HOW we admire energy and endurance! and what a large value it has in all man’s undertakings, whether it be the personal energy of an individual or an organization, or even the mechanical energy that carries the airman through space, or pulls us more ordinary individuals through the tubes or along the highways to our suburban homes. Energy and speed are characteristics of today. As I write, the hearts of mankind beat with an admiration that is well-nigh universal for the energy and endurance of those brave men lost amid the southern snows, though their efforts ended in heart-breaking disaster.
And what of their eternal destiny, and yours? In the light of revealed truth it is sad to note the energy put forth willingly, yet how mistakenly, to secure eternal reward. Men still ask, “What must I do to be saved?” and are as ready as Naaman was of old to do some great thing. Rituals, alms, penances, sacrifices, self-denials, all these will men do and give to satisfy their consciences, but in vain. “It is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy.”
Mercy, the free and full expression of infinite love. God sees you a helpless sinner, whose efforts can merit nothing, a debtor with nothing to pay. An alien and a stranger from Him, your coin has no currency in His realm. Yet He loves you. He willeth not the death of the sinner. He sent His Son to seek and save the lost.
“Cast your deadly burden down,
Down at Jesus’ feet.”
He calls you to Himself. Leave off all your efforts, He needs them not. Mercy is free. “Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which satisfieth not?” Your labors can never satisfy God. Nor do they please you. They will never save your soul. God alone can save you, and that by His mercy, through His beloved Son. He has laid help upon One that is mighty, and that blessed One calls you today. “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
C. M.