Numbers 26:9

"Handfuls of Purpose"

For All Gleaners

"Famous in the congregation." Num 26:9

This is a necessity of human life. In every assembly diversity of position and influence must be recognised. The evil to be guarded against is jealousy. Aaron and his sister envied Moses, because of his preeminence. Men who are truly famous have restraints enough to keep them within proper limits; restraints which are often unknown to the very people who envy them. Fame is an element of moral power. To have fame, is to have opportunities innumerable for profitably addressing public attention. Jesus Christ's fame went throughout all Syria. The more his fame extended the larger became the number of applications for healing. It is right to have high spiritual ambitions. Men who work solely to acquire fame, will be disappointed. "He that saveth his life shall lose it." We have simply to do the work and let fame come or go as it may. The motive of fame is contemptible vanity; but fame as an honest result cf beneficent life may become the beginning of new and large advantages. There were famous men amongst the disciples of Jesus Christ. Peter, James, and John were admitted to privileges which other disciples did not enjoy. Jesus Christ laid down the great doctrine: "He that is greatest among you, let him be the servant of all." Eminence is not to be a justification of tyranny. There is a bad fame as well as a good one. "Diotrephes loveth to have the preeminence." Simon Magus gave out that he was some great one. Character is of infinitely greater importance than reputation. It is of no importance how much fame a man may have, if he has not self-respect. A man must, so to say, confirm his own fame, if it is to be of any service to him or to others. The approval of a good conscience is the fame which every honest man supremely desires. We know not who may be famous at the last, for then many an undiscovered worker will be revealed and crowned. The "well done" of the Lord, is the fame after which every labourer should aspire.