Draw Near – 365 Guides to Greater Intimacy with GodSample

MORE THAN HIMSELF A French sculptor was once working on his masterpiece when there came a night of keen frost. He had just finished a plaster casting of the figure and, fearing that the frost might do it harm, he covered it with his own bedclothes. The night of exposure endured by the artist brought a long and serious illness, but the sculptor did not once complain. He loved his work more than he loved himself. He felt the sacrifice worth it. We are moved when we see such devotion to a cause. However, devotion to a person is of greater value. A sterling example of our Lord's love came when the disciples had toiled long and hard but caught no fish. Although Christ had just gone through the most severe trial ever known, when it came to His disciples, He showed concern for their work and comfort. He gave them fish for their nets and food for their bodies. It was selfless service and illustrates that the love of God embraces our whole life. Little or large, our cares are God's cares. As followers of Christ, we are admonished to care and share. Jesus said: This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you (John 15:12-14). Our Lord says: He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him (John 14:21).