_There are Denials with reference to our Gifts_.
"Look not," says the Apostle, "every man on his own things, but every man
also on the things of others." That is, even in the exercise of his
choicest gifts and graces, let a man forget his own in his desire to
employ and bring forward the gifts of others. "Let nothing be done through
strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better
than themselves." That is, in your own mind take a humble view of
yourself, your own powers, and your own worthiness, and hold your comrades
in higher esteem than you hold yourself, in honour preferring one another
to yourself. _That would be a very real self-denial to some people!_
"Recompense to no man evil for evil," though you know he well deserves it;
"Avenge not yourselves." "If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst,
give him drink." "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them
that weep." That is, deny yourself of your own joys, that you may enter
into the sorrow of others; and lay aside your own sorrows and tears, and
silence your own breaking heart, when you can help others by entering with
joy into their joys.
You will see, beloved, that all this is work which _no one can do for
you_, and that it is in a very true sense high service to God as well
as to man.
How, then, is it with you?
Are you a self-denying disciple? If not, beware, lest it should shortly
appear that you are not a disciple at all.