serve him best

Tonight I’ve been thinking about this poem by John Milton:

When I consider how my light is spent
     Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
     And that one talent which is death to hide
     Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
     My true account, lest he returning chide,
     “Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?”
     I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies: “God doth not need
     Either man’s work or his own gifts: who best
     Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly; thousands at his bidding speed
     And post o’er land and ocean without rest:
     They also serve who only stand and wait.”

I love Milton’s line about God not needing our work or gifts … that God only expects us to take his yoke … and serve him … however he leads.   

I note that in the last line Milton says some serve by standing and waiting.  I am reminded of Ephesians 6:13 … “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ”  Our charge in spiritual warfare is to stand firm!   Standing is holy work!

Stand firm then!