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undertook, then they would be qualified to handle larger responsibili-
ties. If they could climb every step of the ladder, round after round,
showing faithfulness in that which is least, it would be an evidence
that they were fitted to bear heavier burdens, and would be faithful
in much. But many care only to skim the surface. They do not think
deep, and become master of their duties. They feel ready to grasp the
highest round of the ladder without the trouble of climbing up step
after step. We are pained at heart as we compare the work coming
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forth from their hands with God’s righteous standard of faithfulness
which God alone can accept. There is a painful defect, a remissness,
a superficial gloss, a wanting in solidity and in intelligent knowledge
and carefulness and thoroughness. God cannot say to such, “Well
done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a
few things, I will make thee ruler over many things.”
Matthew 25:21
.
Men must get hold conscientiously and feel that they are doing
the work of God. They must have the trust in their heart to correct
all the sophistries and delusions of Satan that would throw them off
the right track, so that they will not choose the way of the Lord, but
follow the impulses of their own undisciplined characters. If the heart
is sanctified and guided by the Holy Spirit, they will run no risks, but
will be sure in all they undertake to do good work for Jesus; and in
doing their work righteously they are standing securely in this life
with a fast hold from above, and they will be guided into every good
and holy way. They will be constant to principle. They will do their
work, not to secure a great name or great wages, not for the purpose
of weaving self into all their works, and of appearing to be somebody
in the world, but to be right in everything in the sight of God. They
will not be half as anxious to do a big work as to do whatever they
have to do with fidelity and with an eye single to the glory of God.
Such men are great in the sight of God. Such names are registered in
the Lamb’s book of life as the faithful servants of the most high God.
These are the men who are more precious in the sight of God than fine
gold, even more precious than the golden wedge of Ophir.
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