| The Joy of Service |
Chapter 17 |
Page 7 |
Our Christian manners should be the interpretation of our Christian life. Perhaps we may say in excuse for a lack of refined courtesy, that our heart is better than our manners; if so, how will people know that it is? If our manners are wanting in gentleness and sweetness, we are hiding our light under a bushel, and it is not shining out to bless others.
Such are some of the coverings which too often obscure the light of Christian life. If these seem little things, mere faults of manner or expression, it should be remembered that far more than we are aware are our lives hurt in their influence by what we call little things. Those who see us and judge of our character cannot look into our heart to behold the bright light that is burning there under all the obscuring; they must judge altogether form what shines out. We must take care, therefore, that nothing shall hide or dim the brightness of our lamp’s shining.
St. Paul exhorted the Philippians to think not only of whatsoever things are true, just, honourable, and pure, but also of whatsoever things are lovely and of good report. If we do not make our life beautiful and winning in its outward form, which alone men see, how will they know of the beauty, the grace, the worth, within? We must express ever in our dispositions and our conduct, in all our behaviour and bearing, the best that is in us, if we would fitly honour our Lord.
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