Sept. 1

Charles Spurgeon · Faith's Checkbook

ABIDING IN OBEDIENCE, IN LOVE

   "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love" John 15:10

   These things cannot be parted -- abiding in obedience, and abiding in
   the love of Jesus. A life under the rule of Christ can alone prove that
   we are the objects of our Lord's delight. We must keep our Lord's
   command if we would bask in His love. If we live in sin we cannot live
   in the love of Christ. Without the holiness which pleases God, we
   cannot please Jesus. He who cares nothing for holiness knows nothing of
   the love of Jesus.

   Conscious enjoyment of our Lord's love is a delicate thing. It is far
   more sensitive to sin and holiness than mercury is to cold and heat.
   When we are tender of heart, and careful in thought, lip, and life to
   honor our Lord Jesus, then we receive tokens of His love without
   number. If we desire to perpetuate such bliss we must perpetuate
   holiness. The Lord Jesus will not hide His face from us unless we hide
   our face from Him. Sin makes the cloud which darkens our Sun: if we
   will be watchfully obedient and completely consecrated, we may walk in
   the light, as God is in the light, and have as sure an abiding in the
   love of Jesus as Jesus has in the love of the Father. Here is a sweet
   promise with a solemn "if." Lord, let me have this "if" in my hand; for
   as a key it opens this casket.