To be near unto God - pagina 219

Jesus demands the exhibition of our strength. that all the powers that are entrusted to us, on the condition of responsibility to him who gave them, shall be exercised in such a way that in their working the love for God shall show itself as the dominant element. Do not take this in a sickly-spiritual sense. The idea lies at hand that love for God really only shows itself in our work and influence when we apply our strength exclusively to religious

and

spiritual

things.

For then

it

is

imagined

that a clergyman loves God better than a la\vyer or a physician; that a missionary is more devoted to God than an editor or a publisher; that an institution for the saving of unfortunates is nobler In brief, than one for scientific investigation. that love for God is more fully expressed by service in the realm of particular grace, than by life in the broader domain of common grace. This is all wrong. God's greatness and omnipotence do not limit themselves to the more restricted interests of the salvation of souls, but

And with every one of all human life. according to our talents and callings, love for God must show itself with equal zeal and strength in every department of life. An artist or sculptor can and ought with equal consciousness and purpose glorify God from love, as a missionary or a The humblest caUing is not philanthrophist. A farmer, who is an elder or excluded here. warden in a church, must serve God from love with all his strength in stable and granary as well A mother as in his duties as church official. in the bosom of her family has as sacred a calling to love God with all her strength as a nurse

pervade us,

215

Deze tekst is geautomatiseerd gemaakt en kan nog fouten bevatten. Digibron werkt voortdurend aan correctie. Klik voor het origineel door naar de pdf. Voor opmerkingen, vragen, informatie: contact.

Op Digibron -en alle daarin opgenomen content- is het databankrecht van toepassing. Gebruiksvoorwaarden. Data protection law applies to Digibron and the content of this database. Terms of use.

Printen