POEMS BY WATCHMAN NEE-3

(This maxim, which was composed by Watchman Nee around the year 1930, could very well sum up his life and ministry)

Let me love and not be respected;

Let me serve and not be rewarded;

Let me labor and not be remembered;

Let me suffer and not be regarded 

‘Tis the pouring not the drinking;

Tis the breaking, not the keeping —

A life suffering to seek others’ blessing,

A life loving and true comfort giving

Not expecting pity and concern,

Not accepting solace and applause;

Even lonely, even forgotten,

Even wordless, even forsaken.

Tears and blood my price for the righteous crown shall be;

Losing all, my cost for a faithful pilgrim’s life.

‘Tis the life, O Lord, that You chose to live

In those days when on earth You walked,

Gladly suffering all injuries and loss

So that all might draw near and repose.

I cannot see how much farther I shall go;

Still I press on knowing there is no return.

Let me follow Your pattern so perfect and true,

Bearing ingratitudes without complaint.

In this time of trial, O Lord, I pray

That You’ll wipe all my hidden tears away;

Let me learn, O Lord, You are my reward,

Let me be others’ blessing all my days.