Do not expect “Thank You’s,” not in the manner of those you receive when you purchase an item, do a deed for someone, those that are expected in what we call a polite and civilized society. I mean those that come from the heart, the ones that say, “Thank you” and they truly mean it with all of their being.
“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” (Mark 12:30)
Many of the books I read were written well before the 1800’s, some date back to a time when there were only three numbers instead of four in our history, and each of them were written by men of God consumed by God, with a heartfelt desire to seek His face and expound upon what He revealed to them. And solely for His glory.
These men, along with the humble offerings I give in these letters to you, did not seek for anyone to tell them “Thank you.” All of us who have been called to pick up a writing utensil live in fear, for no man is worthy to expound upon the Scriptures, and to speak for God Almighty is a frightful thought.
“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.” (James 3:1)
I wonder at times if anyone else is reading one of the books in my possession written in 1137, if anyone else on the entire planet is reading it as well. These men did not look for anyone to offer praise to them for their work, in fact, as in the occasional comments received for these Letters of Truth, it puts us in a position we would rather not be in when they do, for it tests our humility and pride.
Those that had their works published in their lifetimes were, I am quite sure, sorely tested, recognition, accolades, financial gain, many words of thanks can easily cause a man of God to stumble. Yet at the same time, if they die before the truths and wisdom of the Lord has been revealed to them by the Holy Spirit are not spread far and wide for many to read, great and many doubts entered into their minds, as they do in my own mind.
I could be wrong here, but I personally believe all those that this short letter speaks of can associate in form with Jeremiah. No one is listening and no one is going to listen, save for perhaps one or two.
“Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.” (Jer. 20:9)
There was no doubt in their minds that what they penned was from the Holy Spirit, yet doubts arrive when we see little to no fruit for our labors.
“If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” (1st Cor. 15:19)
The Most High has set you on the path to that strait gate, if you are positive, if there is not one shred of doubt in your mind that He indeed is the One who is guiding you in what you are doing for His glory, then you do not need anyone to say to you, “Thank you.”
We should never need to hear those words from anyone my friends when it concerns that which the Almighty has set before us. They are appreciated when they are offered with a sincere heart, but they can be a subtle trap that many men of God have fallen into.
“But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:” (Matt. 6:20)
I write because I am compelled to, driven to, and at least in my particular case, commanded to. How few or many who read these letters, and the effect they have upon them, is entirely up to the Lord. If He says to me, “Thank you,” I have received all the rewards from them I will ever need.
