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The Acts of the Apostles
life. Toward the close of his ministry, on the occasion of his farewell
talk to the elders of Ephesus, at Miletus, he could lift up before them
his toilworn hands, and say, “I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold,
or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered
unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have showed
you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and
to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more
blessed to give than to receive.”
Acts 20:33-35
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If ministers feel that they are suffering hardship and privation in
the cause of Christ, let them in imagination visit the workshop where
Paul labored. Let them bear in mind that while this chosen man of
God is fashioning the canvas, he is working for bread which he has
justly earned by his labors as an apostle.
Work is a blessing, not a curse. A spirit of indolence destroys
godliness and grieves the Spirit of God. A stagnant pool is offensive,
but a pure, flowing stream spreads health and gladness over the land.
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Paul knew that those who neglect physical work soon become enfee-
bled. He desired to teach young ministers that by working with their
hands, by bringing into exercise their muscles and sinews, they would
become strong to endure the toils and privations that awaited them in
the gospel field. And he realized that his own teachings would lack
vitality and force if he did not keep all parts of the system properly
exercised.
The indolent forfeit the invaluable experience gained by a faithful
performance of the common duties of life. Not a few, but thousands
of human beings exist only to consume the benefits which God in His
mercy bestows upon them. They forget to bring to the Lord gratitude
offerings for the riches He has entrusted to them. They forget that by
trading wisely on the talents lent them they are to be producers as well
as consumers. If they comprehended the work that the Lord desires
them to do as His helping hand they would not shun responsibility.
The usefulness of young men who feel that they are called by God
to preach, depends much upon the manner in which they enter upon
their labors. Those who are chosen of God for the work of the ministry
will give proof of their high calling and by every possible means will
seek to develop into able workmen. They will endeavor to gain an ex-
perience that will fit them to plan, organize, and execute. Appreciating
the sacredness of their calling, they will, by self-discipline, become