“Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.  Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.  1 Corinthians 9:25  He that overcometh shall inherit all things.  Revelation 21:7

To be only an almost Christian is a very hard thing; but to be a Christian altogether makes all easy and pleasant; and such as desire to have the whole Christ, his whole salvation, and all that is his, must needs give themselves up to him, not only in part, but wholly, according to that fundamental and most reasonable rule, “All for all;” and as far as we deny him any thing, we make ourselves unhappy; but the more we are resigned to him, the more we are fit to enjoy him and his spiritual blessings.
Many would sooner be persuaded to follow Christ if it was allowed to serve him by halves, and reserve some things to themselves.  But what could that profit them? Christ will not be  bargained  with;   and   nothing   is  more  dangerous   than  the dividing our hearts between him and the world, or waiting from time to time for a more convenient season to break through.  Thus you may live many years, and be neither cold nor hot; and so at last be spewed out of the Lord’s mouth.  Consider this well, O ye double-minded, lukewarm souls.  Christianity requires great striving, and overcoming all things, even our most favorite and darling lusts.  Rouse, therefore, thy drowsy heart – spare thyself no longer – rise above the trifles of this world, fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art called.

Take away my darling sin;
Make me willing to be clean—
Make me willing to receive
What thy goodness waits to give.

Force me, Lord, with all to part;
Tear all idols from my heart;
Let thy power on me be shown,
Take away the heart of stone.
_________
(A Golden Treasury ~ March 22)

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