God makes more of the dedication of the heart, than of any outward service we can render. Would you grow up into Christ, make a conscience of obedience to Him in the smallest matters. Believers should so live and commune in secret with Christ, that all around may see Christ in them. If we would deal wisely with our daily matters, we must bring God's eternal counsels into them, and consider their eternal issues; holding ourselves God's servants, doing each his part in preparing the way for the Lord's appearing in glory. The path for a believer to walk in without stumbling is that of God's precepts; in treading which he keeps his conscience purged by the blood of Christ, takes up his cross daily, and denies himself. This path, alas, is not much trodden by the saints -- to the unregenerate utterly unknown. Do you dread to grieve the heart of Christ, as you once dreaded wrath and condemnation? The Day of Small Things God never blames us for our slow progress and small attainments in holiness, but for our sluggish coldhearted submitting to evil, and allowing it dominion over us. Even our purposes to do right are made much of by our gracious and pitiful God: therefore let us not despise the desires of our hearts to please Him. If we watch against pride; if we struggle and pray against it; if we are pained at its inward workings—then that which we feel to be only a struggle after humility, God accounts humility true and deep. He accepts us in His dear Son He accepts our offerings also; and the sighs of the contrite He calls incense. The Believer's Testimony to Others Let me not consider what I have as mine own; for I myself am not mine own. Whatever I have, therefore—talents, substance -- I am God's steward to use all at His bidding, for His glory. The guilt of sin was not revealed to saints of Old Testament time as now to us. Christ, that was to come, was dimly seen by them: Christ, who has come, is fully revealed to us. Obligations are according to revelation. This world is but a desert—a foreign land, where the children of God can find no rest: if, through unbelief, they seek it, they will only find disappointment. We ought so to behave ourselves, that the ungodly may see the mind of Christ in all our ways; even look and voice should bear witness for Christ: "Ye are My witnesses" (Isa. 43:10). One word spoken with a savour of Christ may sink into the soul of the hearer, and bring forth fruit unto eternal life. There is something in the very countenance of those who walk with God, that gives authority to all they say. Happiness, Joy, Comfort, and Peace All our wounds are for Christ's binding up: our broken hearts become witnesses to His skill and loving kindness; for it is spoken by the prophet, "Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses." (Matt. 8:17.) Special comfort and consolation may be given to any Christian; but it is the diligence of the soul in walking with God that brings settled comfort.