The Keynote

      The phrase seemed to burn into my mental processes. The keynote of the Savior’s life… He is our example in all things. Therefore, whatever was His keynote, should be my keynote as well. This simple question asked at such a young age, outlined the course of Christ’s life. “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” Luke 2:49. If our Heavenly Father’s business was Christ’s keynote, and is to be our life keynote, then it is necessary to understand our Father’s business. 

      Christ’s life gives us the clearest portrait of that business. “During His ministry on earth, Jesus devoted more time to healing the sick than to preaching… His life was one of constant self-sacrifice… He came to live in our behalf the life of the poorest and to walk and work among the needy and suffering.” CSA 59 

      Healing, preaching, self-sacrifice, walking and working among the needy and suffering. This is our Father’s business. As the hands and feet of Christ, we must be about it. “... as He (Christ) walked among men, He was guided step by step, by the Father’s will. He did not hesitate to act at the appointed time. With the same submission He waited until the time had come.” DA 147.2. There is a time to act. There is also a time to wait on the Lord. The same Hand that led Christ step by step on this earth, is willing to lead us also. Our Father, whose business we are to be about, is quite capable of showing us how to go about His business. Step by step, no faster than we can go, He is willing to lead us in plain paths. 

      All we must see is the work directly in front of us, that which lies nearest. For this day, we must know only the humble step we are to make, but it is enough. Lowly and small though it may be, it is verily as much our Father’s business as something we might consider to be a “great work.” Whether it be a smile, a word of encouragement to a family member or friend, a faithful performance of home duties. Or, if it be a Bible study, sermon, or ministry to the sick to which we are call in this day, let us be about our Father’s business. Friends, may the keynote of Christ's life resound in our own today!