The Cathedral Close

In the course of His temptation the whole world wait offered to the Lord Jesus Christ, with the one condition attached-that He should do something that was wrong in order to obtain the great gift. He was the rightful King of the world, and was about to regain His kingdom through suffering; but it was now offered to Him freely as a gift, with only this one condition attached to the offer.

The same offer, though on a much smaller scale, is continually being made to men, both old and young, now. The tempter whispers, “Get on in life, no matter how, only get on.” Of course, the world is very attractive.  Its wealth, its splendor, its pleasures, are very alluring; and some are so enraptured with the thought of possessing these, and with the delighted excitement of success, that they are led away from truth and righteousness in order to gain them.

There is no harm in desiring to prosper in life; on the contrary, it is natural to do so, and this desire supplies a wholesome and proper stimulus to young people in their work. But when it becomes the chief, if not the sole, object of life, there is, to say the least of it, great danger that those who are thus urged on by this desire will fall down and worship Satan-that is, will accept his suggestions, and do that which is in a greater or less degree wrong, in order to realize their wishes and their hopes.

What can all that is in the world do for me without the blessing of God? If I should gain it all, would it not in that case be a burden rather than a blessing? Peace, cheerfulness, friendliness, are better than fame or riches, and. the ambitious schemer knows not peace.

And yet success is to be aimed at and worked for, but in submission to the will and guidance of God. To seek it otherwise is to place myself in danger; and what shall it profit a man even if he shall gain the whole world, and yet lose his own soul?

Prayer

So then, O Lord Jesu Christ, help me also to over-come the world, that I may abide in Thy love, and have a place in Thy glorious and everlasting kingdom, through Thy mercy. Amen.