Christian Devotedness

by Anthony Norris Groves

On Daily Dependence

The principle of God’s government is paternal; and therefore its primary object is the development in us of the character of dear children, the essential feature of which is unlimited dependence. But, of course, this implies the Fatherly character of God; and entreating Him in daily dependence for daily provision, either for temporal or spiritual supplies, for this affects God’s honor in this character. David knew that they shall not beg their bread—he, who had been young and then was old, had not seen such a thing; in this is the perfection of the Fatherly character of God.

On the Danger of Riches

The danger of riches is their being trusted in; and the difficulty of possessing them, and not trusting in them for happiness and protection, is as the difficulty of a camel’s going through the eye of a needle… (Luke 18:18-27).

On Accumulation of Wealth and Estates

Some may say, “Are not all things given us richly to enjoy?” Yes; but it would be degrading indeed to the members of the Kingdom of Christ, to make their rich enjoyment appear in consuming on their own lusts like the members of the kingdom of Satan, those things which they are permitted to apply to the exaltation of their Lord and Redeemer. Be assured, my dear friends, the sooner we can see it appropriated to God’s service and glory the better. For then it is gone for the Lord; and the world, the flesh, and the devil, cannot, though combined bring it back, and the Lord will not allow us to wish it were, so graciously will He receive our weak services and so kindly and overwhelmingly repay them with the light of His countenance, and the secret assurance in our own souls, that our dedication has been acceptable at our hand.

On Leaving Wealth for Children

All our misconceptions on this subject seem to arise from one deeply rooted opinion, learnt of Satan and the world over which he presides, that riches and comforts are better for our children, than poverty and dependence. The whole tenor of the New Testament, however, pronounces the opinion to be false.

In choosing of a portion for their children, … such a portion as bore the most favorable aspect on gaining the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus; they would all choose a portion poor and dependent. Surely it is a most unspeakable privilege to be allowed to cast all our cares upon God.

On the Widow’s Mite

In the world’s estimation nothing could be more improvident or more improper than this widow’s conduct; and I fear that few of us would have the heart to commend one who should go and do likewise. But how does our Blessed Lord judge, who judges not according to appearance, but righteous judgment?

“Verily, I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: for all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.”

On the Sufferings of the Apostles

Were not the miraculous powers, entrusted to the Apostles for the advancement of Christianity, also subservient to their personal comfort, amidst their want and pain and distress? Says he: “We both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place. I have been in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.”

It was, indeed, the very ground of the Apostles’ glorying and rejoicing, that they were counted worthy to suffer; … and it was these very sufferings which they endured, and sacrifices which they made, that proved most effectual in converting others to the faith.

On the Martyrs

We all know what a persuasive power the deaths of the martyrs exerted on the minds of those who witnessed them; and, in its just measure and proportion, would the dedication of property, time and talents, have a similar effect at the present day. It would convince those, whom we are anxious to convince, of the reality of our faith in that Redeemer, which they now think only a name, in consequence of the secular spirit that disfigures the Christianity of too many of its professors.

How differently would the heathen look on our endeavors, … if the hardy and suffering spirit of primitive times were to descend again on the silken age into which we are fallen. Example is a far more fruitful source of self--denial than the influence exerted on the mind by precept.

Old Testament Examples of Abandonment

Abraham was called to quit his kindred and country…not knowing whither he was going, nor how he was to be provided for, but he went out in obedience. The same is also observable in the sacrifice of his son. Compliance in this case seems the death-blow to his fondest hopes. Yet he does not hesitate to obey; and God blessed him and multiplied his seed as the stars of the heaven…“and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.”

All males, the providers and protectors of households, were to go up to Jerusalem three times a year. God promised to protect the land from their enemies in their absence.

The Sabbath year was an ordinance that brought the people to trust God to provide. Keeping it required a step of faith. The consequence of not keeping the Sabbath is seen in the Babylonian exile; “to fulfill the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her Sabbaths” (2 Chron. 36:20).

Now these illustrations of the nature of the divine government are very instructive. What preachers of righteousness would these Jews have been, had they obeyed the commands of their God! What a sermon on God’s providence over His chosen, would be the provision in that one year, and the miraculous protection of their coasts, would have been to the heathen around!

Let Each One Be Convinced…

If any object to selling “houses or lands,” it remains for themselves to distinguish between the motives, which induce them to retain their property, and those which induced the “young rich man” to retain his. If they retain it from any private affection unsupported by the word of truth, and if it is not their own full conviction, none who embrace their views and follow their plans, nor the learning and authority by which they are supported, will prove them to be wise, or true, or eligible, in that day when the judgment shall be set, and the books shall be opened.

The principle I have here endeavored to establish from the sacred volume, demands of no man the relinquishment of a present sphere of usefulness, till he is himself conscientiously convinced that he is called to another, where he may accomplish more for the great cause for which he lives—the exaltation of Jesus, and the gathering His sheep. But though it does not require a relinquishment of present occupations, it is most uncompromising as to the end to which they must be directed.

In this world’s history, great things are not accomplished but by great sacrifices. A life free from sufferings and sacrifices our Lord has not promised, and the Apostles did not enjoy.