The miracles of Jesus - Classical Christian Literature by Athleo.net

THE BARREN FIG-TREE 381
ment to say of these, " They bear nothing but leaves."
But fig-trees are meant to bear fruit, and if they do
not do that they may justly be cut down as cumberers
of the ground.
Now God has created many beings around us
whose instincts are marvellous, and whose work is
wonderful, but they are evidently intended for this
life only. If they do what is expected of them here,
all is well. The bee makes her honey ; the horse
draws our carts ; the dog protects our home, and so
on ;
but their Creator does not expect of them loyal
worship and intelligent service. This, however, is
what He does expect of us. As the old catechism
puts it, "Man's chief end is to glorify God and to
enjoy Him forever." If, for example, you do your
daily work diligently, and if you deal with those
around you in accordance with the laws of the community,
supporting your children and caring for your
home, you so far do well, but you are doing no more
than the ants, or bees, and other despised creatures
do. If, meantime, you have no thought beyond this
life, and make no preparation for the unseen future,
and if you live without any conscious recognition of
God, you are obviously failing in the one great object
of your existence. Your life, with all its present possibilities
and enjoyment, is being wasted, and must
end in banishment from the God whom you refuse to
think of.
Indeed, we must go further. Is not the mere
enjoyment of our own pardon and religious life
insufficient
to satisfy our Lord, who Himself became
the servant of others Christianity is not a sort of
insurance office at which, in return for a given