January 24

What hast thou that thou didst not receive? — 1 COR. iv. 7.

So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all these things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. — LUKE xvii. 10.

CHRISTIANS are at once sons and servants of God. This fact suggests the true measure of Christian merit. All ought to serve God; but the obligations of a redeemed soul are peculiarly tender. God's claims upon his time and talent are such that he can do nothing above what is required. None can put God under obligations. We are here warned against undue pride of achievement. Our best performance is imperfect. The servant's tasks are never finished.

The remembrance of this necessity of work laid upon us prevents undue self-complacency. Duty is a reality. "Stern daughter of the voice of God," says Wordsworth; while Schiller affirms, "When duty grows thy law, enjoyment fades away." The Christian who takes this view will render a servant's obedience. Gratitude and love change drudgery to voluntary service, while duty gives love character and lifts it above mere sentiment. Duty should be love's guide.

Strength increases with the performance of duty. Thus the willing servant grows in capacity and usefulness. The Lord graciously accepts the loving duteous service of him who humbly acknowledges his own unworthiness. He who obeys in such a spirit is already a child of God, a joint-heir with Christ.

Hubert W. Brown

When all is done, renounce your deeds, Renounce self-righteousness with scorn: Thus will you glorify your God, And thus the Christian name adorn!

GIBBONS