It would appear that "Labor for the kingdom of God" is become the watchword of the day; we certainly rejoice at it, but with very mingled feelings. There is too much vanity and self-complacent pushing forward, which, alas! may be seen on this field of activity. No sooner does one imagine he has found himself possessed of talents and gifts ever so small, than he hesitates not to regard himself as a "pillar" in the Church of God. The condition and calling in which he has been hitherto is no longer the proper one for him. He immediately begins to think, if not talk, of a higher station, to which he imagines himself born. We ought undoubtedly to let our light shine before men; but then every one should do so in the situation in which God has placed him. Nor does God intend, by this command to let our light shine before men, to refer simply to the service of ministry, or to any public teaching in His Church. It is not merely thy lips, Christian, but thy life, which is to be the lamp. It is thy general character and conduct which are to edify thy brother and glorify God. He intends that all thy thoughts, words and works should silently testify that thou art born of God, and that the peace of God rules in thy heart. Then it is that thou throwest around thee that gracious radiance which the Savior means when He bids thee let thy light shine before men; then it is that thou preachest the gospel as the power of God unto salvation, more effectually than can be done by thy words. And remember that those spiritual lights have the purest radiance which are the least conscious of their own brightness; and those divine flowers diffuse the sweetest fragrance which make the least display.
Discipleship
"He...that forsaketh not all that he hath (said Jesus), he cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:3333So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:33)). Whatever thou lovest beside Him, or more than Him, must be given up. Is mammon thy idol? Renounce it, otherwise Satan holds thee by a golden chain. Is it credit and reputation among men? Away with it, and seek the honor which cometh from God only. Is it wisdom and understanding? Renounce them, and become a fool for Christ's sake. Is it a life of ease, fashion or pleasure? Burst these silken but slavish bonds, and crucify the flesh with its affections and lusts. We cannot rightly be God's people unless we are so entirely, with all that we have and are. But this is not all. As with Elisha, the very instruments of the oxen must be given up, the very garments spotted by the flesh must be hated; every weight, every besetting encumbrance must be laid aside and hewn in pieces. A whole and entire sacrifice is what the Lord desires for His altar, and His watchmen cry, "Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord" (Isa. 52:1111Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord. (Isaiah 52:11)).
(Selected from and old article translated from the German)
"a Solitary Way"
THERE is a mystery in human hearts,
And though we be encircled by a host
Of those who love us well, and are beloved,
To every one of us, from tithe to time,
There comes a sense of utter loneliness.
Our dearest friend is "stranger" to our pain
And cannot realize our bitterness;
"There is not one who really understands,
No one to enter into all I feel;"
Such is the cry of each of us in turn,
We wander in a "solitary way,"
No matter what or where our lot may be,
Each heart, mysterious even to itself,
Must live its inner life in solitude.
AND would you know the reason why this is?
It is because the Lord desires our love.
In every heart He wishes to be first.
He therefore keeps the secret key Himself,
To open all its chambers, and to bless
With perfect sympathy and holy peace,
Each solitary soul which comes to Him.
So when we feel this loneliness it is
The voice of Jesus saying, "Come to Me,"
And every time we are "not understood,"
It is a call to us to come again;
For CHRIST alone can satisfy the soul,
And those who walk with Him from day to day
Can never have a "solitary way."
AND when beneath some heavy cross you faint,
And say, "I cannot bear this load alone,"
You say the truth, Christ made it purposely
So heavy that you must return to Him.
The bitter grief, which "no one understands,"
Conveys a secret message from the King,
Entreating you to come to Him again.
The Man of Sorrows understands it well,
In all points tempted He can feel with you.
You cannot come too often, or too near,
The Son of God is infinite in grace.
His presence satisfies the longing soul,
And those who walk with Him from day to day
Can never have a "solitary way."
Author Unknown