Daily EncouragementSample

This is a law of all life. Substitute “for music” in the place of “for me,” and watch the potential musician as he concentrates on his practice. So much of himself has to be sacrificed so that he may give himself to his one thing. But after many days, with a seemingly effortless spontaneity, he produces the most wonderful music. He has found his life. This is a fundamental law of the spiritual life. The way up is down; the way to get is to give. We die in order to live. It is the way of salvation. We turn to Christ, and in doing so we die to sin and self and the world. It is the way of Christian service: “I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well” (2 Cor. 12:15). It is the way of satisfaction: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20). “Even if I am poured out like a drink offering . . . I am glad and rejoice” (Phil. 2:17). This is the way of the cross. To walk it is to be united with “the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross” (Heb. 12:2).