June 30

Read: I John 3:18-19

Let us… love.., in deed and in truth. And hereby we… shall assure our hearts before him (I John 3:18-19).

Keep Active In Service

If we keep our Lord’s commandments and are faithful to our consecration vows, we shall be active Christians. Jesus says to us, “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you”; “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” If we would have the continuing presence of the Spirit, we must stay around where the Spirit is at work — we must busy ourselves with the tasks of the Spirit.

It is a wise provision of a holiness church which charges us with “seeking to do good to the bodies and souls of men; feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and ministering to the sick and needy, as opportunity and ability are given. Pressing upon the attention of the unsaved the claims of the gospel, inviting them to the house of the Lord, and trying to compass their salvation” (Manual, Church of the Nazarene).

 

If we are to maintain the joy and blessing of a close fellowship with the Holy Spirit, we must keep engaged in active expression of our Christian love. The Bible promises us, “And hereby we… shall assure our hearts before him” (I John 3:18-19).

Does God seem far away? Am I worried as I feel for my spiritual pulse beat? I need to get out and do something for God. The exercise of Christian service will often bring deep spiritual breathing and a firm heartbeat that gives assurance of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Active Christians have little trouble with spiritual loss and uncertainty.

But if by a still, small voice He calls To paths that I do not know, I’ll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in Thine, I’ll go where You want me to go.

— Mary Brown