true growth in grace by Archibald
Brown he is precious to you therefore who believe he is precious 1st
Peter chapter 2 verse 7 The word precious has a stronger
meaning than appears on its surface. It is really, to you who believe,
he is preciousness, or all-precious. Christ is a sun which ever shines,
a garden which is always full of flowers and fruits. a hive
ever full of honey, a fountain which is always full, a brook
which never dries, a rose that always blooms, an ocean of sweetness
without a drop of gold. To the child of God, a personal
living Christ is most dear. He is not satisfied with a mere
love for Christ's doctrines, Christ's promises, or Christ's
gifts. His affections entwine themselves
round about Christ's person. Jesus is to him his brother,
friend, companion, the one with whom he walks and talks. true growth in grace consists
of a personal Savior growing increasingly precious. How sad
it is that so many fall short of this experience. Their religion
is entered more in a code of rules and collections of doctrines
than in the person of the dear Redeemer. Yes, to you who believe,
He Himself is precious. Not only his house, for it is
quite possible to like a person's house exceedingly and yet have
no particular love for the owner of that house. Not only his book,
for there are many books you may enjoy reading and yet have
neither knowledge of nor affection for the author. not only his
gifts, for how many there are who value a man's gifts while
they despise him in their heart. But he himself, apart from all
that he gives, will be your heart's dearest love. my God I love you
not because I hope for heaven thereby not because those who
love you not must burn eternally not with the hope of gaining
anything nor seeking a reward but as yourself have loved me
oh ever loving Lord Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire
you more than anything on earth. Psalm 73 verse 25.