April 2, 2026
— William Milne · Source: A Retrospect of the First Ten Years of the Protestant Mission to China (1820), Appendix
Luke 17:9-10 Does a master thank his servant when he has done what he has been commanded to do? In the same way, when you have finished all that you have been commanded to do, you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’
In his Retrospect, Milne wrote of the sower who may first learn of the harvest only in eternity, while those who come after him may not even know who he was, yet fare the better for his having gone before them. This echoes the Lord's words: "We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do." In an age when everyone tries to leave a name in the history books or on social media, it is a profound reminder: the value of ministry lies not in being remembered, but in letting those who follow find fields already white for harvest. Reflecting on our ministry and work, do we often subconsciously calculate whose contribution is greater? Do we, while striving for the foundation, also crave our own share of glory? Only when the self decreases can Christ truly increase in everything we do.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for using Milne's life to calibrate the motives of my service. Lord, forgive my occasional vanity, my desire to carve my name on the foundation of ministry. Grant me the heart of Milne, so that I may willingly be a sower, finding joy even if those who come after never know my name, as long as Your love enters people's hearts. Lord Jesus, teach me to practice "secret service," not living for applause, but working only for Your approval. May my life be like a grain of wheat, silently falling to the ground, so that it may bear many fruits belonging to You. In establishing the foundation and promoting discipleship, keep my eyes fixed on Your prosperity. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.