Day 6

     So far we have thought about the renewal of the Church through prayer and worship, and through firm and clear belief.  Now we turn to the Mission of the Church, or, as I like to call it, the destiny of the Church.  There are at the beginning two truths which must be stated and held together, for both are important.

First, it is true that missionary zeal comes from deepened prayer and a clearer understanding of the faith.  We move in this truth from the inner life outward to good works.  A good tree bringeth forth good fruit.  Works come from faith; and the faith of a Church is revealed by its works.

Secondly, and this is sometimes forgotten, works are also a means of Grace, so that faith is deepened by works.  Faith brings forth works, which was our first point; but works also deepen faith, that is our second point.  We have faith, and then we venture: but when we venture, our faith grows.  When we venture out we are strengthened.  God gives His Spirit of joy, peace, power, and love to those who fight His battles, and not to armchair critics.  We venture out on trembling legs, and then find our legs grow strong.  We must recognize, as a recent book states so well, that the Grace of God is not cheap.  If any person things that power and joy are given to us while we remain placid, static, not following the Lord, what a cheap view he has of Grace!  One of the great lessons of saintly joy is that holy joy is the product of prayer and sacrifice. We grow to love God more as we serve Him; and receive more from God through the Church as we work, give, and pray for His Kingdom.  Our point for renewal, then, is that it comes by venturing out.

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