| In His Steps |
Chapter 2 |
Page 3 |
The other essential thing in beginning well is the devotion and consecration of ourselves to the new life we have chosen. A good ideal is not enough. One may aim an arrow with perfect accuracy, but the bow must also be drawn and the cord let fly if the arrow is to reach the mark. A vision in the brain is not enough for the sculptor: he must hew and chisel the marble into the form of his vision. The architect’s plan is only a picture, and there must be toil and cost until the building stands complete in its noble beauty.
A good aim is not all of a Christian life. It is nothing more than an empty dream unless it be wrought out in Godlike character and Christ like ministry. Every earnest Christian looks much at the glorious Master, and, as he looks, visions of wondrous beauty fill his soul – glimpses of the loveliness of Christ; and he must then seek with patient yet intense purpose to reproduce these heavenly visions in his own life.
Many people have sublime aspirations and wishes – and even form their aspirations and wishes into intentions and resolves – who yet never take a step toward realizing them. Mere knowing what it is to be a Christian makes no one a Christian; many perish with the glorious ideal shining full and clear before their eyes. Merely seeing the beauty of Christ, as it is held before us for our copying, will never fashion us into that beauty. Our knowledge must be wrought into life.
The image our souls see must be fashioned into character. Our good intentions must take form in daily deeds. Knowing God’s will, we must do it with willing heart and diligent hand.
“Make my mortal dreams come true
With the work I fain would do;
Clothe with life the weak intent:
Let me be the thing I meant;
Let me find in thy employ
Peace that dearer is than joy;
Out of self to love be led,
And to heaven acclimated,
Until al things sweet and good
Seem my natural habitude.”
Page 3
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