LEAVES AND FRUIT
[p. 322] LEAVES AND FRUIT
I believe we have little idea how our own self-government affects our companions. In 1 Corinthians 13, “charity”, the more excellent way to serve, is entirely taken up with the servant. The vessel, and its preparation for service, is the subject. We so often think of the people we are seeking to serve, and all their defects, instead of being so freed from self that we are able, in real love, to serve them. Real love is full self-denial.
It is not what we say in the home circle that tells so much as the way we control ourselves. With strangers we express our opinions; at home, among our own people, we testify in our own persons to the moral effect of our opinions.
The doctrine is the programme, the manner of life, the confirmation of it. I arrest or provoke a person by the doctrine, but I silence him by patient continuance in well doing. The doctrine is like the leaves of a tree, they tell what the tree is. Every one knows the name of the tree by its leaf, but the value of the tree is known by its fruit - the natural activity of life. There is seldom much, if any, fruit where there are too many leaves. The strength is spent in the effort for outward testimony; and on the other hand if there are not leaves enough, the fruit will be indifferent. There must be leaves; they are the public avowed expression of the nature of the tree; but if one is too much taken up with the assertion of one’s opinions, though all right in itself, there is no strength left for the fruit, of which, if good, no one can partake without the conviction, though it may be unexpressed, that it is good.
There must be a full, clear, unequivocal expression of the doctrine which is to govern my life; but this being stated, I devote my attention now, not to expressions or a creed, but to the way the doctrine I have received as the truth of God, influences and controls me; and even though those around me may not approve [p. 323] of my personal devotedness to Christ, yet it must command their respect and notice, for in proportion as it controls me, the house is filled with the odour of it.