| The Joy of Service |
Chapter 4 |
Page 3 |
There are things which can be bought with money, but there also are things which money cannot purchase. With money a man may build a house, and adorn and furnish it; but money will not buy home happiness, and the sweetness, comfort, and refinement which make true home life. With money we may purchase bread and raiment, coal for the fire, and luxuries for physical enjoyment; but money will not acquire fine character, moral beauty, a gentle spirit, peace in the heart, or any of the elements which make up a noble personality. Money ransomed many a slave from captivity in ancient times, but human redemption was not obtained at any money price. The Son of God gave His life a ransom for souls. Thus our belonging to God is confirmed and sealed by the holiest sanctions.
Yet, while the authority of God over us and His right to us are unquestioned, the relation is one that, as moral beings, we must each voluntarily accept and acknowledge. God never compels us to be His. We are sovereigns over our own life; this is part of the likeness of God in us. We can do as we will. We can resist even God’s authority. Our puny will can shut omnipotence out of our life. We can proudly say, “Our lips are our own; who is lord over us?”
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