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Messages to Young People
The longest journey is performed by taking one step at a time. A
succession of steps brings us to the end of the road. The longest chain
is composed of separate links. If one of these links is faulty, the chain
is worthless. Thus it is with character. A well-balanced character is
formed by single acts well performed. One defect, cultivated instead
of being overcome, makes the man imperfect, and closes against him
the gate of the Holy City. He who enters heaven must have a character
that is without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. Naught that defileth
can ever enter there. In all the redeemed host not one defect will be
seen.
Faithfulness in Everyday Life
God’s work is perfect as a whole because it is perfect in every part,
however minute. He fashions the tiny spear of grass with as much care
as He would exercise in making a world. If we desire to be perfect,
even as our Father in heaven is perfect, we must be faithful in doing
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little things. That which is worth doing at all is worth doing well.
Whatever your work may be, do it faithfully. Speak the truth in regard
to the smallest matters. Each day do loving deeds and speak cheerful
words. Scatter smiles along the pathway of life. As you work in this
way, God will place His approval on you, and Christ will one day say
to you, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
At the day of judgment, those who have been faithful in their
everyday life, who have been quick to see their work and do it, not
thinking of praise or profit, will hear the words, “Come, ye blessed of
My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation
of the world.” Christ does not commend them for the eloquent orations
they have made, the intellectual power they have displayed, or the
liberal donations they have given. It is for doing little things which
are generally overlooked that they are rewarded. “I was an hungered,
and ye gave Me meat,” He says. “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto
one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.”—
The
Youth’s Instructor, January 17, 1901
.
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