August 16

"Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace."—2 Peter 3:14.

LET the prospect of my Lord's return stir me to diligence, that I may be found in peace, without spot and blameless in His sight.

I call myself a disciple, a learner of Christ's truth and will. He is coming to test my knowledge of the things which are divine and eternal. He must not discover me lacking in heavenly wisdom, ignorant of the words and ways of God, a babe who should have been a full-grown man.

I call myself a saint, separated from sin, consecrated for service. He will inquire into the holiness of my life, into the simplicity of my obedience. I must not hang my head in self-reproach and shame when He asks those questions of my secret soul.

I call myself a brother, the kinsman and friend of all His little ones. When He says, "What have you done for the least of these?" how shall I meet His gaze and answer His appeal? Will it be with joy or with grief? Will "eyes rekindling and prayers," eyes and prayers of those I have helped, follow me to His throne?

I call myself a believer.

"Through faith I see Thee face to face, I see Thee face to face, and live"—

that is my often reiterated confession of personal trust. When His eyes search me through and through, will it be found to be a true confession?

Many will be put to shame in the deciding day. O my Lord, merciful Redeemer as well as righteous Judge, let it not be so with me.