From Aksel Smith’s Writings

From Aksel Smith’s Writings
A firm Mind

A person without any backbone collapses under the smallest burden, but when the burden has been lifted, he can seem to be stronger than all the others. Firmness in life makes for firmness in speech, but a wavering life produces uncertain speech. Patience in tribulations testifies of an established mind, but the person who always seeks sympathy from others has forgotten to turn his face toward God. The flesh too wants to be comforted and gain sympathy as it is left to die. If it doesn’t receive it from others, it seeks comfort in its own agonizing sighs that ascend with reproaches against the Almighty God who has determined that the cross is the only place for it. Great light with little faithfulness stores up judgments in the conscience. The person who wants to be faithful must be prepared to suffer in the flesh, but his conscience remains pure. The many external attempts and decisions to mend the inner life result in only discouragement because of bad results. The expectations of the humble person are in God from whom his expectations come. He waits on Him with confidence.

In order to have true influence with people, you must first have influence with God. Vanity seeks it first with people. The person who wants to be prominent seeks his own honor, but a quiet influence with great power proceeds from him who is devoted to God. Quiet strength is the greatest strength. God is quiet. The thoughts of the restless person go hither and thither to outward things. The meek rest quietly in God. With Him there is no shadow of turning. Many people seek help and a way of escape from people; the simple leave the matter to God. Confidence in Him is weightier than all assistance from man.