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Pastoral Ministry
but especially to the gospel minister. In His humiliation, when His
work upon earth was nearly finished and He was about to return to
His Father’s throne whence He had come, with all power in His hands
and all glory upon His head, among His last lessons to His disciples
was one upon the importance of humility. While His disciples were
contending as to who should be greatest in the promised kingdom, He
girded Himself as a servant and washed the feet of those who called
Him Lord and Master.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:373
.
Ministers unappreciated by those they serve, should remem-
ber Jesus was too—Angels ministered to Jesus, yet their presence
did not make His life one of ease and freedom from severe conflict
and fierce temptations. He was tempted in all points like as we are,
yet without sin. If ministers, while engaged in the work which the
Master has appointed them to do, have trials and perplexities and temp-
tations, should they be discouraged, when they know that there is One
who has endured all these before them? Should they cast away their
confidence because they do not realize all that they expect from their
labors? Christ labored earnestly for His own nation; but His efforts
were despised by the very ones He came to save, and they put to death
Him who came to give them life.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:509
.
Soul Winner
Christ came to give a correct example of a soul winning min-
ister—He came to give a correct example of a gospel minister. He
labored constantly for one object; all His powers were employed for
the salvation of men, and every act of His life tended to that end. He
traveled on foot, teaching His followers as He went. His garments
were dusty and travel-stained, and His appearance was uninviting. But
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the simple, pointed truths which fell from His divine lips soon caused
His hearers to forget His appearance, and to be charmed, not with the
man, but with the doctrine He taught.—
Testimonies for the Church
4:373
.
Good shepherds seek wandering sheep diligently and welcome
them home warmly—I have a message to those who labor in the
ministry. The Lord is not pleased with the work you have given Him,
and He does not accept it at your hands, because you neglect the very
part of the work that is most essential to the salvation of souls and to