Psalm 37:3-8 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shall you dwell in the land, and truly you shall be fed.… Most thoughtful Christians will admit that as intelligent and believing Christianity tends to prosperity and success. The Christian nations, and the Christian communities among the nations, are the only thriving portions of the world. Where heathenism or infidelity prevail, there are poverty, squalor and vice. So invariably united are the two things that we cannot but see that the connection is that of cause and effect. But what about individuals? All the virtues necessary for success in life are inculcated by the Gospel, and not only inculcated, but imparted in that measure in which the man-yields himself to Christ. Diligence, uprightness, sobriety, and such like, are, or ought to be, qualities of the Christian; and these are the virtues which lead to success. But we have other reasons. God is with them (Genesis 39:2; 1 Samuel 18:14, 28; Deuteronomy 20:1; Deuteronomy 31:6-8; 1 Chronicles 5:20; Jeremiah 39:18; Psalm 37:40). President Garfield's mother was left a widow when he was a little boy, but she taught him this lesson in his very early years, and it became the principle upon which all his life-work was carried on. Whether as a boy he proposed to "run" a farm, or as a man to "run" the State, it was always in this fellowship with God that he prosecuted his tasks. And how marvellous the successes he achieved! Here, then, is plainly the one great secret of success. — "Godliness is profitable unto all things, having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." These promises do not certainly mean that God will make all His children rich, in the sense of being possessors of thousands. They mean only that each in his measure shall have enough. They promise the suitable and natural rewards of honest industry and well-doing. That is all we need, and all any wise man will desire. (Evangelical Advocate.) Parallel Verses KJV: Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.WEB: Trust in Yahweh, and do good. Dwell in the land, and enjoy safe pasture. |
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