SCRIPTURE exhorts us to run the, race set before us with patience. Now running signifies the putting out of energy. The runner is distinguished from the ordinary crowd, which is usually composed of lookers-on and criticizers, and this may be applied to Christian things. But he who runs in the spiritual race is not only to have energy, he is required to have persistency—he is exhorted to run with patience. Walking at a slow pace with patience is not so difficult to accomplish, but running with patience is a constant tax upon energy and zeal.
Ah, how few thus run! Really it is melancholy to look back over the course of some twenty years, and to note where one and another fell out, and ceased running. "Ye did run well, who did hinder you?" we are almost tempted to say to the once earnest tract distributor, who has obtained a seat; to the formerly zealous Sunday school teacher, who has found his leisure; and to the wayside preacher who has given up his old occupation; and to very many others, who began their work well, but who failed in persistency.
The busy bee in its search for honey, sticks to one kind of flower during the day, and is a lesson to us. We would not say one word against a young worker putting his hand to various kinds of service in order to learn what work he is suited fur. It is a great mistake for everyone to suppose he can teach in the Sunday school, or preach by the wayside; and sometimes the earnest Christian does well to try one thing after another to prove what he can do effectively. Our remarks are addressed to those whose love of change or ease denies them the merit of persistency.
The most effective workers are those who are most persistent. It is far better to be less gifted and yet to have a heart good enough to be always at it, than to be ever so gifted and yet to run for once a year only. Quiet and laborious painstaking ever tells in the end. Plodding after souls is a sign of love that few mistake, and is a service which is ever rewarded. “In due season ye shall reap if ye faint not," is an important word to us, both of encouragement and of exhortation, for in the if is the suggestion, that there may be a fainting in the work which shall hinder the reaping. Indeed, without sowing there cannot be reaping, and sowing often implies much weeding and preparatory labor.
We would say to our young friends who are workers for the Master, acquaint yourself with your powers, and then stick to your work; do not dash from one thing to another. Beware of fickleness. Serve the Lord with purpose of heart.