Stories, Anecdotes, Jesting, and Joking
[
See also pp. 641-644, “Avoid Jesting And Joking.”
]
An Ambassador for Christ—The minister of the gospel who is a
laborer together with God, will learn daily in the school of Christ.... No
light, trifling words will fall from his lips; for is he not an ambassador
for Christ, bearing a divine message to perishing souls? All jesting
and joking, all lightness and trifling, is painful to the cross-bearing
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disciple of Christ. He is weighed down by the burden he feels for
souls. Constantly his heart is drawn out in prayer to God for the gift
of His grace, that he may be a faithful steward. He prays to be kept
pure and holy, and then refuses to rush heedlessly into temptation.
He heeds the injunction, “As He which hath called you is holy,
so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be
ye holy; for I am holy”.... Keeping close to his Master, he receives
words from Him to speak to the people. Lifting as Christ lifts, loving
as Christ loves, working as Christ works, he goes about doing good.
He strives with all his power for self-improvement, that by precept
and example he may lead others to a purer, higher, nobler life.—
The
Review and Herald, January 21, 1902
.
Leave a Solemn Impression—Ministers are not to preach men’s
opinions, not to relate anecdotes, get up theatrical performances, not
to exhibit self; but as though they were in the presence of God and of
the Lord Jesus Christ, they are to preach the Word. Let them not bring
levity into the work of the ministry, but let them preach the Word in
a manner that will leave a most solemn impression upon those who
hear.—
The Review and Herald, September 28, 1897
.
Impress Strangers With Character of the Truth—It is God’s
will that all parts of His service shall be managed in an orderly, becom-
ing manner, which will impress those strangers who may attend, as
well as the regular attendants, with the elevated, ennobling character
of the truth and its power to cleanse the heart.
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