December 2

Looking diligently lest any man fail — Heb 12:15

It is not losing all, but coming short we are to fear. We may not lose our souls, but we may lose something more precious than life His full approval, His highest choice, and our incorruptible and star–gemmed crown. It is the one degree more that counts, and makes all the difference between hot water powerless in the boiler and steam all alive with power, and bearing its precious freight across the continent.

I want, in this short life of mine,
As much as can be pressed
Of service true for God and man,
Help me to be my best.

I want to stand when Christ appears
And hear my name confessed
Numbered among the hidden ones,
His holiest and best.

I want, among the victor throng,
To have my name confessed;
And hear my Master say at last,
Well done, you did your best.

Give me, O Lord, Thy highest choice;
Let others take the rest:
Their good things have no charm for me,
For I have got Thy best.