Industry is a correlative of greatness. Great men and women have ever been great workers, not only in their own interests but in those of humanity. Indolence is selfishness. The selfish, if they revolve at all, do so on a personal axis, in a limited circle. The value of all work is not to be found in the stupendousness of the task, however brilliantly performed and at whatever expenditure of time and labor, but in the motive and means of its accomplishment; in the purpose of its undertaking and execution to serve humanity, and so to benefit the race.
In all our probationary and graduate experiences—and these present themselves in every phase of the tasks we perform along the way—are we impelled by a zeal which exceeds personal considerations? Does our goal transcend that of merely human recognition and success? If so, then we shall not be misdirected, deflected, and finally brought to a halt by that archfoe of all genuine and meritorious service —self-love.
"My Father worketh hitherto, and I work," said Jesus (John 5:17). In this assurance of an eternal partnership between God and man, his every task took on the nature of the divine. Thus identified, our work also in its design, outline, substance, and in the incentive and purpose of its concept and continuity will show forth the qualities of the Christ.
