Evening, January 12
Go To Morning Reading
“I have yet to speak on God’s behalf.”
Job 36:2
We ought not to court publicity for our virtue, or notoriety for our
zeal; but, at the same time, it is a sin to be always seeking to hide
that which God has bestowed upon us for the good of others. A Christian
is not to be a village in a valley, but “a city set upon a hill;” he is not to be a candle under a bushel, but a candle in a candlestick,
giving light to all. Retirement may be lovely in its season, and to
hide one’s self is doubtless modest, but the hiding of Christ in us can never be justified, and the keeping back of truth which
is precious to ourselves is a sin against others and an offence against
God. If you are of a nervous temperament and of retiring disposition,
take care that you do not too much indulge this trembling propensity,
lest you should be useless to the church. Seek in the name of him
who was not ashamed of you to do some little violence to your feelings,
and tell to others what Christ has told to you. If thou canst not
speak with trumpet tongue, use the still small voice. If the pulpit
must not be thy tribune, if the press may not carry on its wings thy
words, yet say with Peter and John, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee.” By Sychar’s well talk to the Samaritan woman, if thou canst not on the mountain
preach a sermon; utter the praises of Jesus in the house, if not in
the temple; in the field, if not upon the exchange; in the midst of
thine own household, if thou canst not in the midst of the great family
of man. From the hidden springs within let sweetly flowing rivulets
of testimony flow forth, giving drink to every passer-by. Hide not
thy talent; trade with it; and thou shalt bring in good interest to
thy Lord and Master. To speak for God will be refreshing to ourselves,
cheering to saints, useful to sinners, and honouring to the Saviour.
Dumb children are an affliction to their parents. Lord, unloose all
thy children’s tongue.