The Most Excellent Way by William Covert

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 18, 1907

The Most Excellent Way

By William Covert

WILLIAM COVERT

The apostle considers many phases of spiritual gifts in the twelfth chapter of First Corinthians, then advises the Christian to covet earnestly the best gift. The thought is that some persons will excel in one line of gospel work, while others are better adapted to the doing of something else. Since people differ in their gifts and callings, it is best for each one to work where he can accomplish the greatest amount of good.

The thought is advanced that with these various gifts wherein good people differ, there is one best gift which all should have for all time. This is the gift of love through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Ghost operating the faculty of love in the human heart, is that working which the apostle calls the more excellent, or most excellent way.

The life of Jesus while walking here in mortal, suffering flesh, was a demonstration of this most excellent way.

Though one should be gifted as an angel in oratory, and be as able as a prophet in revealing mysteries, such qualifications, without the sweetness of the Holy Spirit manifested in love, would not benefit God's cause. Faith that would remove mountains, and liberality that would give the last farthing to feed the poor, count for nothing only as associated with that love which is manifested in the most excellent way. In this we have the way, the truth, and the life.

The multitude shun this way because to them it seems a thorny path. But those who are traveling on this road find it the way of peace and joy. They stumble not as they journey, because they are led by a steady hand, and guided by a shining light. They say all its walks are bordered with pleasant stones, and beautiful with fragrant flowers. We are told that Jesus has never left this way, so that even now he walks side by side with each one who is following that path. Here the weary find rest, and the sorrowing learn notes of joy.

This is the perfect way in which all attributes mature for eternity. Here all hearts fully trust one another with no thought of deception. Here no make-believe can be practised, nor false hopes fostered.

There is no envying nor evil surmising in the fellowship of the band who belong in this way. Here Jesus has filled all hearts with sentiments brought from associations in the better land. This is the everlasting way, which will continue when every false way has gone forever.