Evening, January 12

Charles Spurgeon · Morning and Evening: Daily Readings

"I have yet to speak on God's behalf."

  Job 36:2

   We ought not to court publicity for our virtue, or notoriety for our
   zeal; but, at the same time, it is a sin to be always seeking to hide
   that which God has bestowed upon us for the good of others. A Christian
   is not to be a village in a valley, but "a city set upon 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 to
   hide one's self is doubtless modest, but the hiding of Christ in us can
   never be justified, and the keeping back of truth which is precious to
   ourselves is a sin against others and an offence against God. If you
   are of a nervous temperament and of retiring disposition, take care
   that you do not too much indulge this trembling propensity, lest you
   should be useless to the church. Seek in the name of him who was not
   ashamed of you to do some little violence to your feelings, and tell to
   others what Christ has told to you. If thou canst not speak with
   trumpet tongue, use the still small voice. If the pulpit must not be
   thy tribune, if the press may not carry on its wings thy words, yet say
   with Peter and John, "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have
   give I thee." By Sychar's well talk to the Samaritan woman, if thou
   canst not on the mountain preach a sermon; utter the praises of Jesus
   in the house, if not in the temple; in the field, if not upon the
   exchange; in the midst of thine own household, if thou canst not in the
   midst of the great family of man. From the hidden springs within let
   sweetly flowing rivulets of testimony flow forth, giving drink to every
   passer-by. Hide not thy talent; trade with it; and thou shalt bring in
   good interest to thy Lord and Master. To speak for God will be
   refreshing to ourselves, cheering to saints, useful to sinners, and
   honouring to the Saviour. Dumb children are an affliction to their
   parents. Lord, unloose all thy children's tongue.