LITTLE THINGS by Luella B. Priddy

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 21, 1902

LITTLE THINGS.

By Luella B. Priddy

MRS. LUELLA B. PRIDDY.

(Lindsay, Ontario.)

It is but human to desire to do some wonderful thing at a single stroke, and thus achieve greatness or goodness. Many would be willing to make such an effort, even at considerable sacrifice.

But the true test of character comes in little things. Faithfully to perform homely duties, with a cheerful, hopeful spirit, even if the work is sometimes disagreeable, requires a consecration that many lack.

Some make a serious mistake in their Christian experience by looking for a great blessing which they hope will carry them into the kingdom on “flowery beds of ease.” But temptations must be met one at a time, and we must receive the grace of Christ moment by moment.

The mother, with her babe in the cradle, hopes that when her child is older, her cares will be less. But while life lasts, the true mother never drops the burden. Every mother should consider the matter in its true light, and arouse every faculty of her mind, and by study and prayer, keep pace with the expanding mind and growing body, that the child may be kept in the way of life everlasting.

Missionary work does not all consist in the holding of vast audiences spell-bound with the eloquence of the minister. The Lord requires all of His children—men, women, and children—to labor faithfully for those whom they meet daily. Every one of us is to watch for opportunities to speak a word for Jesus and His truth, and to give literature to those within the circle of our influence.

The little sins and shortcomings will be noted by our neighbors as evidences of our unfaithfulness to the cause we profess, and will turn away their ears from the truth.

We may never be called upon to startle the world by any great deed. But the smallest details of every-day life—our words; the way we make our clothes; the food we eat, and the manner in which it is prepared; the way we keep our houses; the thoughtful judgment manifested in selecting the right tract or paper for the neighbor who calls; the persistent faithfulness that leads us so to plan our work that we shall have time to study God’s word every day; the spirit we show to the loved ones in the family circle,— are indexes of character, and determine whether our lives shall win souls to Christ or scatter abroad. “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” Luke 16:10. “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord; and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Col. 3:23, 24.