A Sonata in Three Ages

Topic(s): Christian Life, Encouragement, Youth

Youth is a wonderful period of life. The future is rosy; dreams are spun into the sheer romance of living; and the heavens above are blue. And, if I may use a simile, this is like a violin in full string, capable of pouring forth major melodies in full harmony. Beautiful!—if Christ is the Master Musician. Fully yielded to Him, the music of such a life is wonderful.

When a few more years are added and middle age predominates, it might happen that only three strings can be used. But the Master passes over that difficulty. He does not need four strings to create beautiful melody! If He is the Player, even two strings in tune can bring forth wondrous music, even though there might be mechanical imperfections and the song might be in a minor key. But even the minor is beautiful, when the Master Musician wills it.

But as age creeps on, what shall we do with just one string, stretched almost to the point of breaking? Thank God, He can still make music of our lives, if we are supple in His hands! One of the most beautiful and touching songs I ever heard was played on one string—the E—but a master did the playing. Even down to old age, He can use us to His glory. Let us keep ourselves in His hands!

—Esther K. Miller

Rules For Growing Christians

Topic(s): Christian Life, Time

Don’t neglect your prayer time. It is the breath of the soul (Lk. 18:1).
Don’t neglect your Bible. It is your sword for conquest, your hammer for construction, your guiding light for dreary days (Rev. 1:3).
Don’t neglect your body. It is the capital on which you are to do business for the rest of your life (1 Cor. 6:19, 20).
Don’t neglect your mind. It is your channel for reaching up to the very thoughts of God (cf. Phil. 4:8).
Don’t neglect your laugh. The Bible teaches that “A merry heart doth good like a medicine” (Prov. 17:22).
Don’t neglect your reputation. It is the gold with which you will meet the demands of a complex civilization (Mt. 5:14-16).
Don’t neglect your influence. It will point other people to the living God whom you serve (Prov. 11:6).