THE SOLDIER'S AIM
THE SOLDIER’S AIM
The real lack in many a true soldier is that he does not apprehend the aim to which he is called of God. Mr. N————, in his prophetic system, made the fulfilment of events his aim, and consequently he would drag the church through the judgments, thus the Lord’s coming as the hope of the church was practically given up. You will find no one can see things according to God who has not God’s aim paramount in his soul. Unless Christ’s rejection by the world be fully and heartily accepted, God’s aim or purpose cannot be apprehended. When Christ was fully rejected the secret of God was divulged. If you do not know the secret it cannot be your aim, and you must be incorrect in everything. Pious souls adopt holiness by faith, prophecy, restoration of the Jews, etc., something desirable, but all out of course because God’s present purpose — His chief Object, is not their paramount object, and it cannot be unless they have thoroughly broken with the world which has rejected Christ.
The Lord bless you much. “Whosoever hath, to him shall be given”. The more you accept in faith the more will be given you. Do not only seek the Lord’s help in your daily trials, but seek also to be so relieved of your side of things that you may be able to be at His side of things, and in concert with Him there, for that is communion, and that is the basis of all true service.
I find the great thing is to keep the right aim ever before us. A child’s aim by nature is to grow to a perfect man or woman. It is inherent in the nature. Have we ever before us the true aim to be here on earth for Christ according to the desire of His heart as well as the measure of His grace to us — the members of the body of Him who is in heaven? I think there is a great lack in any ministry when the aim is not paramount. Of course, useful ministry must begin where I am, but the minister ought to have the Lord’s measure and purpose ever before [p. 228] him in his ministry. Like a man building, I put on one brick and then another; I know a great many more will be needed; I am greatly interested in the one that I am putting on — but it is not a finish.
... I trust that many may be awakened to the responsibility of the assembly. If I understand the passage in 2 Timothy 2: 22 aright, the assembly ought to be in such vigour and freshness that every Timothy could easily find the company who “call upon the Lord out of a pure heart”. How blessed if it were so! To be like stars in a dark night — like a haven for distressed mariners.