Watchman Nee, one of the best known leaders of the secret underground church in China during the great persecutions of Mao Tse Tung, told about a new convert who came in deep distress to see him. ‘No matter how much I pray,’ he said; ‘no matter how hard I try, I simply cannot seem to be faithful to my Lord. I think I’m losing my salvation.’
Nee said, ‘Do you see this dog here? He is my dog. He is house-trained; he never makes a mess; he is obedient; he is a pure delight to me. Out in the kitchen I have a baby son. He makes a mess, he throws his food around, he fouls his clothes, he is a total mess. But who is going to inherit my kingdom? Not my dog; my son is my heir. You are Jesus Christ’s heir because it is for you that He died.’ So let’s remember that we are Christ’s heirs, not through our perfection but because of His love.