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Gospel Workers 1915
example of neat and becoming dress. Their personal appearance, their
living quarters, their surroundings,—all must tell in favor of the truth
they advocate. They must always appear cheerful and fresh, that they
may bring sunshine to those who need help. They are often obliged to
entertain their brethren, and while they find this a pleasure, it is also
an additional expense.
It is a terrible injustice for an auditing committee to disappoint a
worthy minister who is in need of every cent that he has been led to
expect. The Lord declares, “I the Lord love judgment, I hate robbery
for burnt-offering.” [
Isaiah 61:8
.] He would have His people reveal
a liberal spirit in all their dealings with their fellows. The principle
underlying His command to ancient Israel, “Thou shalt not muzzle the
mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn,” [
1 Corinthians 9:9
; See
Deuteronomy 25:4
.] is a principle that should never be set aside by
any who have to do with the remuneration of those who have given
themselves to advance God’s cause in the world, and who spend their
[451]
strength in lifting the minds of men from the contemplation of earthly
things to the heavenly. God loves these workers, and He would have
men respect their rights.
The eight-hour system finds no place in the program of the minister
of God. He must hold himself in readiness for service at any hour. He
must keep up his life and energy; for if he is dull and languid, he cannot
exert a saving influence. If he occupies a position of responsibility,
he must be prepared to attend board and council meetings, spending
hours in brain- and nerve-taxing labor, planning for the advancement
of the cause. Work of this kind is a heavy tax on mind and body.
The minister who has a due appreciation of service, regards himself
as God’s minuteman. When, with Isaiah, he hears the voice of the Lord
saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” he responds,
“Here am I; send me.” [
Isaiah 6:8
.] He cannot say, I am my own; I will
do what I please with my time. No one who has given his life to God’s
work as His minister, lives for self. His work is to follow Christ, to be
a willing agent and co-worker with the Master, receiving His Spirit
day by day, and working as the Saviour worked, neither failing nor
being discouraged. He is chosen of God as a faithful instrument to
promote missionary work in all lands, and he must ponder well the
path he follows.