Article September 26, 1908 Issue

SERVICE

CHARLES T. ROOT

From Genesis to Revelation are scattered exhortations to mankind to "serve God;" and there can be no doubt as to the duty of all Christians to obey the command. The only question that arises is as to how this constant and all-inclusive duty can be performed. The meanings which most naturally attach to "serve," are to "benefit" or to "assist." But how can we benefit or assist the sole cause and creator, the omnipotent source and owner of everything that is; the all-Father, of whom the Bible says, "God that made the world ... dwelleth not in temples made with hands; neither is worshiped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;" and again, "For all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine." "For all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee." "All this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own."

Clearly we cannot serve God in the same sense that we can human beings. To serve God acceptably is to manifest Him, to reflect good; to think His thoughts after Him, and, to the widening limits of our understanding, to imitate His beneficent activity. Such service to the most High is also our most effective service to our fellow-men.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

ADMISSION TO MEMBERSHIP