A Christian Will…
August 24, 2010
One of the things I love about J.C. Ryle is how firm and confident he is in his writing. While I love this about him, this is also one of the things that I find most challenging about him. Below you’ll find a quote from Ryle that contains several “he will” statements. He says that a Christian will do this or that because a Christian cannot sell his soul for “position, fame or gold.” In other words, a Christian will treasure Christ more than the world and this disposition will manifest itself in his life.
“A true Christian will strive to do his duty in whatever station or position he finds himself, and to do it well. Whether statesman, or merchant, or banker, or lawyer, or doctor, or tradesman, or farmer, he will try to do his work so that no one can find occasion for fault in him. But he will not allow it to get between him and Christ. If he finds his business beginning to eat up his Sundays, his Bible-reading, his private prayer time, and to bring clouds between him and heaven, he will say, “Stand back! There is a limit. This is as far as you can go, and no further. I cannot sell my soul for position, fame, or gold.” Like Daniel, he will make time for communion with God, whatever the cost may be. He will deny himself anything rather than lose his Bible-reading and his prayers. In all this he will find he stands almost alone. Many will laugh at him, and tell him they get along just fine without being so strict and particular. He will not listen. He will resolutely hold the world at arms length, whatever present loss or sacrifice it may seem to entail. He will choose rather to be less rich and prosperous in this world, than not to prosper about his soul.” (J.C. Ryle, Practical Religion, “The World,” [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1998], 297, 298).
Dr. Ryle, you are certainly right. Dear Lord, increase our love for your Son.
HT: Erik
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