In Paradise Lost John Milton wrote, “Servant of God, well done; well hast thou fought the better fight, who single hast maintained against revolted multitudes the cause of truth, in word mightier than they in arms, and for the testimony of truth hast born universal reproach, far worse to bear than violence; for this was all thy care to stand approved in sight of God, though worlds judged thee perverse.”
Of a few such men we know, Martin Luther, Thomas More, Wycliffe and others. I am tempted to say the world has only seen these few but Hebrews 12:1 tells us God has a cloud of greats.
When I drive up my hill into fog, a low cloud, I see tens of millions droplets of water. What joy will come to those who chose integrity over position, power or reputation. To tell the truth, to cheat no one, to harm no one but perhaps self by taking such a stand has to be in the face of threats, loss of loves, loss of honor, loss of life itself has to be monumental in the course of one’s life. What more could compensate than the words written above by Milton.
Milton’s words reflect Jesus’ words in Matthew 25 when the master commended his servant for faithful service. Wouldn’t it be grand to hear “Well done”?
Paul expected it for each of us. In Romans 8:37 Paul assures us we are more than conquerors in Christ. With Jesus’ help we can and shall join the cloud in Hebrews 12. What could be more meaningful in life than to stand approved before God? The judgment of worlds means nothing when we have thatprivilege.
Written by Roger Bothwell on March 26, 2010
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org