediate carnal needs; he hates truth and purity, because he loves his sins. He says the best thing is to push ahead on one's own account, save money, get rich, rise in the world, take care of your own interests. The atheist's highest wisdom is to attend to this world, and ignore the world to come. He gives no heed to the Bible, he thinks there is no need to depend upon a God that he cannot see. "Seeing is believing" is his theme. The atheist says, "Two strong arms and a good clear brain is all you need to make your own way in this world. Rely upon good health, brain and intellect, cunning planning, and scheming plans."
Without Christ Jesus, disaster and everlasting confusion is your inevitable fate. Trust in the Cross, and place a holy reliance on the finished work and Righteousness of Jesus Christ. The death warrant is gone out from God against everything that is of human nature. Never rely on your good nature, your virtues and merits - never venture to put them in the place of Christ. The work of Christ for us, the work of the Spirit in us. This must be your motto - Christ's Blood only for my hope, and the Holy Spirit's work only for my life. Yield your sinful soul over to Jesus who gave Himself to save you from sin and hell.
