UNQUESTIONABLY many a Christian is called to pass through this world, earning bread for himself and his family. And it is well that it should be so. Few of us can bear not to be occupied thus. Nor is there any reason why our blessed Lord should not be served thus with all the heart, why there should not be a true and energetic and affectionate service rendered to His name, while the hands thus provide (whether for the family or for individual need) what little is required here below. But then the believer does it simply as a bread-trade — nothing more. The moment you give it the dignity of a profession, and regard it as something of honor in the world, you are lost to the testimony of Christ on high. I do not deny that the grace of God may call persons actively engaged in that which is highly esteemed among men. Of course you have known of men thus called of God, while they were entering on or engaged in that which the natural heart values. And you may have seen some under such circumstances exhibit very great simplicity there. I have not now said that it is wrong to have what men call a profession; I am using the heavenly glory of Christ to judge the spirit in which all that is in the world is ordered; and I do warn you against the vain-glory of men in these things — the desire and hankering after earthly distinction, the valuing of things for self and family — carried away in our thoughts and feelings by that which the world thinks of them.
If we are Christ’s, we have nothing to do with anything, even the pettiest shred, of this world’s glory. Be assured, it is only a patch of dishonor for the child of God now. It matters little what the world’s prize may be. Why should we want it? Are not all things ours? Shall we not judge the world — aye, angels? One does not dwell on the fact, that these present objects so often bear the very stamp of their own insignificance and worthlessness upon them, that their sages confess that the good is in the chase, not in the game. Who does not know that even a “ribbon” is enough reward for some men’s life-long exertions! What would not the richest and noblest do or endure for a “garter”?
Suffer me, then, to press the importance to the Christian of watching against the world, and of looking to Christ on high, in taking up whatever he does, whether for himself or for his children. I do not mean anything so preposterous as that Christianity calls the saints to seek one dead level of occupation, or that there is any faith in one’s abandoning the circumstances in which one is called, if one can abide therein with God, or in seeking an occupation that is entirely unsuitable. This I do not call faith, but folly. But giving full weight to all this, let me press that if anything, no matter what it may be, is to be done day by day, whether it be making a shoe or making a deed, there is but one worthy motive for the Christian — doing all to the Lord. If we are assured we are doing His will, we can do either the one or the other with a good conscience and a happy heart.
W.K.