Being and Doing – 14 January – The Duty That Lies Nearest

HE would consider over what he knew, what he could do, and would determine to make all his studies, all his self-training, bear upon the peculiar situation in which God had put him; not fanatically reprobating, but still considering as of less importance, whatsoever did not bear upon that situation.  In all things, in short, he would do the duty that lay nearest him, believing that God had put it nearest him.

From The Life of C. Kingsley.

IT is a fine notion of life to liken it to the loom.  God puts on the warp in those circumstances in which we find ourselves, and which we cannot change.  The weft is wrought by the shuttle of every-day life.  It is made of very homely threads sometimes, common duties, unpromising and unwelcome tasks.  But who ever tries to do each day’s work in the spirit of patient loyalty to God, is weaving the texture whose other side is fairer than the one he sees.

WILLIAM MITCHELL

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These quotes are from ‘Being and Doing’ A selection of helpful thoughts from various authors arranged for daily reading.

Collected by Constance M Whishaw and first published in 1908 for members of the Being and Doing Guild whose object is to do all they can for the relief of suffering and misery.

Most of the writers are 19th Century Christians from Britain and Europe who were committed to living their faith through deeds as well as words – Being AND Doing.

For many years these words have kept me company and encouraged me on the journey of faith.  I hope they will encourage others also.