| Things to Live For |
Chapter 11 |
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It should be our aim, not only to pick up bits of broken glass from the children’s playgrounds to make them safer, and to lift from the sidewalks bits of orange peel or banana skin to prevent accidents to the unwary, but in all life’s ways to gather out the stones and the stumbling blocks, and whatever might hinder or hurt our fellow pilgrim in his journey.
Whatever the cause of, or whoever is responsible for the hardness, there is no doubt that in every life there are many experiences which have a discouraging tendency. It may seem almost too much to say that whatever the hardness of the way may be, nevertheless, a Christian should never be discouraged. Yet this is the other side of the lesson. It is never safe to give way to even the beginnings of discouragement; for if we do, we cannot know what the end will be. Discouragement cherished leads to despondency and despair. Even if it does not grow to such sad ripeness, it works grievous harm in a life. It produces a noxious atmosphere, in which all the lamps burn but dimly. It weakens one’s moral purposes, and paralyzes one’s energies. A discouraged man is only half himself. He takes hold of duty with only half his wonted earnestness. His feet drag wearily as he goes about his duties. Discouragement makes the hard way harder, and the heavy load heavier. We should live continually so that our life shall make it easier for others to live; never to be hinderers, but always helpers, of others.
No one can afford to yield to discouragement, even for one our, in the smallest degree. We require all our strength all the time if we would be equal to the burden, stress, and responsibility of our common days. Life is not easy for any of us, if we would meet it worthily, and make of it what God expects us to make. It is necessary that our eye shall be clear, its light undimmed; that our heart shall beat with full pulsings; that our hand shall be strong and steady, and that all our powers shall be at their best. This cannot be if we are the prey of discouragement, or if we yield in even the smallest degree to its influence.
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