'The only true ideal of all Christian life

The only true ideal of all Christian life

Jenny Lind (known as "the Swedish Nightingale") once said to another, in accounting for the motive and spirit of her wonderful singing, "I sing to God!" She meant that she looked into God's face, as it were, and consciously sang to Him. She did not sing to the vast audience that hung on her words and was held spellbound by them. She was scarcely conscious of any face before her, but God's. She thought of no listening ear, but God's.

We may not all be able to enter into such perfect relation with God as did this marvelous singer — but this is the only true ideal of all Christian life . We should do each piece of work for God.

The business man should do all his business for God.

The artist should paint his picture for God.

The writer should write his book for God.

The farmer should cultivate his ground for God.

This means that we are always engaged in the Father's business, and must do it all in a way that He will approve.

Jesus was a carpenter, for many years working at the carpenter's bench. We are sure that He did each piece of work for His Father's eye. He did it skillfully, conscientiously, beautifully. He did not skimp it nor hurry through it, so as to get away from the shop earlier.

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