"We Never Know"

Life keeps us all busy. Too busy. Sometimes so busy we forget what's really important-reflecting the character of Christ. Oftentimes circumstances don't permit us to show all we can of Him to others-and we don't always need to, either. A small act of kindness can go a long, long way. It may be something as simple as a smile, or a hello. Sometimes, though, it doesn't seem worth it to keep on trying to be friendly. It seems to yield no result.

 It has been rightfully said that Christ is the Author of friendliness, even in people who don't follow Him, though they know it not. Of course, as has been shown in the lives of many throughout history, if one refuses Him, eventually all inclinations to any sort of tenderness fade. Kindness, sympathy, and all their kin are just as verily talents requiring cultivation as are writing and artistic abilities. What happens when we don't cultivate a flower? It withers and dies. The same with these virtues.

I don't want to risk losing them altogether because I didn't feel it would do any good to exercise them. I don't think you do either. Where would that leave me, leave you? Not in a pleasant position. Being Christ-like is worth it, even in the little things, simply because it illustrates His character to others, and allows Him to develop the same character in us. It doesn't really matter what anyone else does with what we do; when you get right down to it, we are the ones most affected by what we do. "The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but [he that is] cruel troubleth his own flesh." Proverbs 11:17.

Thank GOD, however! The benefits don't end there. "Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days." Ecclesiastes 11:1. Galatians 6:9 states it more plainly: "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

This poem may help you to remember such sentiments, as it is quite catchy with all the rhyme. (I don't ascribe to the author's views on everything, but this I agree with).

 

A LITTLE WORD

  



I spoke a word,
And no one heard;
I wrote a word,
And no one cared,
Or seemed to heed;
But after half a score of years
It blossomed in a fragrant deed.

Preachers and teachers all are we, --
Sowers of seeds unconsciously.
Our hearers are beyond our ken,
Yet all we give may come again
With usury of joy or pain.
We never know
To what one little word may grow.
See to it then that all your seeds
Be such as bring forth noble deeds.

                                                             ~John Oxenham


Blessings,
Adelaide