Love that loves unto death

Lilias Trotter (1853-1928), a sketch in her journal

 

 Our family has been waiting upon the Lord for our next steps. As we pray over hundreds of job postings and application forms, I am reminded of how Amy Carmichael responded to those who expressed a desire to serve with her in her home for orphans in India.

 

In one correspondence, she bluntly stated, "Not a word of attraction can I write to [you]. It will be desperately hard work, iron would snap under the strain of it. I ask for steel, that quality which is at the back of all going on, patience which cannot be tired out, and love that loves in every deed, unto death."

 

To those who apply, she asked them this list of questions:

• Do you truly desire to live a crucified life? ("Ditch-digging," she warned, "gives no dignity.")
• Does the thought of hardness draw you or repel you?
• Do you realize that we are a family, not an institution? Are you willing to do whatever helps most?
• Apart from the Bible, can you name three or four books which have been of vital help to you?
• Apart from books, what refreshes you most when tired?
• Have you ever learned any classical or continental language?
• Have you ever had opportunity to prove our Lord's promise to supply temporal as well as spiritual needs?
• Can you mention any experience you have passed through in your Christian life which brought you into a new discovery of your union with the crucified, risen, and enthroned Lord?

"Do not come," she emphasized again, "unless you can say to your Lord and to us, The Cross is the attraction." I am amaze that the Lord continued to provide workers who labored with her in the field!

Praise be to God. My faith is strengthened.

 

Christ our Captain, hear our prayer,

Warriors we ask of Thee,

Comrades who shall everywhere

Stand for love and loyalty;

Servants who with souls aflame,

Kindled from Thine altar-fire,

Live to magnify Thy Name,

Live to meet Thy least desire.

 

Lovers who in love abide

In the Secret Place of rest,

Yielded to be crucified

That Thy life be manifest;

Labourers who joyfully

Choose rewards unseen today.

Cause us, O our Lord, to be 

Like to these for whom we pray.