To fall but then to raise again
"I have yet to speak on God’s bealf"
(Job 36:2)
We hought not to court publicity for our virtue, or
notoriety for our zeal; but, at the same time, it is a sin to be always 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 doubless 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
da 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 Sycher’s well talk to the Samaritan woman, if thou
canst not on the mountain preach a sermon; uffer 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 speack for God will be refreshing to ourselves,
cheering to saints, useful to sinners, and honouring to the Saviour. Dumb
children are an affliction to the parents.
Lord, unloose all thy children’s tongue.
C. H. Spurgeon