Living In The Light

May 29, A Needed Change

“The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.”
—Matthew 13:33 LL 159.1

Here is brought to view the change that must take place in the heart. And “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). The Scriptures are the great agency in this transformation. Christ prayed, “Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth” (John 17:17). In this great work we are laborers together with God. With the divine agency there is to be the cooperation of the human instrument. To each of His followers Christ says, “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:18-20). LL 159.2

The meal in which the leaven has been hid represents the heart that believes and receives Jesus. Christ works out the principles which He alone can work in. The world looks upon this class as a mystery which they cannot solve. The selfish, money-loving man or woman lives to eat and drink and enjoy their worldly goods. But they do not keep eternity in view. He or she loses the eternal world from their reckoning. But those who receive and believe the truth have that faith which works by love and purifies the soul from everything sensual. The world cannot know them, for they are keeping in view eternal realities. A motive power is working within to transform the character. A constraining influence received from heaven is working like the leaven hid in the meal. The love ofJesus has come into the heart with its redeeming power to conquer the entire being, soul, body, and spirit. LL 159.3

When counter influences work to conflict the grace of Christ which bringeth salvation, the love of Christ masters every other motive and raises the human agent above the corrupting influences of the world. Because he or she clings to Jesus in faith and prayer, because they look unto Him who died that they might have all the power that Christ has to bestow, the believing soul enters into fellowship with Christ. Their life is hid with Christ in God.— Manuscript 82, 1898. LL 159.4

Further Reflection: Is there anything in your heart that Christ needs to remove? LL 159.5