A Life for Christ: What the Normal Christian Life Should Look Like

by Dwight L. Moody

Reverend Dr. Willets, of Philadelphia, uses this beautiful illustration: “See that little spring issuing water from the earth just in view on the distant mountain, shining like a thread of silver through the thick grove, and sparkling like a diamond in its healthy activity. It is hurrying on with tinkling feet to bear its tribute to the river. See, it passes a stagnant pool, and the pool hails it. ‘Where are you going, master rivulet?’ “‘I am going to the river to carry this cup of water God has given me.’ “‘Ah, you are very foolish for that. You’ll need it before the summer’s over. Spring’s weather has been going the wrong way and we will have a hot summer to make up for it. You will dry up then.’ “‘Well,’ said the rivulet, ‘if I am to die so soon, I had better work while the day lasts. If I’m likely to lose this treasure from the heat, I’d better do good with it while I have it.’ So, on it went, blessing and rejoicing in its course. The pool smiled complacently at its own superior foresight, and managed all its resources, not letting a drop steal away. “Soon the midsummer heat came and fell upon the little stream, but the trees crowded to its brink and threw out their sheltering branches over it in the day of adversity, because it brought refreshment and life to them. The sun peeped through the branches and smiled complacently on its dimpled face as if to say, ‘It’s not in my heart to harm you,’ and the birds sipped the silver tide and sung its praises. “The flowers brea...