Blessedness in Service
By John A. Woolley
Do NOT confuse "blessedness" in service with popularity or ease or esthetic uplift. It will often mean the very reverse of these — crucifixion maybe. "Blessedness" is not the applause of the multitude nor the favor of the great, but character won and fixed by a close walk with God. No pious diplomat was ever, or will be ever, a blessed man. No pious speculator who "plays" the kingdom of God "on margins" can taste the blessedness of serving God. No Endeavorer who purposely lives a little short of the best he knows, in business, in society, in politics, can even touch the edge of blessed living. Nothing short of dead, straight truth to the light you have will answer. But with that, your life is hid so deep with Christ in God that poverty, revilings, stones, fagots, thumb-screws, death, are trifles light as air.—John A. Woolley, to Christian Endeavorers.