During this Week of Prayer, believers all over the world will consider a matter of vital importance: Practical Christianity - what is it? Simply put, it is the teachings and life of Jesus Christ put into practice. The concept may seem obvious, but how rare it actually is! Churches, Bibles, and professed Christians can be found in much of our world. But how many people are actually putting the entire teachings of Christ into full practice? What inspiring challenges and greater spiritual heights yet remain before us who bear the name “Christian”!

“The work of every true Christian is to represent Christ, to reflect light, to elevate the standard of morals, and by words and influence consecrated to God, to compel the careless and reckless to think of God and eternity. The world would gladly drop eternity out of their reckoning, but they cannot succeed so long as there are those who represent Christ in their practical life.”1

We are to preach the everlasting gospel in practice, and if necessary, by using words.

“It is by contemplating Christ, by exercising faith in Him, by experiencing for ourselves His saving grace, that we are qualified to present Him to the world. If we have learned of Him, Jesus will be our theme; His love, burning upon the altar of our hearts, will reach the hearts of the people. The truth will be presented, not as a cold, lifeless theory, but in the demonstration of the Spirit.”2

With this wonderful aim in mind, these readings should be pondered together and shared also with isolated believers. Sabbath, December 9,is set aside as a day of prayer with fasting. On Sunday, December 10, a special offering will be gathered to promote new areas of missionary labor around the world.

May the Lord use this sacred occasion to strengthen each one of us to higher ground in wholehearted practical service!