July 14, 2026
— Robert McCheyne Mateer, Character-Building in China (1912) · Source: Character-Building in China: The Life-Story of Julia Brown Mateer (New York: Fleming H. Revell, 1912), Foreword and pp. 71–72
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing praises to God with grace in your hearts.
Julia Brown Mateer's labour in teaching Chinese believers to sing and Colossians 3:16 serve as a spiritual mirror. We often pursue melodious tunes and beautiful lyrics in praise, neglecting the weighty truth of the cross behind the hymns. True worship is not an emotional outpouring, but a rich manifestation of Christ's teachings. When I sing hymns, is my heart deeply pierced by the salvation of the cross? Are each word leading me back to the cleansing of Christ's blood? Praise should be an opportunity to examine the soul, uniting the outward song with the inner life. Only then can praise transcend superficiality, allowing people to be nourished and benefited in the truth.
Our loving Lord Jesus, thank You for redeeming me with Your precious blood and accomplishing great salvation on the cross. Lord, forgive me for my past shortcomings in worship, where I often offered only lip service and pursued outward vanity. Holy Spirit, abundantly house the teachings of Christ in my heart, open my eyes, and enable me to see the truth of the cross in every hymn of praise. May Your Word be the examiner of my life, cleansing my thoughts and intentions. Grant me a devout and sincere heart, so that I may sing praises to You with heartfelt gratitude, and let my life become a glorious hymn to You. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!