It should be joy to anyone who loves the Lord Jesus to think of having His individual peculiar approbation and love; to find He has approved of our conduct in such and such circumstances, though none know this but ourselves who receive the approval. But, beloved, are we really content to have an approval which Christ only knows? Let us try ourselves a little.

Are we not too desirous of man’s commendation of our conduct? Or at least we desire that he should know and give us credit for the motives which actuate it. Are we content, so long as good is done, that nobody should know anything about us—even in the church to be thought nothing of? that Christ alone should give us the “white stone” of His approval, and the new name which no man knoweth save only he that receiveth it?

Are we content, I say, to seek nothing else? Oh! think what the terrible evil and treachery of that heart must be that is not satisfied with Christ’s special favor, but seeks honor (as we do) of one another instead! I ask you, beloved, which would be most precious to you, which would you prefer, the Lord’s public owning of you as a good, faithful servant, or the private individual love of Christ resting upon you—the secret knowledge of His love and approval!

He whose heart is specially attached to Christ will respond, “The latter.” Both will be ours, if faithful; but we shall value this most; and there is nothing that will carry us so straight on our course as the anticipation of it.

—J.N. Darby