Things To Ponder Every Day

Consider, you that hope in God's mercy, how highly He hath advanced and exalted and will you not be diligent to live for Him? Will you dishonour Christ so as to regard Him but little, not giving Him your whole heart, but going after the world, neglecting Him, and His service, and His glory? Will you not be watchful against yourselves, against a corrupt, worldly, proud disposition, that might lead you away from God who has been so kind to you, and from the Saviour who has purchased such blessings for you, at the cost of His own agonies and death? Will you not every day make this your earnest inquiry, "What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits towards me,' What could God have done more for you than He has done? What privilege could He have bestowed, better in itself, or more worthy to engage your heart in thankfulness? And consider how you are living—how,' little you have done for Him – how much you do for self—how little this divine love hath wrought in your heart to incline you to live for God and Christ, and for the extension of his kingdom. Oh, how should such as you, shew your sense of your high privileges, by the exercises of love! love that is manifest toward God in obedience, submission, reverence, cheerfulness, joy, and hope; and toward your neighbour, in meekness, sympathy, humility, charitableness, and doing good to all as you have opportunity.

– Jonathan Edwards, Charity and Its Fruits.