This is an excerpt from the message that was given tonight at Common Ground.
It is taken from a book called " Holiness" by JC Ryle and was written in the 1800's. It's a illustration of those who "look back" like Lot's wife was told not to do.
“How many pastors work hard in their profession for a few years and then become lazy and indolent from the love of this present world. At the outset of their ministry they seem willing to spend and be spent for Christ; they are instant in season and out of season; their preaching is lively and their churches are filled. Their congregations are well looked after, cottage lectures, prayer meetings, house to house visitation are their weekly delight. But, alas, how often after ‘beginning in the Spirit’ they end up ‘ in the flesh’ and, like Samson, are shorn of their strength in the lap of that Delilah, the world. They prefer nicer things; they are puffed up with pride and neglect study and prayer. A nipping frost cuts off the spiritual blossoms which once developed in them. Their preaching loses its unction and power; their weekday work becomes less and less; the society they mix in becomes less select; the tone of their conversation becomes more earthly. They cease to disregard the opinion of man; they imbibe a morbid fear of ‘extreme views,’ and are filled with a cautious dread of giving offence. And at last the man who at one time seemed likely to be a real successor of the apostles and a good soldier of Christ settles down on his lees as a clerical gardener, farmer or diner out, by whom nobody is offended and nobody is saved. His church becomes half empty; his influence dwindles away; the world has bound him hand and foot. He has walked in the steps of Lot’s wife. He has looked back. “
How many children of religious families begin well and end ill. In the days of their childhood they seem full of religion. They can repeat texts and hymns in abundance; they have spiritual feelings and convictions of sin; they profess love to the Lord Jesus and desires after heaven; they take pleasure in going to church and hearing sermons ; they say things which are treasured up by their fond parents as indications of grace. But, alas, how often their goodness vanishes like a morning cloud, and like the dew that passes away. The boy becomes a young man and cares for nothing but amusements, field sports, reveling and excess. The girl becomes a young woman, and cares for nothing but clothing, her friends, novel reading and excitement. Where is the spirituality which once appeared so promising ? It is all gone. It is buried; is overflowed by the love of the world. They walk in the steps of Lot’s wife. They look back.
JC Ryle "Holiness" ( chapter on Lot's wife)
As I read these quotes, I was amazed and felt like it was a good reminder of the need to stay vigilant and pursue the Lord.
Carl
It is taken from a book called " Holiness" by JC Ryle and was written in the 1800's. It's a illustration of those who "look back" like Lot's wife was told not to do.
“How many pastors work hard in their profession for a few years and then become lazy and indolent from the love of this present world. At the outset of their ministry they seem willing to spend and be spent for Christ; they are instant in season and out of season; their preaching is lively and their churches are filled. Their congregations are well looked after, cottage lectures, prayer meetings, house to house visitation are their weekly delight. But, alas, how often after ‘beginning in the Spirit’ they end up ‘ in the flesh’ and, like Samson, are shorn of their strength in the lap of that Delilah, the world. They prefer nicer things; they are puffed up with pride and neglect study and prayer. A nipping frost cuts off the spiritual blossoms which once developed in them. Their preaching loses its unction and power; their weekday work becomes less and less; the society they mix in becomes less select; the tone of their conversation becomes more earthly. They cease to disregard the opinion of man; they imbibe a morbid fear of ‘extreme views,’ and are filled with a cautious dread of giving offence. And at last the man who at one time seemed likely to be a real successor of the apostles and a good soldier of Christ settles down on his lees as a clerical gardener, farmer or diner out, by whom nobody is offended and nobody is saved. His church becomes half empty; his influence dwindles away; the world has bound him hand and foot. He has walked in the steps of Lot’s wife. He has looked back. “
How many children of religious families begin well and end ill. In the days of their childhood they seem full of religion. They can repeat texts and hymns in abundance; they have spiritual feelings and convictions of sin; they profess love to the Lord Jesus and desires after heaven; they take pleasure in going to church and hearing sermons ; they say things which are treasured up by their fond parents as indications of grace. But, alas, how often their goodness vanishes like a morning cloud, and like the dew that passes away. The boy becomes a young man and cares for nothing but amusements, field sports, reveling and excess. The girl becomes a young woman, and cares for nothing but clothing, her friends, novel reading and excitement. Where is the spirituality which once appeared so promising ? It is all gone. It is buried; is overflowed by the love of the world. They walk in the steps of Lot’s wife. They look back.
JC Ryle "Holiness" ( chapter on Lot's wife)
As I read these quotes, I was amazed and felt like it was a good reminder of the need to stay vigilant and pursue the Lord.
Carl
