Morning and Evening

September 11, Evening

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"Lead me, O Lord, in Thy righteousness because of mine enemies." — Psalms 5:8 · KJV

Very bitter is the world's enmity against the people of Christ. Men will forgive a thousand faults in others, but they will magnify the most trivial offense in the followers of Jesus. Instead of vainly regretting this, let us turn it to account; and since so many watch for our stumbling, let this be a special motive to walk very carefully before God. If we live carelessly, the lynx-eyed world will soon see it, and with its hundred tongues will spread the story, exaggerated and emblazoned by the zeal of slander. They will shout in triumph, "Aha! Just as we would have it! See how these Christians act — hypocrites, every one!" So much damage will be done to the cause of Christ, and much insult offered to His name. The cross of Christ is in itself an offense to the world; let us take care that we add no offense of our own. It is "to the Jews a stumblingblock"; let us be sure to put no stumbling blocks where there are enough already. "To the Greeks it is foolishness"; let us not add our folly to sharpen the scorn with which the worldly-wise deride the gospel. How jealous we should be over ourselves, how strict with our consciences! In the presence of enemies who will misrepresent our best deeds, and impugn our motives where they cannot censure our actions, how circumspect we should be! Pilgrims travel as suspected persons through Vanity Fair. Not only are we under watch, but there are more spies than we reckon; the surveillance is everywhere, at home and abroad. If we fall into the enemies' hands, we may sooner expect generosity from a wolf, or mercy from a fiend, than any patience with our failings from men who spice their unbelief toward God with slanders against His people. O Lord, lead us always, lest our enemies trip us up!

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