The Centurion's Faith and Humility
Charles H. Spurgeon
Luke 7:6-8
The greatest light may enter into the darkest places. We may find the choicest flowers blooming where we least expected them. Here was a Gentile, a Roman, a soldier-a soldier clothed with absolute power-and yet a tender master, a considerate citizen, a lover of God! Let no man, therefore, be despised because of his calling, and let not the proverb, "Can there any good come out of Nazareth?" (John 1:46) be ever heard from the wise man's lips. The best of pearls have been found in the darkest caves of ocean. Why should it not be so still that God should have even in Sardis a few that have not defiled their garments, who shall walk with Christ in white, for they are worthy? Let no man think that because of his position in society he cannot excel in virtue. It is not the place that is to blame, but the man. If your heart be right, the situation may be difficult, but the difficulty is to be overcome.
Aye, and out of that difficulty shall arise an excellence that you had not otherwise known. Say not in your heart, "I am a soldier, and the barracks room cannot minister to piety. Therefore I may live as I list because I cannot live as I should." Say not, "I am a working man in the midst of those who blaspheme, and therefore it were vain for me to talk of holiness and piety." No, rather remember that in such a case it is your duty specially not to talk of these precious things but to wear them about you as your daily ornament. Where should the lamp be placed but in the room that else were dark? Rest assured your calling and your position shall be no excuse for your sin if you continue therein. Neither shall your condition be any apology for the absence of integrity and virtue, if these be not found in you.
Concerning the centurion, we may remark that perhaps we had never heard of him, though he loved his servant. Perhaps we had never read his name, though he tenderly nursed his slave. Peradventu ...
Charles H. Spurgeon
Luke 7:6-8
The greatest light may enter into the darkest places. We may find the choicest flowers blooming where we least expected them. Here was a Gentile, a Roman, a soldier-a soldier clothed with absolute power-and yet a tender master, a considerate citizen, a lover of God! Let no man, therefore, be despised because of his calling, and let not the proverb, "Can there any good come out of Nazareth?" (John 1:46) be ever heard from the wise man's lips. The best of pearls have been found in the darkest caves of ocean. Why should it not be so still that God should have even in Sardis a few that have not defiled their garments, who shall walk with Christ in white, for they are worthy? Let no man think that because of his position in society he cannot excel in virtue. It is not the place that is to blame, but the man. If your heart be right, the situation may be difficult, but the difficulty is to be overcome.
Aye, and out of that difficulty shall arise an excellence that you had not otherwise known. Say not in your heart, "I am a soldier, and the barracks room cannot minister to piety. Therefore I may live as I list because I cannot live as I should." Say not, "I am a working man in the midst of those who blaspheme, and therefore it were vain for me to talk of holiness and piety." No, rather remember that in such a case it is your duty specially not to talk of these precious things but to wear them about you as your daily ornament. Where should the lamp be placed but in the room that else were dark? Rest assured your calling and your position shall be no excuse for your sin if you continue therein. Neither shall your condition be any apology for the absence of integrity and virtue, if these be not found in you.
Concerning the centurion, we may remark that perhaps we had never heard of him, though he loved his servant. Perhaps we had never read his name, though he tenderly nursed his slave. Peradventu ...
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