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of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from
the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But
thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness,
godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” By example as well as by
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precept, the ambassador for Christ is to “charge them that are rich in
this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches,
but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they
do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing
to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation
against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”
1
Timothy 6:10, 11, 17-19
.
The experiences of the apostle Paul and his instruction regarding
the sacredness of the minister’s work are a source of help and inspira-
tion to those engaged in the gospel ministry. Paul’s heart burned with
a love for sinners, and he put all his energies into the work of soul
winning. There never lived a more self-denying, persevering worker.
The blessings he received he prized as so many advantages to be used
in blessing others. He lost no opportunity of speaking of the Saviour
or of helping those in trouble. From place to place he went, preaching
the gospel of Christ and establishing churches. Wherever he could find
a hearing, he sought to counteract wrong, and to turn the feet of men
and women into the path of righteousness.
Paul did not forget the churches that he had established. After
making a missionary tour, he and Barnabas retraced their steps and
visited the churches they had raised up, choosing from them men
whom they could train to unite in proclaiming the gospel.
This feature of Paul’s work contains an important lesson for minis-
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ters today. The apostle made it a part of his work to educate young men
for the office of the ministry. He took them with him on his missionary
journeys, and thus they gained an experience that later enabled them
to fill positions of responsibility. When separated from them, he still
kept in touch with their work, and his letters to Timothy and to Titus
are evidences of how deep was his desire for their success.
Experienced workers today do a noble work when, instead of trying
to carry all the burdens themselves, they train younger workers and
place burdens on their shoulders.
Paul never forgot the responsibility resting on him as a minister
of Christ, or that if souls were lost through unfaithfulness on his part,