Give Christ the Best
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"The best is always good enough for me," was the playful reply of a lady friend of ours, when we asked her which of several things she would prefer. What our friend said playfully—may be applied in all seriousness to the gifts which every Christian ought to offer to his Redeemer. The best is never too good for him; in fact, we should never put off our Lord with anything less. The fundamental idea of true Christianity, is our giving to Jesus all we that have and all that we are. This is one important meaning of that much-perverted wordsanctification. Some people use it to signify a process of purification, or a putting off of moral filthiness, until a perfect sinlessness is reached. But the ordinary meaning of "sanctify" is "to set apart, to consecrate to God."
When Jesus said, "I sanctify myself," he certainly did not affirm that he was putting off impurity and becoming perfectly holy. He had never been anything else than sinless. His meaning was, "I consecrate myself to the redemption of man—and the fulfillment of my Father's will." A true Christian life is the continual consecration of our bodily powers, of our energies, our affections, our resources, and our influence—to Him who bought us with His precious blood. The more willing we are to give Jesus the very best we have—the more nearly are we attaining to genuine holiness. Is this the usual practice of those who profess and call themselves Christian?
Take the matter of money. How many Christians habitually give a due share of their income to the Lord? "Ah, I cannot afford to give so much as I once did," is a very current apology. Yes—but you have not cut back your style of living! You began by cutting down in your contributions to benevolence, when that ought to have been the very last thing to be touched when cut backs were forced upon you. The true principle is, give God the first claim—and let others wait until he has been served. "When I get any money," said Erasmus, "I buy books; if any is left—I buy my other necessities." There spoke the genuine scholar. But too many Christians say in practice, "If I am making money, I shall treat myself to a new car, or my family to new furniture, etc.; if there is anything over, I will put it in the contribution-box." The fattest sheep is killed for the table of selfishness! The poor "crow-bait" is palmed off for sacrifice upon God's altar!
This same wretched principle is manifested when six days are given to business, and one or two evening hours are stingily begrudged to the prayer meeting or to works of benevolence. The punishment of all such petty larceny of the Lord, is that the perpetrators become mere "crow-baits" spiritually, and never taste the rich morsels which God bestows. "The liberal soul shall be made fat;" all the rest are but skin and bone.
Here is a solemn point for parents in training their children, and for Christian sons and daughters in choosing their calling. "That boy is a very bright fellow; I will make a lawyer of him. His brother is a good conscientious chap; but he has brains enough, I think, for a parson." So reasons the parents—and the sons catch the infection. The one with ten talents goes to the university, and perhaps becomes a great lawyer—and a very small Christian. The one with two talents consecrates them to the work of winning souls, and becomes the heir of a great inheritance in heaven. God blessed the one who gave him the best he had; the other "reaped what he had sowed," and did not get a basketful. Jesus Christ has a sovereign right to the best brains, the best culture, the best estates, the best powers in the land.
Suppose that the venerable Stephen Tyng had decided in his youth, that his capacities were only worthy of the Senate House. Suppose that he had entered the ranks for wealth and fame, and climbed to the highest round of the ladder. When the frosts of fourscore were gathering on his brow, would he have been the happy man he has been, with the blessings of Heaven covering his gray hairs like a crown of light?
We do not affirm that a man cannot serve Christ in any other calling, than the Christian ministry. But we do affirm that SELF should never be consulted by a true Christian, in making life's choices. Christ's prior right to our very best—is the only right rule. And that rule, well observed, will give to Christ's service the "pick" of human power and influence. What isleft over may go to the inferior claims of "the things which perish."
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