Saturday, July 11, 2015

The Lowly Life



What is it about the human condition that causes us to aspire to greatness, to fame, or to do some big thing?

"Only a few things are really important, and for those we have the promise of divine help: sitting in silence with the Master in order to hear His word and obey it in the ordinary life of duty -- for example, in being a good husband, wife, father, mother, son, daughter, or spiritual father or mother to those nearby who need protection and care -- humble work which is never on the world's list because it leads to nothing impressive on one's resume. As Washington Gladden wrote in 1879, 'O Master, let me walk with Thee/In lowly paths of service free...'"
Elisabeth Elliot in Keep a Quiet Heart

It would serve me well to ask myself, "Am I working for the Master, or am I working on my resume?" The answer to that question will determine how I live. 


7 comments:

  1. The Joy of Home with Martha EllenJuly 11, 2015 at 1:37 PM

    Humble work ...in paths of service free.
    Thank you, Cheryl. ♥

    ReplyDelete
  2. Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage BlogJuly 11, 2015 at 4:43 PM

    Thank you, Cheryl, for these beautiful words and thoughts.

    Deanna

    ReplyDelete
  3. ellen bJuly 11, 2015 at 5:26 PM

    That's a great question to ask myself...

    ReplyDelete
  4. LindaJuly 11, 2015 at 9:22 PM

    Beautiful......

    ReplyDelete
  5. VeeJuly 11, 2015 at 11:21 PM

    I used to think that a "big thing" was part of my story. Not anymore. It's getting to be a simpler story with each passing day.

    ReplyDelete
  6. podsoJuly 13, 2015 at 7:25 AM

    Good words from EE. I haven't heard that song in ages … thanks for this post.

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousJuly 19, 2015 at 9:03 AM

    Thank you for posting this song today. It brought me some much needed comfort. Our city, Chattanooga, is reeling with shock from the terrible shootings on Thursday. Our only true peace and hope comes from the Lord.

    ReplyDelete