TAKE THE WORLD, BUT GIVE ME JESUS

Fanny J. Crosby, 1820–1915 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? (Mark 8:36, 37) In every believer there is a constant struggle between the old nature, which is attracted to the world, and the new nature, which responds to God. These two opposing natures will never cease to struggle as long as we are residents of this world. Worldliness can be described as anything that tends to draw us away from God and limits us from being all that He wants us to be. Separation from the world, however, does not mean that we are to live in isolation from individuals within the world, whether they be saint or sinner. We cannot represent our Lord if we remain aloof from the needs of those around us. There must always be that fine balance in our lives between a closeness and total commitment to Christ and an availability and helpful contact with those in our everyday world,. A Christian’s goal in life is to “cease from sin” and thus starve the old nature, which tends to be selfish, hateful, and greedy. Although it is true that we will never achieve a sinless perfection until we reach heaven, this should never keep us from striving and saying with Fanny Crosby, “Take the world, but give me Jesus.” Like the blind poetess, the goal of someday having a “clearer, brighter vision” when we see our Lord face to face makes the struggles of this life all worthwhile. Take the world, but give me Jesus—All its joys are but a name; but His love abideth ever, thru eternal years the same. Take the world, but give me Jesus—Sweetest comfort of my soul; with my Savior watching o’er me, I can sing tho billows roll. Take the world, but give me Jesus—Let me view His constant smile; then thruout my pilgrim journey light will cheer me all the while. Take the world, but give me Jesus—In His cross my trust shall be; till, with clearer, brighter vision, face to face my Lord I see. Chorus: O the height and depth of mercy! O the length and breadth of love! O the fullness of redemption—Pledge of endless life above! For Today: Galatians 5:16–18; Ephesians 3:17–19; Philippians 1:20–24; 1 John 2:15 Reflect on your spiritual goals for life. Make a list of the activities and disciplines necessary for their achievement. Invite the Holy Spirit’s help. Carry this musical truth as you go— Kenneth W. Osbeck, Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1996), 240–241.