Ember of Holiness
"Greatness," the teacher said. "There is much responsibility that comes from obtaining favor with men. You are an example to others... especially to those who seek and know God. Don't use what you have gained to preach the morality of the world. The morality of these rocks, and this dirt mean nothing. Use any fame you acquire, to speak of God's work in your life."
"This is a hard teaching," the student replied, hands deep in his pockets as he walked beside the older man.
"And when teachings become difficult, some leave. They move on, looking for preachers who will speak the words they want to hear, not those of truth. Disciples of ancient times, much like the believers of today, come and go. Perhaps they are seeds that landed along the path. Some believe for the moment, then one ideal contradicts the course of their life. They prefer to cling to their sin, rather the the hem of the garment of He whose blood washes them clean. The words form a hard teaching. They bring light into the darkness. A teaching of truth, without doubt. It is hard. They would rather ignore what is said, possibly claim that the words are misinterpreted, or seek other wisdom... usually not God's."
"So what of those who have achieved some degree of greatness... or notoriety?" The student asked.
"Some see their success as their own. No one ever reaches a difficult summit without help. Even the hand of another, a man or woman, is needed to reach the most challenging pinnacles. Some will not even acknowledge the assistance of a friend. Even fewer will honor the influence of God."
"Seems that is the majority of those who reach the threshold of success," the student commented.
"The world does not look to God. It looks to itself, even though, without the Father's influence the world never comes into existence. The world is a child who pulls away from his parents, thinking he or she is better than those who participated in brining them into the world. Those who speak humbly about the hills they have climbed and give credit to the maker of those same hills and valleys. They are the children of God."
"Some do. Some come across as virtuous."
"And some do it only to be noticed. Virtue and faith are not a words to be manipulated by politicians. Humility is not a cloak thrown over your shoulders when the weather calls for its donning. When one who has reached the summit stands up and declares blessedness, look first to the actions of one's life. Some desire nothing more than to allow evil a chance to blemish the ember of holiness."
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