September 14
Daily Gleanings of the Saintly LifeEighth Saturday after Trinity
By works was faith made perfect. S. James 2:22.
FAITH has its work to do here quite as truly as with the redemption of the Cross itself. For faith must not only dwell on that most precious truth, it must not only be fixed on the Cross of Calvary. There indeed its deepest and most earnest gaze must ever dwell. But it must also pass on to the daily life of Jesus. It must dwell on His words and actions. It must make His perfect pattern ever real to our souls. There must be faith in the "example," and faith in the "sacrifice." How far are we copying Christ's example? Are we trying even to do so? It is a very perfect example. We feel it almost presumptuous to think of imitating what is so heavenly. But are we in any one point growing in likeness to our Lord? Christ was pure and holy. Are we fighting heartily against the lusts of the flesh, and longing after holiness? Christ was meek and lowly. Are we curbing our proud thoughts and tempers, and striving to be humble? Christ was merciful and forgiving, and prayed for His murderers on the Cross. Are we ready to forgive those that injure us and to return good for evil? Christ came to do His Father's will. Are we trying to do God's will? What is our hope for hereafter? Is it not to be like Christ? Yes, but except we become like Christ now, we shall not be like Him then.
Heavenly Father, send Thy Holy Spirit to make us more and more like unto Thy dear Son while we live here on earth, that we may be changed into His glorious likeness, and be meet to dwell with Him in Thy everlasting kingdom hereafter; for the sake of the same Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.