100
Pastoral Ministry
offering in behalf of Balak. They are equally offensive to God.—
The
Signs of the Times, December 2, 1880
.
Congregation—Pastor’s Part
Good shepherds love their sheep—The preacher who bears the
sacred truth for these last days must be the opposite of all this and,
by his life of practical godliness, plainly mark the distinction existing
between the false and the true shepherd. The Good Shepherd came to
seek and to save that which was lost. He has manifested in His works
His love for His sheep. All the shepherds who work under the Chief
Shepherd will possess His characteristics; they will be meek and lowly
of heart. Childlike faith brings rest to the soul and also works by love
and is ever interested for others. If the Spirit of Christ dwells in them,
they will be Christlike and do the works of Christ.—
Testimonies for
the Church 4:377
.
Shepherds may care more for themselves than for their
sheep—Brother R, I was shown in what marked contrast with the
requirements of God’s Word your course of labor has been. You have
been careless in your words and in your deportment. The sheep have
had the burden to care for the shepherd, to warn, reprove, exhort, and
weep over the reckless course of their shepherd, who, by accepting his
office, acknowledges that he is mouthpiece for God. Yet he cares far
more for himself than he does for the poor sheep. You have not felt a
burden for souls. You have not gone forth to your labors weeping and
praying for souls that sinners might be converted. Had you done this
you would be sowing seed which would spring up after many days and
bear fruit to the glory of God.—
Testimonies for the Church 3:234
.
Unconsecrated ministers discourage members—Your case,
Brother R, is similar to this. But the accountability of a minister
of Christ, who is to warn the world of a coming judgment, is as much
[99]
more important than that of the common workman as eternal things
are of more consequence than temporal. If the minister of the gospel
yields to his inclination rather than to be guided by duty, if he in-
dulges self at the expense of spiritual strength, and as the result moves
indiscreetly, souls will rise up in the judgment to condemn him for
his unfaithfulness. The blood of souls will be found on his garments.
It may seem to the unconsecrated minister a small thing to be fitful,