*UNlTY OF DESIGN*By Miles Stanford

*UNlTY OF DESIGN*
*By Miles Stanford*

*
"So now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by
life, or by death" (Phil. 1:20).

If we look to other Christians as examples to follow, we will soon be
discouraged by the prevailing low standard. If we look to Christ as our
example, we will be utterly discouraged because of His infinitely high
standard. Hence it is essential that we understand that the Lord Jesus
Christ is our life; He is not a legal example to emulate, but the source
of life from which we grow.

"It is not in any conventional standard of frames and feelings that the
disciple is to find the measure of attainment required of him. It is not
by any painful reproducing of another's spiritual history that he is to
acquire the true comfort of spirit which he longs for. Outward
imitation, though it be of the perfect Example Himself, has little place
in the order of spiritual growth ---little place because little
possibility. 'Without Me (i.e., apart from Me, in separation from Me) ye
can do nothing.' To abide in Christ is the only secret of Christ
likeness; for only thus is obtained the likeness of unity, which is
perfect and enduring, instead of the likeness of conformity, which is
only partial and transient." --- A.J.G.

"In the pathway of discipline and trial we learn by bitter experience
the truth of Paul's confession, 'In me ... in my flesh dwelleth no good
thing.' Coupled with that is the lesson that God waits with infinite
patience, like the potter, to work out a design of grace and beauty with
such frail material." --- M.H.F.

"And He is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the
first-born from the dead, that in all things He might have the
preeminence" (Col. 1:18).


2Co 12:9 And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My
power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore I will rather
glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may overshadow me.


*The stars may fall, *
*but God's promises will stand and be fulfilled.*

*-- J. I. Packer*