Being and Doing – 30 June – Purpose

WE LIVE in an age when there is a fashion in philanthropy as well as a fashion in religion.   Do we atone by an interest in large questions – a common fault – for a failure towards lesser claims?   We live in an age when, at all costs, men seek for personal aggrandisement, or for the intoxication of passing pleasure.   We, each of us, must see to it lest our ingrained selfishness is destroying the ‘diligence’ of the Christian.   Can it be that our life is being frittered away in nothings when men around us are in the direst need?  Can it be that we occupy ourselves with ‘great interests’ when unworthy suspicions, or cruel slanders, or petty unkindnesses, or thoughtless acts of neglect, are emptying the lives that lie within our arm-sweep of the power of happiness and the influence for improvement that are entrusted to us to use.   Let us see to it.   Every day in every life gives social opportunities, and therefore responsibilities at the last.

KNOX LITTLE

DO NOT dare to live without some clear intention toward which your living shall be bent.   Mean to be something with all your might…   Do not dare to think that a Child of God can worthily work out his career, or worthily serve God’s other children, unless he does both in the love and fear of God their Father.

PHILLIPS BROOKS

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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.