No unwelcome tasks become any the less unwelcome by putting them off till tomorrow. It is only when they are behind us and done, that we begin to find that there is a sweetness to be tasted afterwards, and that the remembrance of unwelcome duties unhesitatingly done is welcome and pleasant. Accomplished, they are full of blessing, and there is a smile on their faces as they leave us. Undone, they stand threatening and disturbing our tranquility, and hindering our communion with God. If there be lying before you any bit of work from which you shrink, go straight up to it, and do it at once. The only way to get rid of it is to do it.

— Alexander MacLaren (1826–1910), Prediger

Topics: Work & Vocation, Prayer & Silence, Growth & Character

Occasions: For Reflection, Encouragement

Alexander MacLaren

Alexander MacLaren (1826–1910) war ein schottisch-englischer Baptistenpastor, der über vier Jahrzehnte an der Union Baptist Chapel in Manchester wirkte. Er wurde durch seine an den hebräischen und griechischen Grundtexten orientierte Predigtweise bekannt, die in der mehrbändigen Sammlung „Expositions of Holy Scripture“ dokumentiert ist. Heutigen Bibellesern bieten seine Schriften eine systematische und eng am Bibeltext orientierte Auslegung.

All quotes by Alexander MacLaren (28)

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It may be that the Last Day will dawn tomorrow; if so, we will gladly lay down our work for a better future, but not before.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

If our identity is in our work, rather than Christ, success will go to our heads, and failure will go to our hearts.

Tim Keller

Our Lord's example is our example, not only on Calvary but in the workshop, on the road, in the crowd, amid interruptions, amid opposition, amid the lack of quiet and privacy, amid constant demands.

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