Perseverance in Character Building
ONE of Spurgeon’s students said to him, “I am afraid I have mistaken my calling, and that the ministry really isn’t my proper work.” “Why,” said Spurgeon, “what is the reason you have come to that conclusion?” “Well, I have been working in such a place for such and such a time, and I do not seem to have accomplished much.” “Why, man alive! You did not expect that every time you preached a sermon, somebody would be converted, did you?” “No, of course I didn’t expect that.” “Well, you don’t get it, then.” Many people never get far in bettering their characters because they say, “Of course, I should like to be less selfish, more energetic, more prompt, but it is so hard to change one’s habits, and I really think I have become set in my ways. I’ll try, though.” They might just as well not try. Their belief kills all success in character-forming.