Christians, living in an alien world but citizens of another, are called upon so to live that they may commend the truth they profess to those who do not know the Lord. That we are not our own but are “bought with a price” makes it imperative that we faithfully represent and reflect the One who has redeemed us.
Confronted with the awesome implications of our position we can well say with the Apostle Paul: “For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: to the one we are the savor of death unto death; and to the other the savor of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?”
Some Christians have tried to escape the contacts of the world and in so doing have failed in their duty to God and their fellow man.
One of the most electrifying things that could happen would be for Christians to live seven days a week as Christians should live—as shining lights in pagan darkness, savorful salt in a putrifying society.
But such a life cannot be lived by an act of the will. Resources are required that no man has within himself. He needs supernatural help, which is available to every Christian willing to pay the price.
The wellsprings of life have their source in the Holy Spirit. They flow as living water to bless others, but only as the channel remains clear and as the earthly vessel is renewed day by day by close communion with the Living Christ.
Aware that the body must have nourishment and exercise, we are often oblivious to the fact that the spiritual life of the Christian must also be nourished and exercised. Accepting Christ’s death and resurrection as our only hope for eternity, we often forget that such faith is the door to life here and now and not just insurance for the next.
The average Christian is spiritually starved and ignorant, and as a result is a poor witness to the saving and keeping power of Christ. But those who drink deep at the wellsprings of life carry with them the sweet savor of Christ. Consciously living in his presence, they show forth in their lives the fruits of the Spirit.
Where is this help, and how do we obtain it? Many earnest souls long for such a renewing experience but have never seriously sought the answer.
The wellsprings of life are found in prayer and Bible study. These take time, and our lives are pressed by legitimate demands that inevitably encroach until good and necessary things crowd out the best and most necessary.
A specified time should be set aside each day for prayer and Bible study, and nothing should be permitted to interfere or interrupt. The best time of the day is the early morning, and the place should be one of quiet and solitude.
Prayer is a privilege and blessing with many facets—praise, worship, thanksgiving, supplication for others and for ourselves. Nothing adds more to the exercise of prayer than a prayer list of people, problems, and objectives. As time goes on this list grows, while at the same time we see God’s loving concern through answers for specific items on the list.
Like Job of old, we too can pray for our children and bring God’s blessings to them. Following the example of our Lord, we can reach out across the world and pray for men everywhere.
We approach the study of God’s Word with prayer, asking that the Holy Spirit will make what we read plain to our minds and apply it to our hearts. Then Bible study ceases to be a chore and becomes a delight. For the first time we begin to sense the wonder of this revelation of God as it speaks to our needs, shows us our sins, comforts and strengthens us, and unfolds before us the panorama of God’s dealings with man.
Let me suggest that for a long time one read only the Bible. There are many good books about the Bible, but none of them is a substitute for the Book itself.
Basic to study is a reading through many times of the Bible as a whole. Only then can one get the composite picture so necessary and so rewarding. One can follow a particular theme or doctrine through the entire Bible and in so doing find joy and strength.
A very fruitful way to study the Scriptures is to take a number of different translations and read the same portion in each translation. Old verses will take on a new meaning. Obscure phrases will suddenly come into focus.
How much time should one spend at the wellsprings of life? Here we are dealing with a privilege of vital importance, not with clock-watching. For some, an hour will be right; for others the time will be shorter or longer. The important thing is that Christians set aside a specific time of day when they sit at the Lord’s feet, talk with him, and let his Word speak to their hearts.
Several objections may come to mind: “I just can’t spare the time.” “I’d have to give up some much-needed sleep.” “This could be very boring.”
Anyone who is too busy to take time to drink deep at the wellsprings of life is too busy and should adjust his or her schedule.
Such a program may indeed make one get up earlier each morning, but experience proves that time spent with the Lord brings physical as well as spiritual renewing.
As for being bored: just give it a try. You will find it to be the most rewarding experience of each day.
