Mordecai was a true patriot. So when he rose to the highest position under King Ahasuerus, he used every ounce of his influence to promote the prosperity of Israel. In this, he was a type of Jesus, who sits upon his throne of glory seeking not his own, but spending his power for his people.

What if every Christian became a Mordecai to the church? What if we all strove according to our ability for its prosperity?

Some of you hold stations of wealth and influence. Then honor your Lord in the high places of the earth! Testify for Jesus before great men! Others have what is far better: close fellowship with the King of kings. Then plead! Plead daily for the weak among the Lord's people. For the doubting. For the tempted. For the comfortless. What honor will be yours if you spend your life interceding for those in darkness who dare not draw near to the mercy seat!

Instructed believers, you can serve your Master greatly by laying out your talents for the general good. Take that wealth of heavenly learning and impart it to others by teaching them the things of God. Even the very least in our Israel can at least seek the welfare of his people. And his desire alone, if he can give no more, shall be acceptable to God.

Listen: it is at once the most Christlike and the most happy course for a believer to cease from living to himself. He who blesses others cannot fail to be blessed himself. But mark this—to seek your own personal greatness is a wicked and unhappy plan of life. Its way will be grievous and its end will be fatal.

So let me ask you straight, my friend: are you to the best of your power seeking the wealth of the church in your neighborhood? I trust you are not doing it mischief by bitterness and scandal, nor weakening it by your neglect.

Friend, unite with the Lord's poor! Bear their cross! Do them all the good you can! You shall not miss your reward.