| The Joy of Service |
Chapter 18 |
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Many people wear veils over their life. Those among whom they live do not see them as they are. There are some who move among men without any apparent heavenliness in their features, yet who really have a divine glow on their soul. They commune much with God; and then they come out and mingle again with us in life’s common ways, walking on our streets, sitting at our tables, joining with us in work and fellowship. We see no shining on their faces. They are not greatly different in appearance from the other persons we meet. At least there is not radiance, no halo of saintliness, visible.
Yet their lives are in truth transfigured. Christ lives in them, and His life shines out in their faces. But they wear a veil, which conceals the splendour from human eyes. It is no purpose of their own to walk veiled among men. They do not try to hide the grace of God that is in them. But it is in the very nature of heavenly goodness to veil itself. We are counseled by our Master not to do good to be seen of men, but to give our alms secretly, only for God’s eye. We are taught that we should be clothed with humility, and the garment of humility is a veil which covers and conceals the brightness of saintliness. We do not see the best of the good people about us. Many lowly, commonplace duties and services are really veiled angel ministries.
“The highest duties of life are found
Lying upon the lowest ground
In hidden and unnoticed ways,
In household works, on common days.”
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