The following is an excerpt from a collection of Cora Evans’ writings, Letter Lessons.

A good king is a ruler within diplomacy. He is a governor not of self alone but rather in selflessness; his needs are those of his household, his subjects, and nations. Christ is our King! He is the good King of the universe. He is our God! We are the children of the royal household. We are children of God. He is our Father, who feeds and cares for us with His love and tender care.

As children of our King, the Diplomat among diplomats, the Master-teacher in His household and in the world of human relations, how should we act, speak, and pray as we try to obey His command, “Follow Me”? Can you imagine a child of God not using his will to become a diplomat? A diplomat knows the skill of understanding souls and of lending encouragement. Do we follow our Father? Do we imitate the Son of God? To follow the Master is to become a master (see Lk 6:40). These two little words, “Follow Me,” with their depth of meaning, are His challenge to us. Accept? We shall, or have, but the ways and means are various.

Considering that we are of the royal family, not to seek perfection would be gross ingratitude to our fathers who gave us our heritage upon which we build and live. This unsatisfied world is unspeakable in its ingratitude toward Christ the King. Ingratitude is confusion and unrest because people refuse to understand loyalty, the first of the means we shall consider.

Loyalty is the unique utterances of the Holy Spirit within us. Loyalty is knowing the mission of confirmation. Through confirmation, we have been sceptered and given the royal purple cloak. We must wear it proudly.

Loyalty is to know that God has given us a pattern and code of life. Are we firm in this conviction that a pattern and code is the first understanding, then knowledge, which leads to wisdom and diplomacy? Understanding, knowledge, faith, and wisdom are the hands which reach out to God for more of Himself. They are also the hands which receive gems for the royal crown. Wisdom in action is the full-dress toga or gown worn to royal functions. How many times during the day do we (or you) hear the King’s summoning bell? Are you always ready? Are you clean, neat, and above reproach? Do your eyes harbor webs and dust? Are you apologetic about laxness? These are dim gems in the crown. How would you feel before the friendly crowd wearing dusty gems in a crown? How would we all feel?

Royalty is regal and stately at all times. Inner self is the coy old lady who is either humility or awful pride. How do we wear the crown? Since we are children of God—children who know that He wants us to follow Him (which means that we are to be future kings and queens)—are we striving for diplomatic perfection? When we are summoned by a friend to do this favor or another, how do we act? It is wise to remember that we are each a little ambassador. We must study well how an ambassador would act, and how he would talk, smile, and laugh, and how well he would lend his wisdom.

Loyalty is also a fine national culture; kings and queens smile through broken hearts, for are they not ambassadors for their subjects? Subjects need to see courage, hope, and love—these we must give to His friends and especially to those who do not wear the royal purple.

And would our King allow His children to be mistreated through severe, unjust corrections by His servants? No, He would call His children to His knee and kindly say, “You must be careful and not nag yourself for your failings. Charity to yourself demands gentleness to self. A reasonable displeasure at your own faults is the correct way, but you must not be fretful, nor even bitter. And don’t become angry nor give way to much irritation of self, for this is to become more vexed for having been vexed at all.”

“Discontentment with ourselves only fosters pride. It springs from a self-love that is disappointed by its own failure. Be calm, steady, and have a firm displeasure with your own faults. Have pity for yourself—charity begins at home” (body)—Saint Francis de Sales.

Royalty is never without bodyguards. Our guards are our angels and saints. Are they disgusted at our carelessness as a member of the royal family?

This excerpt is from Cora Evans’ writings, Letter Lessons. Click here to purchase your copy.