Chapter 37—Counseling
Counselors especially need the mind of Christ—Especially
should those who have accepted the position of directors or counselors
feel that they are required to be in every respect Christian gentlemen.
While in dealing with others we are always to be faithful, we should not
be rude. The souls with whom we have to do are the Lord’s purchased
possession, and we are to permit no hasty, overbearing expression to
escape the lips. Brethren, treat men as men, not as servants, to be
ordered about at your pleasure. He who indulges a harsh, overbearing
spirit, might better become a tender of sheep, as did Moses, and thus
learn what it means to be a true shepherd. Moses gained in Egypt an
experience as a mighty statesman, and as a leader of the armies, but he
did not there learn the lessons essential for true greatness. He needed
an experience in more humble duties, that he might become a care-
taker, tender toward every living thing. In keeping the flocks of Jethro,
his sympathies were called out to the sheep and lambs, and he learned
to guard these creatures of God with the gentlest care. Although their
voice could never complain of mistreatment, yet their attitude might
show much. God cares for all the creatures He has made. In working
for God in this lowly station, Moses learned to be a tender shepherd
for Israel.—SpT-A5, 18, 19.
The pastor needs to understand an endless variety of temper-
aments—As the physician deals with physical disease, so does the
pastor minister to the sin-sick soul. And his work is as much more
important than that of the physician as eternal life is more valuable
than temporal existence. The pastor meets with an endless variety of
temperaments, and it is his duty to become acquainted with the mem-
bers of the families that listen to his teachings in order to determine
what means will best influence them in the right direction.—
Gospel
Workers, 338
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