They Long After
a Better Country, That Is, a Heavenly One
My natural, solitary disposition has always left me hesitant in the matter of "fellowshipping" with the members, not to mention with the leading brothers! Having served in the church for many years, I still could not muster the courage to take the initiative to ask the brothers to fellowship, and I know that because of this I missed many precious opportunities. It was the Lord's mercy that let me return again to serve in the training. Two years of being trained anew made up for many of the lacks in my past experiences, brought me out of my personal limitations, and enabled me to have the blessing of fellowship with many faithful witnesses. Once you came to the training center and fellowshipped with the trainees about the message concerning the "vital groups." In the process I was greatly enlightened: we had heard many messages on the vital groups, yet we did not have the reality of the vital groups.
In the co-workers' training in February, you said, "We must feel that to serve the Lord full-time is too glorious!" An indescribable fragrance, a heroic spirit, so strong and steadfast. Within me I could not help repeating, "Yes—to be able to serve the Lord full-time is too glorious!"
He waited for a city, yet dwelt in tents,
This pilgrim to the heavenly city ever pressing on;
He had a good testimony, a future truly to be praised,
No wonder he sought not the glory of the earth. (Hymn No. 771)
But they long after a better country, that is, a heavenly one;
Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God,
For He has prepared a city for them.
(Heb. 11:16)