(Printed on this day, August 30, 1876, in The Associate Reformed Presbyterian)
While you have the light, walk in the light. Present privileges are for present improvement, but we are very prone to neglect the present while thinking of the future or of the past. We look backward with sorrow as we remember our failures and neglects. We look forward with hope and dream of better days, and more extended usefulness; but on the present, the only time which is ours, and which enwraps within itself all our opportunities, we look with comparative indifference. Today, the light of revelation, the light of providence, the light of the Holy Spirit, and the light of Life are shining on our path. Now, while we have the light, let us walk in it. Now, while we have the opportunity, let us improve it. Now, while the commands of God are laid upon us, let us obey them from the heart.
How suddenly our circumstances change. The light which we neglect may be taken from us. Sickness may come; poverty may come; adversity may come; pain may feel for our heartstrings, and death may strike home to the center of our lives, and all our opportunities may be passed. Now affords us every privilege, but the hereafter may be as barren as the Sahara.
The antediluvians refused to walk in the light when they had the light, but when the floods came, how glad would they have been could they have shared the privileges that Noah enjoyed. The sodomites had light, refused to walk in it, and were destroyed with fire from heaven. The chosen people of God neglected the light that was given to them, wandered in darkness, stumbled upon the dark mountains, and while they looked for light, became grossly dark, and were turned into the shadow of death.
The world today is rejecting Christ, who is the light and life of men. They have the light, but refuse it; they see it, but will not walk in it. But a day shall come when God shall call men to account for the light which they have received, the light which they have rejected, the light which they have refused! May God help us, now in the living present, to walk in the light we have received, faithfully and steadfastly, and bring us at last to dwell with Christ who is the light and life of men.
Well said. We need to take advantage of all opportunities we have right now. Whether it is sharing the Gospel with others or by using our talents to further our church’s ministry. We don’t know the length of our days or the length of good health. Thanks for sharing this. This should be an encouragement for everyone to “keep keeping on”. It is as true today as it was then.