| The Best Things in Life |
Chapter 1 |
Page 6 |
We should live always for the best things. Some people live for good things, but not the best, and the good is often the enemy of the best, inasmuch as it satisfies us and makes us contented to live on the lower planes. There is nothing dishonourable in having small capacities and in living and working in commonplace positions, if one is doing his best.
The lowliest who does God’s will faithfully is as honourable in God’s sight as the man who, with larger abilities and larger opportunities, does greater things. But when one with great gifts does only trivial things, he is not living worthily.
In our Lord’s parable, the merchant sought always for the best. He dealt in pearls, one of the finest commodities of the time. He dealt only in good pearls, however, not in those of an inferior quality. One day he heard of a new pearl which had just been found which was of exceptional beauty and brilliance. It was of great value, so great that the only way he could obtain it was to sell all his other pearls. This he did, and purchased the one peerless pearl.
This man illustrates those who are content with nothing less than the best things. The good does not satisfy them if there is a better; the better is quickly given up to get the best. This must be the rule of life for all who would live worthily. Especially should it be the rule for all who are following Christ. The good should never content them if there is a better possible. They should be ready to pay any price to attain the best.
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