September 14

Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required.—Luke 12:48.

DO I feel that I am but the steward of the manifold gifts of God, and that I am sacredly bound to use them all for him, and as he directs? On my time, talents, influence, property—on all that I have and am, do I remember that he has written, “Occupy till I shall come?” Do I ask, in everything, how I may best honor God and do good to men? Do I keep the great and final account habitually in view, and seek so to live as to be accepted, at last, as good and faithful?

Nothing that I have is my own. It is only lent me, for a little season, by God. To him I must soon render an account for the use I have made of it. Rightly used, all will be as a means of grace to me, to perfect my character and fit me for heaven. Used only for self and selfish ends, all will be at last but my condemnation.—I. S. SPENCER.

Christ has left us on earth for a while, to represent him, to witness for him, to work for him. He will come again soon, to call us to account. We are but his stewards. Let us so be faithful in all that is entrusted to us, that when the call is heard, “Give an account of thy stewardship,” we may not hear that fearful addition, “Thou mayest no longer be steward!”

To-day be faithful in living,

For God and your fellow-man;

Let loving and doing, and giving,

Be close to your heart and hand.

For to-day, so far as you certainly know,

May be the last you will have below.