Poetry: The Greatest Test

Help me to walk so close to Thee,
That those who know me best might see,
I live as godly as I pray,
And Christ is real from day to day.

I see some once a day, or year,
To them I blameless may appear;
'Tis easy to be kind and sweet,
To people whom we seldom meet.

But in my home are those who see,
Too many times the worst in me;
My hymns of praise were best unsung,
If Christ does not control my tongue.

When I am vexed and sorely tried,
And my impatience cannot hide,
May no one stumble over me,
Because Thy love they failed to see.

But give me Lord, through calm and strife,
A gracious and unselfish life;
Help me with those who know me best,
For Thine own sake, to stand the test.