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Microscopic holiness?
Spurgeon, "A Well Ordered Life" #878. Ps. 119:133
"Order my steps," We see here that David
is anxious as to details. He does not say,
"Order the whole of my pilgrimage;" he
means that, but his expression is more
expressive and painstaking. He would
have each single step ordered in holiness.
He would enjoy heavenly guidance in each
minute portion of his journey towards heaven.
Much of the beauty of holiness lies in little things.
Microscopic holiness is the perfection of excellence.
If a life will bear examination in each hour of it,
it is pure indeed. Those who are not careful
about their words, and even their thoughts, will
soon grow careless concerning their more notable
actions.
Those who tolerate sin in what they think to be
little things, will soon indulge in it in greater matters.
To live by the day and to watch each
step, is the true pilgrimage method.
More lies in the careful noting of every single
act than careless minds can well imagine.
Be this then your prayer: "Lord, direct my
morning thoughts, that the step out of my
chamber into the world may be taken in your
fear. At my table keep me in your presence;
behind my counter, or in my field, or wherever
else I may be, allow me not to grieve your
Spirit by any evil. And when I come to lie
down at night, let the action (which seems
so indifferent) of casting myself upon my
pillow, be performed with a heart that loves
you; so that I shall be prepared to be with
you, if wakeful during the night.”
This brief prayer, "Order my steps,"
teaches us attention to the minutiae of life.
May we have grace to learn the lesson.
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