Through Neglect

In our association with one another we should take heed lest we forget Jesus, and pass along unmindful that He is not with us. When we become absorbed in worldly things so that we have no thought for Him in whom our hope of eternal life is centered, we separate ourselves from Jesus and from the heavenly angels.  These holy beings cannot remain where the Savior's presence is not desired, and His absence is not marked.  This is why discouragement so often exists among the professed followers of Christ.

Many attend religious services, and are refreshed and comforted by the word of God; but through neglect of meditation, watchfulness, and prayer, they lose the blessing, and find themselves more destitute than before they received.  Often they feel that God has dealt harshly with them.  They do not see that the fault is their own.  By separating themselves from Jesus, they have shut away the light of His presence.

It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ.  We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones.  As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His spirit.  If we would be saved at last, we must learn the lesson of penitence and humiliation at the foot of the cross.

As we associate together, we may be a blessing to one another.  If we are Christ's, our sweetest thoughts will be of Him.  We shall love to talk of Him; and as we speak to one another of His love, our hearts will be softened by divine influences.  Beholding the beauty of His character, we shall be "changed into the same image from glory to glory."  2 Corinthians 3:18.

(It has been said that if we do something for 21 days it becomes a habit.  How hard is that?  We could spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplating on His great sacrifice for us for one hour each day, couldn't we?  It would be worth the effort to be changed into the same image of Him, from glory to glory.  Why don't we try this and see how it changes our lives.  It would be so worth it, I know.  Grandma Joan.  These thoughts taken from The Desire of Ages p. 83.)