| The Joy of Service |
Chapter 7 |
Page 2 |
It is so in every really great and good life. Now and then there may be some conspicuous deed done which wins the applause of men, an account of which gets into the newspapers, and which is talked about near and far. But on all the days of all the years there is going on a ministry of love which makes many people happier, which give pleasure to old and young, which leaves inspiration of good or of beauty in countless hearts, which makes one spot of the world sweeter.
Sometimes it happens that those who seek human applause for what they can accomplish, striving to do things that are conspicuous and that make a sensation in the world, have no beautiful ministry of kindness to fill and brighten the days of their common life. When they do alms they sound a trumpet proclaiming the fact, that their good deeds may be seen and praised of men. But when they are not exhibiting their charity or their generosity, that is, when others are not watching, they are neither charitable nor generous. They do not take the trouble to be kind or living when there is nothing to be gained by it. That is, their doing of good is spurious, because it is something enacted for men’s eyes, not for God’s. The staple of their life is selfishness. When they are not posing for effect, their days are full of things which are not lovely.
Page 2