In the Sunshine of Christs Love
From Words of Cheer for Christian Pilgrims
By Theodore Cuyler, 1896
One of the historic landmarks of the church of Christ, was that "upper room" in Jerusalem where the Master instituted the sacrament which commemorates his atoning love. After he had broken the bread, and given the cup to his disciples, he summons them to "arise and go hence," and leads them out towards Gethsemane. What a wonderful walk was that, and what a wonderful talk he gave them as they moved through the silent streets to the valley of Kedron! That chamber had been redolent of his redeeming love; the atmosphere was laden with its sweet fragrance.
The first thing he speaks of, is the vital union which he has formed between them and himself - a union as close as that of the parent vine to all its branches and tendrils. Then he tells them that even as the Father had loved him so did he love them, and tenderly charges them, "Abide in my love." Not their love to him - but his love for them. He had created a warm, bright, blessed atmosphere of love, and he urges his little flock to continue in it. Is it possible for all of us Christians, to live steadily in this bright sunshine, where his love is falling in a constant stream of warm effulgence? It must be possible; for our Master never commands what we cannot perform. Sinless perfection may not be attainable in this life; but there is one thing which all of Christ's redeemed people can do - and that is to keep themselves in the delightful atmosphere of his love. It is our fault and our shame that we spend so many days in the chilling fogs, or under the heavy clouds of unbelief, or down in the damp, dark cellars of conformity to the world.
There are three conditions which Christ enjoins upon us. If we fulfill them - we shall abide in the sunshine of his love.
I. The first one is obedience. "If you keep my commandments - you shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love." A boy leaves home for school or college and his mother packs his trunk, with many a tear moistening his wardrobe. She puts a Bible there, and says to him, "Now, my dear boy, this you will read every morning and night; and while you are on your knees in prayer - your mother is with you." In like manner we who call ourselves Christians should ever abide in the bright warm atmosphere of our Master's love.
We must heartily accept a whole Christ, both as Savior and Lord, and accept him without any reserves or limitations. He has a right to command - it is ours simply to obey.
2. The second direction for keeping in the bright beamings of the divine love is growth in godly character. Turn to the Epistle of Jude and read this: "Building up yourselves on your most holy faith - keep yourselves in the love of God." The construction of a Christian character is like the construction of a house. There must first be a solid foundation. But some church members never get much beyond this.
Up yonder on Lafayette Avenue are long lines of massive stone work, laid there twenty years ago. Those grass-grown stones are the foundation for a cathedral - but no cathedral stands there yet. Some people start with a certain amount of faith in Christ, and profess that before the world. Then they stop there. They do not "add to their faith courage, temperance, meekness, patience, godliness, love," and all the other stones that enter into a solid and beautiful Christian life. Every Sunday they come and draw away more bricks and stones, in the shape of truth; but they do not build them into their character. Such self-stunted professors know but little of the sweet sunshine and joy of Christ's smile. They may be growing rich, or growing popular, or growing in self-esteem - but they are not growing in grace. They try to live in another atmosphere, than the love of Christ, and their piety is "winter-killed" and withering away. Such religion is a poor joyless thing; it succeeds no better than an attempt to raise oranges among the freezing fogs of Newfoundland.
3. There is one more essential to a strong and a happy life. Keeping Christ's commandments and constructing a solid, godly character cannot be done without divine help. Therefore the apostle adds, "Praying in the Holy Spirit - keep yourselves in the love of God." I can understand why a backslider does not pray; or, if he does, makes it a hollow formality. But every one who desires to be lifted into the sweet, warm atmosphere of communion with Christ - must use the wings of fervent prayer. Those who make it their business to battle down besetting sins, and to build themselves up in Bible holiness, cannot make headway without constant laying hold of the promises of divine strength. Prayer keeps us in the love of Jesus; and while keeping in that warm, pure, healthy atmosphere - we find that praying has wonderful power. Jesus told his disciples that if they would only abide in his love - they might ask what they would and it shall be done unto you!"
Then, my good friend, do you want to be happy? Do you want to have power with God - and peace with yourself? Do you want to get some installment of heaven in advance? There is only one sure way, and that is to live in the light-giving, warmth-giving sunshine of your Savior's love!
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