| Things to Live For |
Chapter 3 |
Page 6 |
One other mark of wholesomeness in life is activity. Action is necessary to health; inaction produces death. Some one has said that the stars would rot in their orbits but for their unresting motion. The water that rests stagnates. One of the most prolific causes of unwholesomeness of life in all its phases is inaction. He was a wise physician who prescribed for a morbid, unhappy patient, “Do something for somebody.” Most of the common doubts on religious questions which trouble people would be scattered to the winds if the doubter would go forth and begin to live out the teachings of Christ among suffering, sorrowing, and tempted people. The best thing to do for an unhappy Christian is to send him out to comfort or help some one in trouble.
Religion in the head and heart which finds no expression in the life soon grows unhealthy. The wholesome life must be always active. Exertion keeps the blood pure, and strengthens all the fibres of the being. There is a blessing, too, in doing, in helping others, in making something beautiful. Work is a means of grace.
“Work for some good, be it ever so slowly;
Cherish some flower, be it ever so lowly;
Labor! All labor is noble and holy;
Let thy great deeds be thy prayer to thy God.”
Thus a wholesome life is one of abounding moral and spiritual health that lives according to the law of God, realizing the divine plan for it. Such a life is a benediction in the world. Its every touch is inspiration, and its every influence is fragrance.
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