WIN CHRIST!

"...that I may win Christ."Philippians 3:8 [KJV]

No sooner had good king Hezekiah established his throne in righteousness, restored religion in his kingdom, set his whole heart to serve the Lord, and his God prospered him, but an invading Sennacherib enters his territories, and encamps against his fenced cities.—II Chronicles 32:1. Scripture and experience daily preach to God's children, "This is not your rest:" You are in a militant state. Though Jesus hath taken possession of the soul, and cast out the strong man armed, think not of folding your arms, and saying, I shall see war no more; for your adversary has many after-games to play. He will not only encamp against your fenced cities, and attack your out-works, but will also attempt your very heart and mind. Beware of such suggestions as these, they are the whispers of a destroying foe: "Come, you are now an excellent Christian; you have a tongue to speak for Jesus, you don't live and act as the rest of the careless, sinful world, you have made great advances in holiness, now you have somewhat to glory in yourself before God." Jesus, Master, save us in this hour of Satan's attack! When in such a storm, better to cast overboard all the heavy lading of self-confidence to right the ship. "A haughty spirit goeth before a fall."Proverbs 16:18.  

Let us ever remember, Jesus is all our gain and all our glory. We are still poor sinners. By renouncing all, and cleaving to Him, we enjoy all in Him. No fruits produced, no comforts experienced, but by abiding in Him. What! possess Jesus, and yet want to WIN Him? Yes. O there is much more knowledge of, peace from, love to, joy in, and conformity to JESUS, to be gained and experienced, than any of us have yet found! Jesus-enamoured hearts, like avaricious gamesters, never, never think they have enough of Jesus in time, till they have gained the full enjoyment of His matchless charms in glory. They renounce all for His sake. Wherefore? on terms and conditions to barter for an interest in Christ? No: gracious, loving hearts detest such base undervaluing thoughts of their infinitely precious Saviour. Shall the dross and dung of our doings and performances be put in competition with His most glorious excellency, who is our prize, our portion, our treasure? "Whom have I in heaven but Thee, or what is there on earth I desire in comparison of Thee?" will ever be the language of faith.  

My God, my life, my love, To Thee, to Thee I call; I cannot live if Thou remove, For Thou art all in all.  

What empty things are all the skies, And this inferior clod? There's nothing here deserves my joys, There's nothing like my God.  

The smilings of Thy face. How amiable they are! 'Tis heav'n to rest in Thy embrace, And no where else but there. 

-William Mason (1724-1797 A.D.) 

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