In 1883 Willard J. Houghton, founder of Houghton College, wrote: “I had rather stay on earth a little longer if it is the Master’s will, since there will be no chance to save souls in heaven.”
Mr. Houghton was right-in a sense. After death he could no longer visit Sunday schools and preach messages to children. In heaven he could establish no Christian colleges or solicit funds for their support.
But-in another sense-Mr. Houghton was wrong. Houghton College is more vigorous than ever and is an evangelistic as well as an academic institution. What Mr. Houghton did “then” is still being projected into the “now.” The Christian momentum of his life and service could not be arrested by death. His “works do follow” him.
Kind deeds never die. The “cup of cold water” refreshes long after the hand has ceased to hold it. The card written, the courtesy shown in Jesus’ name, have a fragrance and usefulness after the doer has forgotten them.
The Christian witness never dies. Words, spoken or written, are deathless. Words are vehicles of transfer, transferring thoughts, ideas, feelings. Christ was “the Word,” and as such expressed God. Up to the measure of God’s grace, we, too, my transfer God’s thoughts and feelings toward men.
Christian investments are imperishable. Money has power. Jesus knew and taught that. For that very reason Christian giving is important-not giving that brings glory to the giver, but that which brings glory to God.
Some investments yield small dividends in eternity. They accomplish very little soul winning after death. But money and talent given to spiritual enterprises at home or abroad-enterprises that both reach the lost and train Christians into battlefield saints-will go on winning souls after the tongue “lies silent in the grave.”
Amazing and blessed truth! I believe that some of the redeemed will be surprised at the rewards given them for their posthumous soul winning. But no one will win souls after death who has not striven to win them in life.
--George E. Failing
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