Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

 January 12– Evening

by C. H. Spurgeon, Revised and Edited by W. C. Neff

” I (Elihu) have yet to speak on God’s behalf.” 

—Job 36:2

We should not seek publicity for our virtue nor notoriety for our zeal; but, at the same time, it is a sin to be always seeking to hide that which God has given to us for the good of others. A Christian is not to be a village in a valley but “a city on a hill”; he is not to be a candle under a bushel but a candle in a candlestick, giving light to all. Retirement may be lovely in its season, and keeping to oneself may be modest, but the hiding of Christ in us can never be justified.  Holding back precious truth to ourselves is a sin against others and an offense against God.

If you tend to be of shy temperament, take care that you don’t indulge this trembling propensity too much so that it makes you useless to the church. Seek in the name of him who was not ashamed of you to overcome your feelings and tell others what Christ has told you. If you can’t speak loudly like a trumpet, then use the still small voice. If the pulpit isn’t your place, you can still say with Peter and John, “Silver and gold have I none, but what I do have I give to you.” If you can’t preach a sermon on the mountain, then talk to the woman at the well.  Utter the praises of Jesus in the house, if not in the temple; in the field, if not in the bustling streets; in your own household, if not in the public square.

From the hidden springs within, let sweetly flowing rivulets of testimony flow forth, giving a drink to every passer-by. Don’t hide your assets, but invest them to bring in a return for your Lord and Master. To speak for God is refreshing to ourselves, cheering to saints, useful to sinners, and honoring to the Savior. When children can’t talk, their parents are concerned. May all the Lord’s children speak freely.” [M&E]