AELW 7:97
"In great part we serve, teach, admonish, suffer, give consolation, and do the things commanded by God for unworthy men. Here we gain nothing for our services but hatred, envy, and exile; and our whole life is nothing else than the loss of kindnesses.
Therefore you must never hope that the world will acknowledge and remunerate your faithfulness and diligence; for it does the opposite, as this example attests. Set another goal, therefore, for your service and your life than the thanks of the world. Its gratitude is suddenly changed into fury. Reflect as follows: “If I am a pastor or the director of the studies of young people or in any other position, I shall perform my duty diligently, not because I am expecting some reward from those whom I serve—for I am simply giving up all hope of gratitude—but I shall imitate the kindness of my heavenly Father, who scatters His blessings, gives gold, silver, fruits, peace, and good health even to the unthankful and the worst men. And I shall be mindful of the admonition of Christ, who says: ‘You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect’ (Matt. 5:48); that is, serve even the wicked, the unworthy, and the unthankful, and not only the worthy, the thankful, and the good.” There will be a few who will make acknowledgment and be grateful."
No comments:
Post a Comment