June 19

"We command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work and eat their own bread."—2 Thessalonians 3:12.

LET me think of my daily work, even if it should be very humble and inconspicuous, as hallowed and sacred.

It is God's ordinance for me. He has appointed me my place and my duties; He would have me occupy the one and fulfil the other, so that He may be glorified. It is the King of heaven who bids me discharge those tasks which sometimes look so unromantic and trivial. If any will not work, He says, neither shall he eat.

It is the path which Christ trod before me. He wrought at the carpenter's bench. He waited, in the unnoticed experiences of Nazareth, for thirty quiet years before His public ministry began. I should be proud and glad to hold fellowship with Him. It is good to learn the secret of Christ's lowliness.

It is a means of grace to my soul. In these homely toils and labours, what lessons of wisdom and trust and patience and holiness are taught my heart! I shall miss a great deal, if I am slothful in business. I shall never be a perfect man, if I forfeit and despise the bracing discipline.

It is the sphere where my Lord may find me at the last. He may lead me straight from my accustomed and monotonous work to sit down with Him at His own right hand. And if I am performing it to His praise, how sweet the transition will be! To-day, as it were the kitchen in my Father's house; to-morrow, the very audience-chamber and pure white throne.

So I shall be content to fill a little space for Christ's sake and in Christ's name.