1 Corinthians 10:12

It is a curious fact that there is such a thing as being proud of grace. A man says, “I have great faith. I shall not fall. Poor little faith may, but I never shall.” “I have fervent love,” says another, “I can stand. There is no danger of my going astray.” He who boasts of grace has little grace to boast of.

Some who do this imagine that their graces can keep them, not knowing that the stream must flow constantly from the fountainhead, or else the brook will soon be dry. If a continuous stream of oil does not come to the lamp, though it burns brightly today, it will smoke tomorrow, and its scent will be noxious.

Take heed that you do not glory in your graces, but let all your glorying and confidence be in Christ and His strength, for only so can you be kept from falling.

Be much more in prayer. Spend longer time in holy adoration. Read the Scriptures more earnestly and constantly. Watch your lives more carefully.

Live nearer to God. Take the best examples for your pattern. Let your conversation be redolent of heaven. Let your hearts be perfumed with affection for human souls.

So live that people may take knowledge of you that you have been with Jesus and have learned of Him; and when that happy day shall come, when He whom you love shall say, “Come up higher,” may it be your happiness to hear Him say, “Thou hast fought a good fight, thou hast finished thy course, and henceforth there is laid up for thee a crown of righteousness which fadeth not away.”

On, Christian, with care and caution!

On, with holy fear and trembling! On, with faith and confidence in Jesus alone, and let your constant petition be, “Uphold me according to thy word.” He is able, and He alone, “To keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.”