A SPIRITUAL INVENTORY 1. I f you can see a work which you have begun taken from you and given to another without feeling bitterness, this is maturity. 2. I f you can listen to someone criti cise you, even unkindly, and receive in struction from it without hard feelings, this is maturity. 8. I f you can see others chosen for a job which you yourself are better quali fied to do, without feeling hurt, this is maturity. U. I f you can see a person do an act which is against your Christian stand ards and react without self-righteous ness, this is maturity. 5. I f you can hear a man argue a point of view which is contrary to your own and accept his right to his own opinion without a feeling of hostility or smug ness, this is maturity. 6. I f you can have an inward peace from God in an age of frustration, this is maturity. 7. I f you can see someone you know deliberately snub you, and still make allowance for his actions, this is ma turity. 8. I f you can suffer nagging pain or ache still singing and praising God, hid ing your feelings for the sake of others, this is maturity. 9. I f you can give yourself to help someone else who needs you without having the idea that you are a “pretty good fellow," this is maturity. 10. I f you can crawl out of bed at an early hour to pray when you would rath er sleep, because you realize that here lies power with God, this is maturity. * * * The reason a dog has so many friends Is because he wags his tail and not his tongue.
THE C A LM HEART Years ago in Switzerland, Christians were bitterly persecuted because of their faith in Christ. Many of them suffered martyrdom. One man, who had been sen tenced to death by burning at the stake, exhibited such a tranquil peace that his testimony still moves one to a deeper walk with the Lord. As was the custom, the individual condemned to death was allowed one last request of the judge who had passed his final sentence. The arena was filled with morbid spectators. The funeral pyre was stacked high with wood. A chilling hush gripped the audi ence as they listened to the Christian’s request of the evil and God-hating judge. “Place your right hand on your heart," came the firm words. “And now your left on my heart." Everyone wondered what strange desire the martyr might wish fulfilled. Continuing, he commanded for all to hear, “Now tell this people which one of our hearts beats with the greater calm." Conscience stricken, the judge quickly pulled his hand aside, or dering that the fires be. started at once. In the depths of his soul he knew that the Swiss servant of Christ had the greater peace of heart. All of us come in contact with prob lems, trials and hardships in every-day life. We need to stop, making an honest evaluation of whether our hearts are resting with complete and settled confi dence in the Lord Jesus Christ. Can others tell that the Saviour is resident within us through His Holy Spirit; that no matter what may come to pass, He is guiding and directing us into all peace and joy ? Fear so much characterizes the age in which we are living. Rest in Christ so that nothing shall confound you, “And the peace of God, which pass- eth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." 27
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