The Life I Now Live by L. A. HANSEN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 25, 1910

The Life I Now Live

By L. A. HANSEN

L. A. HANSEN

The ideal Christian life presented in Gal. 2:20 includes all the time of the one who lives it. It takes in twenty-four hours of the day, seven days in the week. It must cover the time spent in daily vocation as well as that spent in devotional service. The whole life is to be lived by the faith of the Son of God.

We are too much inclined to think that most of our daily affairs are too ordinary or trivial for spiritual consideration, and this notwithstanding that we are plainly told that God takes note of the sparrow, and even numbers the very hairs of our head. By what authority do we make the distinction? Where can we draw the line in things that concern our relation to God? What other life have we than this life in the flesh?

The words of the text, “in the flesh,” may associate with our Christian living even the instruments, tools, and implements of our common employment,—those things that we handle with the flesh. Whether it be in the use of pen or typewriter, knife or forceps, trowel or plane, ax or spade, broom or needle,—whatever it is,—we should feel our dependence upon Him who is our wisdom and our strength.

This does not make religion a common thing; but it does bring into the daily routine life the sanctity of the presence of Christ. It ennobles our labor, and gives true dignity to it. The things that otherwise may seem common are made sacred. Christ says, “Without me ye can do nothing,” and that means no thing. We may rightly reckon that God’s provision for his children takes into account “all things.”

There is comfort to the Christian toiler in knowing that he is a workman for God, and that his service is acceptable to the Master. The housekeeper may rejoice in the strength that God gives for the round of household duties. Each may work with the assurance that he is interested in every detail that concerns the welfare of his child, and that he gives needed skill and grace for each task.

“He does not permit us to pass by the homely but sacred duties that lie next us. Often these duties afford us the very training essential to prepare us for a higher work. . . . We are to look upon every duty, however humble, as sacred because it is a part of God’s service. Our daily prayer should be, ‘Lord, help me to do my best. Teach me how to do better work. Give me energy and cheerfulness. Help me to bring into my service the loving ministry of the Saviour.’”—“Ministry of Healing,” pages 473, 474.

“As a faithful physician, the world’s Redeemer has his finger upon the pulse of the soul. He marks every beat; he takes note of every throb. Not an emotion thrills it, not a sorrow shades it, not a sin stains it, with which he is not acquainted. Man was purchased at infinite cost, and is loved with a devotion exceeding that which a father feels for his child. The prayer that comes from a sincere heart will ever find a response in heaven.”—Mrs. E. G. White, in Signs of the Times, No. 48, 1896.

Takoma Park, D. C.