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Gospel Workers 1915
work chooses the least self-sacrificing part, contenting himself with
preaching, and leaving the work of personal ministry for some one else
to do, his labors will not be acceptable to God. Souls for whom Christ
died are perishing for want of well-directed personal labor; and he has
mistaken his calling who, having entered the ministry, is unwilling to
do the personal work that the care of the flock demands.
The minister must be instant in season and out of season, ready
to seize and improve every opportunity to further the work of God.
To be “instant in season” is to be alert to the privileges of the house
and hour of worship, and to the times when men are conversing on
topics of religion. And to be instant “out of season” is to be ready,
when at the fireside, in the field, by the wayside, in the market, to turn
the minds of men, in a suitable manner, to the great themes of the
Bible, with tender, fervent spirit urging upon them the claims of God.
Many, many such opportunities are allowed to slip by unimproved,
because men are persuaded that it is out of season. But who knows
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what might be the effect of a wise appeal to the conscience? It is
written, “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold
not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this
or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.” [
Ecclesiastes 11:6
.]
He who is sowing the seeds of truth may bear a burdened heart, and at
times his efforts may seem to be without result. But if he is faithful,
he will see fruit of his labor; for God’s word declares, “He that goeth
forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again
with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” [
Psalm 126:6
.]
Visiting Homes
When a minister has presented the gospel message from the pulpit,
his work is only begun. There is personal work for him to do. He
should visit the people in their homes, talking and praying with them
in earnestness and humility. There are families who will never be
reached by the truths of God’s word unless the stewards of His grace
enter their homes and point them to the higher way. But the hearts of
those who do this work must throb in unison with the heart of Christ.
Much is comprehended in the command, “Go out into the highways
and hedges, and compel them to come in, that My house may be filled.”
[
Luke 14:23
.] Let ministers teach the truth in families, drawing close