John 4:35-38 Say not you, There are yet four months, and then comes harvest? behold, I say to you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields… Conviction lies at the root of all consistent action. A mechanical genius conceives an idea. It is as clear as noon-day in his mind, but that idea is embodied, he must believe in the possibility of its embodiment; and just in proportion to the strength of his conviction as to its practicability and success, will he be consistent and earnest in working it out. Columbus conceived the existence of a continent; the conception grew into a conviction; the conviction was followed by consistent action, and that action was crowned with success by the discovery of America. A man believes that an observance of certain physical laws is conducive to health, and be acts accordingly. Another believes that obedience to certain moral laws is necessary to a good character, self-respect and peace, am[ he obeys those laws. Christianity, then, by making man's pardon and happiness hinge on faith acts in accordance with the laws of his mental and moral being. A man, e.g., must believe in God or he will never serve Him; in sin or He will never see the necessity of a Mediator. "As a man thinketh in his heart so is he." Convictions are the springs of actions, and actions make the man. (H. Tozer.) Parallel Verses KJV: Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. |
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