We often sing, “I’ve given all for Christ;” but how many realize that full meaning of these work? Is self indeed “crucified, with the affections and lusts”? Formerly it was everywhere present, entering more or less into all our purposes and plans; has it disappeared from the field of vision, and is its place occupied by Jesus and His holy religion? It is close work to keep all on the altar; never to do anything merely for our own advantage; to tell no incident, utter no sentiment, nor write a line to build up a good name; guarding even our God-given enjoyments so that they may reflect glory to the Giver; selecting our food and drink with reference to securing the most vigorous bodies, the clearest intellects, the liveliest emotions, and the most unyielding purpose with which to serve Him who has “brought” us; remembering the words of the apostle, “Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Cor. 11:31.
Is it too much? We expect to render an equivalent when we acquire earthly treasures; what have we that can at all compare with the worth of eternal life and all the glories of the immortal inheritance? How can we find a heart to murmur or to pity ourselves, though called to sacrifice and labor and suffer all that mortality could endure to the end of life! We were then so far from earning the exceeding great reward that it still remains the “gift of God.” Rom. 6:23.
There is never any occasion for self-sympathy. “We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” Heb. 4;15. Our Heavenly Father well understands all our surroundings, our peril and trials, an He has pitted us enough. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.” John 3:16. There was no morbid sympathy in that sacrifice; —who will say that the Father did not suffer equally with the Son? Every true parent (and our Heavenly Father is truest of all) would gladly relieve He’s child by taking upon himself He’s sufferings. Testimony No. 24 says, “How unutterable was the self-denial of the Infinite God.”
In the light of all this and in considering the transcendent excellences of the divine character, what a privilege it is to give “all for Christ.” Oh, the unspeakable gain—Christ for self ! No wonder Paul exclaimed, “I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.” Paul had the finest prospects of earthly glory and enjoyment being a member of the Sanhedrim, or Jewish senate, and possessing also all the honors an advantages of a “free-born” citizen of the proud and powerful Roman empire; but all this was of no value to him, so that he might “know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings.” Phil. 3:8, 10.
The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald. Oct 17, 1882