The words of our Lord are often swords, quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged blade.
And sometimes they are pearls--or even like tiny seed pearls, easily overlooked. But how beautiful when they are found! His words about we who are called to be His lights in this world, are precious seed pearls:
Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light to all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before all men . . . (Matthew 5:15-16, KJV)
The candlelight will even shine through the windows on the people who pass by in the street outside. In one of the Indian hospitals, there was at one time just such a "candle" . . .
One day, in this woman's hearing, something was said to a younger helper which almost drew from her a flashing, angry remark. But at that moment, a word was spoken to her inwardly: "See in this, a chance to die."
And though spoken inwardly, it was far more clearly heard than many a word addressed to the outward ear.
"See in this"--this provoking, this rebuke that should not have been--"a chance to die." To self, and the pride that comes from defending self.
"See in anything"--anything that rouses you to claim your "rights," or even to consider them at all--"a chance to die."
Welcome anything that calls you to your only true position: "I have been crucified with Christ . . ."
A crucified life cannot be self-assertive. It cannot protect itself. It cannot be startled into resenful words. The cup that is full of sweet water cannot spill bitter-tasting drops, however sharply it is knocked.
GOLD BY MOONLIGHT: pp. 80-81, 1937
missionaries for students participating in summer projects. STiM stands for Student Training in Missions.