(Continued from p.205).

Striving Lawfully

Having noticed the various names given to the crowns of reward, I would now desire to emphasize some exhortations and warnings in regard to them which we find in the New Testament.

We have already touched on the possibility of being disapproved at last if not careful to walk before God in self-judgment, keeping the physical appetites in subjection (1 Cor. 9:27). And we have glanced also at 2 John 8:

"Look to yourselves that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward."

It is self-evident then, that the reward is forfeitable, though eternal life is not. How then may we, perchance, labor in vain and fail of the proffered crown?

Let us notice 2 Tim. 2:5. In the A. V. we read,

"And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully."

The 1911 Version (Oxford) translates this verse as follows:

"And if a man also contend in the games, yet is he not crowned if he have not observed the rules."

Here is a principle that is both important and far-reaching. The illustration is plain. In the athletic contests of the Greeks and Romans, as amongst us to-day, there were certain recognized demands to which each contestant must conform. A youth might be strong and vigorous, and display great prowess and ability, but if he failed to go by the rules of the game he was disqualified, and could not receive the victor's wreath.

At the celebrated revived Olympian games held at Stockholm, Sweden, some years ago, a young Indian, James Thorpe, excelled all others in a number of contests of strength and skill. He won many medals and was the envy of scores of white athletes, who tried in vain to defeat him. When the King of Sweden bestowed the prizes upon him he took him by the hand and exclaimed, "You, sir, are the greatest amateur athlete in the world to-day!" It was a moment to be proud of, and the Indian could be excused if a feeling of gratified elation filled his breast at such a time. But after his return to America certain men began an investigation into his past. Finally they discovered that one summer, while still a student in a Government School, Thorpe had played on a village baseball team for a few dollars a week. This fact disqualified him from entering an amateur contest. When it was put before the King, he had to write to the Indian demanding the return of his trophies. The poor lad was nearly heart-broken, but he sent all back and wrote a straightforward letter in which. he begged His Majesty not to think too hardly of him, reminding the King that he was "an ignorant Indian boy," and did not know he was violating any rule in entering the games after having taken money for sport. But his ignorance of the requirements could not save him from losing his wrongly-bestowed honors. While no kindly person could feel other than sympathetic to Thorpe, yet all had to acknowledge the righteousness of the King's ruling.

And so will it be with those who are seeking after an incorruptible crown. The rewards will only be for those who "strive lawfully," who "have observed the rules " laid down in the Word of God.

There may be great self-denial, intense devotion, and deep earnestness, while after all one's entire program of life and service may be thoroughly unscriptural. Therefore the need of knowing the Bible and "going by the Book." Much that passes for Christian service to-day is merely fleshly activity. Much that is dignified as "Church work" is thoroughly opposed to the divine revelation as to the Church and its responsibilities. Much that is counted as evidence of spirituality is simply natural refinement, and in no sense the result of the in-working of the Spirit of God. Much that is "highly esteemed among men" is an "abomination in the sight of God."

The service which will meet His approval, and which will be rewarded at the judgment-seat of Christ, is that which is of the Holy Spirit in accordance with the Word of God. Nothing else will stand the test.

Men may weary themselves in seeking to "build up the cause," as it is called, and may display most commendable faithfulness to "principles" which they believe to be sound and right, only to find "in that day" that time and labor have gone for nought because they had no "Thus saith the Lord" to warrant the efforts they have put forth. Our thoughts will not change God's Word.

It is of primary importance that the laborer devote much time to the prayerful conscientious study of his Bible, in order that his mind may be directed by the Truth, and that he may thus learn to readily detect what is contrary to sound instruction.

Otherwise he may have to look back with regret on wasted energies and Wasted years that might all have been devoted to the glory of Christ, but were devoted to the building up of some unscriptural system instead, and therefore will be consumed when "the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is."

The apostle did not want to "run in vain" nor "labor in vain." Nor should we. Rather let us seek to make every day count for God as we pray:"Order my steps in Thy Word." H. A. Ironside

(To be continued, D. V.)