Two things give character to all true service. One is, the world has rejected Christ; the other, man is no longer under probation, as the world is a judged scene, but out of it God is gathering a people for heavenly blessing.
These two facts, rightly apprehended and practically acted upon, would materially alter the character of much that professes to be the service of God, and change the labors of many whose efforts are now misdirected. In every good work we are to do the will of God.
Many works, good in man’s eyes, are not according to the revealed will of God. To ensure the Master’s “well done” in the coming day, our service must be marked by intelligence, as well as obedience. We are to present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is our intelligent service, and not to be conformed to this world (Rom. 12:1, 21I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:1‑2)).
Here we have the positive and negative side—devotion to that which is good on one hand, and separation from evil on the other—these are moral requisites for practical acquaintance with the Master’s will.
It is in action we prove what is the “good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” To admire a truth is not enough, we must practice it to prove its reality.