HOW TO KEEP THE BLESSING Part 3

The wisdom of the fathers

HOW TO KEEP THE BLESSING? ?Part 3

Beware of spiritual pride. The gift of the Holy Spirit will make a remarkable difference in your life, which you and others can see. But give all the glory to Jesus, and be careful about making comparisons between yourself and others. Mrs. M. Baxter writes: "For eight years my life seemed to be going on from strength to strength, and I was blessedly useful. But I did not know how much I was occupied at that time with myself and my own holiness. I fell into spiritual pride".?

Her blessing was gone, and long she cried to God by night and by day in the dust of humiliation before the Heavenly Dove returned. John Wesley gave this advice: "Watch and pray continually against pride. If God has cast it out see that it enter no more; it is fully as dangerous as desire. And you may slide back into it unawares, especially if you think there is no danger of it. If you think you are so taught of God as no longer to need man's teaching, pride lies at the door.?

Yes, you have need to be taught by one another, by the weakest preacher in London; yea, by all men. For God sends whom he will. Always remember, much grace does not imply much light. The not observing this has led some into many mistakes, and into the appearance at least of pride. Let there be in you that lowly mind that was in Christ Jesus. And 'be ye likewise clothed with humility.' let it not only fill but cover you all over. Let modesty and self-diffidence appear in all your words and actions.?

As one instance of this be always ready to own any fault you have been in; do not seek to evade or disguise it, and you will thereby not hinder but adorn the gospel."??

(from "Holiness and Power" by Aaron Merritt Hills)