204
Gospel Workers 1915
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.
[237]
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....
Not all who feel that they have been called to preach, should
be encouraged to throw themselves and their families at once upon
the church for continuous financial support. There is danger that
some of limited experience may be spoiled by flattery, and by unwise
encouragement to expect full support independent of any serious effort
on their part. The means dedicated to the extension of the work of God
should not be consumed by men who desire to preach only that they
may receive support, and thus gratify a selfish ambition for an easy
life.
Young men who desire to exercise their gifts in the work of the min-
istry will find a helpful lesson in the example of Paul at Thessalonica,
Corinth, Ephesus, and other places. Although an eloquent speaker, and
chosen by God to do a special work, he was never above labor, nor did
he ever weary of sacrificing for the cause he loved. “Even unto this
present hour,” he wrote to the Corinthians, “we both hunger, and thirst,
and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling-place;
and labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being
persecuted, we suffer it.” [
1 Corinthians 4:11, 12
.]
[238]
One of the greatest of human teachers, Paul cheerfully performed
the lowliest as well as the highest duties. When in his service for the
Master circumstances seemed to require it, he willingly labored at his
trade. Nevertheless, he ever held himself ready to lay aside his secular
work in order to meet the opposition of the enemies of the gospel, or
to improve a special opportunity to win souls to Jesus. His zeal and