eHymns.org

Karl Johann Philipp Spitta

Unknown

Alvin (Bud) Herman Manz in 2024

This is the test of true devotion,
To keep and hold fast to the Lord;
And evermore without omission
In all things to obey His Word.
In small and unimportant matters,
Yet to be careful and sincere,
Not knowingly to faults consenting,
However small they may appear.

Remember, soul, that not the humblest
Obedience shall the Lord forget;
Because the most unselfish spirit
In humble service here is met.
In small things then begin Thy training;
The smallest sin shun and abhor;
For in obeying, love is gaining;
And loyalty grows more and more.

If thou the great sins wouldst be shunning
In fear of punishment and yet
The lesser faults in thee allowing,
'Twould not true honesty beget.
That would not be a true devotion,
Which sacrifices all to God;
'Twould be to follow selfish motives
And serve two masters in your thought.

For who would wholly be the Saviour's
Will follow Him in all things here,
Will shun the smallest sin and even
The things that sinful do appear,
Will seek in all things Jesus' glory,
Will strive in all sincerity
To be conformed unto the image
Of Him whose servant he would be.

In every deed, at every hour,
His care it is unto his Lord
In everything to be found faithful,
And loyal to His holy Word.
For Him he suffers every trial,
Dishonor, sorrow, cross, and woe;
Enough that he may say sincerely:
"My loving Lord hath willed it so!"

O, heart, for truthfulness in living
Endeavor, strive, sincerely plead;
And day by day be more aspiring
To love and honor Him indeed!
Not in the lofty, but in humble
And small things serve Him, be thy aim;
And diligence will then accomplish
What slothfulness could not attain.

O, do not say, "In greater trials
Will I to Jesus faithful be!"
That is what Peter also promised,
And yet thou dost him weeping see.
So learn true faithfulness in small things;
In little conflicts faithful be;
Or else thou shalt perhaps like Peter
For faithlessness weep bitterly.