A Holy Life

The names of several people come to mind when I consider those who quietly served or serve Christ: those who mow the grass, cook for and visit the sick and elderly, send cards of encouragement, etc.  Their names go unpublished, their work unnoticed, yet they honor Christ by faithfully serving others. “For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” (Psalm 1:6).  God knows the true character of every person.  There’s a pretense which may be among persons but none between man and his Creator.  God approves only those who live obediently to Him in sincerity; and, no one is able to impose on Him by pretending to be righteous. His favor is upon those who deserve such reward and whose characters bear the searching gaze of divine inspection.  Humans may mistakenly distinguish true  character, but God judges properly (in righteousness): “Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8).  Of sweet memories and great influence, I see Mom in the kitchen cooking for the sick, or sitting at the kitchen table writing cards of encouragement.  You see, a life well-lived is a holy life, and its rewards are treasures both here and now. How goes your life?

 

“The dear Lord’s best interpreters – Are humble, human souls

The Gospel of a life like hers – Is more than books or scrolls

From scheme and creed the light goes out – This saintly face survives

The blessed Master none can doubt – Revealed in holy lives (by John Greenleaf Whittier, “The Friend’s Burial”)