THE BALANCE OF LIFE

So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:46-47 NKJV)

In every life there should be the worship of the Temple and the service of the home. Do we realize that God is directing and locating our life plan? The home is His arrangement for us equally with the Temple, and the daily meal may be an ordinance as the Lord's Supper. Do you take your food "with gladness and singleness of heart," or do you grumble over your meals? Do you perform common tasks gladly and gratefully? This is only possible when we come to understand that the greatness of life consists, not so much in doing so called great things, but in doing small things greatly! "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might."

We have been compared to the weavers of the Gobelin tapestry, who may have to work a number of apparently drab and somber, uninteresting and common things into the pattern on the wrong side of the material. It is only when the texture is completed that they can see and admire the design that is worthy of the palace of the king! So it is with your life and mine: "We work, we suffer, and see neither the end nor the fruit. But God sees it, and when He releases us from our task, He will disclose to our wondering gaze what He, the great Artist, has woven out of those toils that now seem so boring and ordinary."

There was great joy in the lives of these early Christians. They parted with their worldly possessions, but they were filled with gladness, and probably this gave them favor with the people. There was true helpfulness among them. Each would share with the rest. The give and take of life is so important. We are all glad enough to take what we can get, but how about to give! We like to be waited on, but how about the serving? Yet true gladness and happiness depends, not on being ministered to, but in ministry. When we have learned the secret of praising God in and for everything; when we refuse to shut ourselves up in our own grief’s, but compel our dull spirits to enter into the joys of those around us, then we shall have no difficulty in living joyfully and gladly.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, renew our spirits and draw our hearts unto Yourself that our work may not be to us a burden, but a delight; and give us such a mighty love for You so that it may sweeten all our obedience. I pray it in Jesus' name, AMEN.