The Cathedral Close

Selfishness is really at the root of sin. When we yield to temptation we do so that we may gratify ourselves. We may often gratify ourselves innocently, and when this is the case it is quite right that we should do as we wish. But when we cannot, and we know that we cannot, and yet feel inclined to do so, then we are tempted to do wrong. We either give way to the temptation and gratify ourselves, or we sacrifice our own inclinations an overcome it.

In God’s service, and that we may do His will, we are required to sacrifice only those things which we cannot but condemn. We are called to put duty in the place of self-gratification, and to ask ourselves on all occasions not, “What should I like to do?” but, “What ought I to do?” Although to follow such a course as this may require the sacrifice of our self-gratification now and then, yet it will issue in a deep and true sense of satisfaction and peace always. On the contrary, unlawful self-gratification must result in shame and sorrow.

Adam and Eve chose to gratify themselves. The tree was (1) good for food, (2) pleasant to the eye, and (3) a tree to be desired to make one wise. So they chose to ratify (1) the appetite; (2) the lust of the eye, and (3) intellectual pride, although they knew that they could not do so without disobeying the commandment of God, and hence came sin and death.

The life of the Lord Jesus Christ, on the contrary, was a perfectly unselfish life, and therefore it was a perfectly obedient life, and hence came righteousness and life. How hard He found it thus to sacrifice Himself that He might in all things obey. is attested by the vehemence with which he cast aside St. Peter’s suggestion that He should spare Himself, and by His agony in Gethsemane. But for Him there was peace when the conflict was over, and for Him now there is glory both in Heaven and on earth for evermore.

Prayer

O Lord Jesu Christ, help me to follow Thee, and always to put aside all that would hinder me from doing Thy holy will, I beseech Thee. Amen.