The Work of the Ministry
Many fields ripe for the harvest have not yet been entered because
of our lack of self-sacrificing helpers. These fields must be entered,
and many laborers should go to them with the expectation of bearing
their own expenses. But some of our ministers are little disposed to
take upon them the burden of this work, little disposed to labor with
the wholehearted benevolence that characterized the life of our Lord.
God is grieved as He sees the lack of self-denial and perseverance
in His servants. Angels are amazed at the spectacle. Let workers for
Christ study His life of self-sacrifice. He is our example. Can the
ministers of today expect to be called on to endure less hardship than
did the early Christians, the Waldenses, and reformers in every age in
their efforts to carry the gospel to every land?
God has entrusted to His ministers the work of proclaiming His last
message of mercy to the world. He is displeased with those who do not
throw their whole energies into this all-important work. Unfaithfulness
on the part of the appointed watchmen on the walls of Zion endangers
the cause of truth and exposes it to the ridicule of the enemy. It is time
for our ministers to understand the responsibility and sacredness of
their mission. There is a woe upon them, if they fail of performing the
work which they themselves acknowledge that God has placed in their
hands.
Not a few ministers are neglecting the very work that they have
been appointed to do. Why are those who are set apart for the work of
the ministry placed on committees and boards? Why are they called
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upon to attend so many business meetings, many times at great distance
from their fields of labor? Why are not business matters placed in the
hands of businessmen? The ministers have not been set apart to do
this work. The finances of the cause are to be properly managed by
men of ability, but ministers are set apart for another line of work. Let
the management of financial matters rest on others than those ordained
to the ministry.
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