Today's Daily Bread
The Hidden Life
Some years ago, I came across a poem by George MacDonald titled,
“The Hidden Life.” It tells the story of an intellectually gifted young
Scot who turned his back on a prestigious academic career to return to
his aging father and to the family farm. There he engaged in what
MacDonald called, “ordinary deeds” and “simple forms of human
helpfulness.” His friends lamented what they saw as a waste of his
talents.
Perhaps you too serve in some unnoticed place, doing nothing more
than ordinary deeds. Others might think that’s a waste. But God wastes
nothing. Every act of love rendered for His sake is noted and has
eternal consequences. Every place, no matter how small, is holy ground.
Influence is more than lofty acts and words. It can be a simple matter
of human helpfulness: being present, listening, understanding the need,
loving, and praying. This is what turns daily duty into worship and
service.
The apostle Paul challenged the Colossians: “Whatever you do in word
or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,” and “do it heartily, as
to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive
the reward of the inheritance” (Col. 3:17,23-24). God takes notice and
delights in using us.
Dear Lord, may I be willing to be hidden and unknown
today, yet ready to speak a word to those who are
weary. May Your Spirit touch my words and make
them Your words that enrich and refresh others.
today, yet ready to speak a word to those who are
weary. May Your Spirit touch my words and make
them Your words that enrich and refresh others.
The way to accomplish much for Christ is to serve Him in any way we can.
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