THE HIGHEST GOAL

The highest goal is not success,

If that be made the aim;

But faithfulness, tho’ counted less,

Is what God promises to bless:

These goals are not the same.

And if I am to do my best

In every line of life,

My effort will be surely blest,

And I will find in toil sweet rest,

Tho’ in a world of strife.

And when before the throne I stand

To answer for the use

Of gifts received from God's own hand,

He will not then, in wrath, demand

From me some strong excuse,

To show why I had not attained

The goal of grand success,

Such as some noted men have gained,

For if my work is not sin-stained

God will my failures bless.

And I will hear Him say, “My son,

A throne thou hast attained;

Without applause thy race was run,

‘ Midst failures oft thy work was done,

Life's highest goal is gained.”