True Hope In Life

The ancient christians made it a part of their religion to look for His return.

Backward, they looked to the cross and the atonement for sin, and rejoiced in Christ crucified.

Upward, they looked to Christ at the right hand of God, and rejoiced in Christ interceding.

Forward, they looked to the promised return of their Master, and rejoiced in the thought that they would see Him again.

And we ought to do the same.

- Practical Religion by J.C. Ryle pg 18

The above mentioned perception of life truly reflects the life of a wise christian. It is a reminder that looking to Christ is the only source to a strong and sustainable motivation. There are so many obstacles to put one down in the path of sanctification, in this life. Struggles, failures, disappointment, back stabbings, judgement, repeated failures - thats what really gets one down and dissipates whatever hope or trust which remains. A brother once shared a point which I treasured much - that he does not give up, because this life is not his own. How true.

Many a time, if not all the time, we lay down our arms and wave the white flag in the air because in our pride (which is pretty much invisible by then due to the deceit which sin brings) we look at ourselves and not to the throne of grace, at the throne of mercy, at our Master, our LORD Jesus Christ.