When I consider the cross of Christ how can anything that I do be called sacrifice?
Let nothing be said about anyone unless it passes through these three sieves:
Is it true?
Is it kind?
Is it necessary?
We profess to be strangers and pilgrims, seeking after a country of our own yet we settle down in this world, in the most un-stranger-like fashion exactly as if we were quite at home and meant to stay as long as we could. Apostolic living has certainly died!
If a sudden irritation can cause me to speak an impatient, unloving word then I know nothing of Calvary love. For a cup brimful of sweet water cannot spill even one drop of bitter water however suddenly jolted.
We must look upon the world, with all its delights and all its attractions with suspicion and reserve. We who love our Lord and whose affections are set on Heavenly things voluntarily and gladly lay aside the things that charm and ravish the world, that our hearts may be ravished with the things of Heaven; that our whole may be poured forth in constant and unreserved devotion in the service of the Lord who died to save us!
Let us not be surprised when we have to face difficulties. When the wind blows hard on a tree, the roots stretch and grow the stronger. Let it be so with us.
If the praise of others elates me and their criticism depresses me;
if I cannot rest under misunderstanding, without defending myself;
if I love to be loved more than to love, to be served more than to serve then I know nothing of Calvary love.
We have all eternity to celebrate the victories but only a few hours before sunset to win them.
[Amy Carmichael]
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