Take Courage

Diligence in the Smallest Service

Wisdom from William Gurnall

God sets some men on the high places of the earth and appoints them to exciting challenges. But He orders others to pitch their tents on lower ground and not be ashamed of their assignment, no matter how inferior it seems. Now to encourage every Christian to be faithful in his particular place, God has made promises which apply to them all. And His promises are like the beams of the sun: they shine as freely though the window of the poor man’s cottage as through the prince’s palace.

God’s promises strengthen our hands and hearts against the discouragement that is most likely to weaken us in His service. They support and guard us against the furious opposition of an angry world: “I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage” (Joshua 1:5-6). This was a promise God gave to Israel’s chief magistrate. And the minister’s promise agrees with it, having generally the same trials, enemies, and discouragements: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…… and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:19-20).

The temptation which usually troubles those in lower callings is envy to see themselves on the floor and their brothers elevated to higher service. Sometimes these temptations produce dejection when the believers feel like eunuchs who bring no glory to God, dry trees which are unprofitable in His kingdom.

To arm the Christian against discontent and discouragement, God promises as a great a reward for faithfulness in the most menial service as He gives in more honorable service. Is anything more degrading than the role of a slave? Yet nothing less than heaven itself is promised to the faithful servant: “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24). – Taken from The Christian in Complete Armour, November 16. Edited by James S. Bell, Jr. Moody Publishers Edition, 1994.