ONE of the most important lessons taught by Paul to his beloved Timothy was that every man is called of God to eternal life, and that the attainment of this knowledge constitutes his individual work. The call to the Adam man was, is, and ever will be, "Have you overcome a personal sense of life as in matter by the spiritual perception of Life as God?" This call of Truth is heard by each one when the call of the world ceases to hold his attention. It is impossible to heed both voices at the same time. When the call of Truth becomes paramount, its first effect on the individual is that it leads him to self-examination. If this is followed up by obedience to Truth, there comes a great love for Truth, and a sincere desire to help his fellow-man.
Jesus said, "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." He knew that those who are sorrowful already feel the instability of worldly things, and are beginning to listen to the promise of immortality. The Christians at Corinth were told that few who were wise in worldly knowledge heard this call to eternal life, for they regarded as foolishness the unseen verities. "It is written," said Paul, quoting the prophets, who centuries before his time had warned the Hebrews in these words, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." Few of might and influence in worldly affairs hear this call to eternal life, for they believe in the power of materiality, the god of this world. Few of the self-styled great ones hear this call to eternal life, for they are satisfied with the pomp and splendors of this world. When, on the last day of the feast, Jesus stood in the temple at Jerusalem and gave the inspired teaching concerning the Spirit which all that believed on him should receive, the question was asked in derision, "Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?" No, not one.
Paul says, "None of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself." As this spiritual fact is discerned, men recognize the fact that they have a special life-work to perform. This thought governs their action, while days, weeks, and years take on a deeper significance as filled with opportunities for reaching perfection. Thus, "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God," wrote, "I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." Jesus, called from the beginning, left us these comforting words: "As I hear, I judge;" and, "I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do." He had overcome death and laid hold on eternal life.
