May 30

Christ is all that matters

“For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).
“Whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s” (Rom. 14:8).
“Christ liveth in me” (Gal. 2:20).

If we can live in Christ and have His life in us, shall not the spiritual balance and proportion which were His become ours too? If He were really our Master and our Savior, could it be that we should get so eager and excited over little things? If we were His, could we possibly be wretched over the losing of a little money which we did not need, or be exalted at the sound of a little praise which we know that we only half deserve and that the praisers only half intend? A moment’s disappointment, a moment’s gratification, and then the ocean would be calm again and quite forgetful of the ripple which disturbed its bosom.
—Phillips Brooks.

Polycarp of Smyrna, a beloved friend of the apostle John, was brought as an old man before the Roman governor. “I will banish you,” said the governor.
The old saint replied, “You cannot do that, for I am at home wherever Christ is.”
“I will take away your property.”
“But I have none. And if I had, and you took it away, I should still be rich; for I have Christ.”
“I will take away your good name,” threatened the governor.
“That is gone already,” said the undisturbed saint, “for I have long since reckoned it a great joy to be counted the offscouring of all things for Christ’s sake.”
“Then I will put you in prison,” growled the governor.
“You may do as you please. But I shall always be free; for where Christ is, there is perfect liberty.”
“Then I will take away your life.”
“Then I shall be in Heaven, which is the truest life.”
—Gospel Gleaners.

Where Christ brings His cross, He brings His presence; and where He is, none are desolate and there is no room for despair.
—Elizabeth B. Browning.

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