Does not this epitomize the First Psalm? At all times it characterizes the godly life. What a holy ambition is here presented to us! Fresh and fruitful all the time.

The Second Epistle of Peter ends with an exhortation to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Christ. And it does not add: "This is written for the young in years." Christian progress should be lifelong. Stagnation is not piety. And it is not only the old who may be dried up in mind and heart and spirit.

What is the remedy for this deplorable condition whether in young or old? Well, many answers could be given, all equally scriptural. We will select one: "Walk in the Spirit."

The Church loses through paying insufficient attention to the ministry of the Spirit. A company of religious people without the Spirit is organized weakness.

Every Christian is born of the Spirit, sealed by the Spirit, and has the Spirit dwelling in him. As Advocate and "Comforter" He pleads our cause and strengthens us by His company. He is the Author of all victory over sin, of every Christian grace, of every effectual prayer, of all power for witness, of all fruitful service.

The Divine command, "Be filled with the Spirit," implies a continuous process or movement, and may suggest a full pond on the hillside, with both inlet and outlet. It is always full because it has an inlet; it is always fresh because it has an outlet.

The Spirit-filled life is constantly receiving from Christ, on the one hand. On the other hand, it is constantly giving out in loving service to others.

It is the Spirit of the living God Who gives the endowment of power both for holy living and for effective service. The fulness of the Spirit means that the life is under the control of the Spirit of Christ. Are we walking habitually under the Spirit's stimulating direction and the Word of God which He uses, in invigorating abundance of spiritual life? May God in His mercy save us from becoming dried up in mind and trembling in heart, living but dormant specimens of arrested development.

—E. Adams