The Young Minister
Young men are to enter the ministry as co-workers with Jesus,
sharing His life of self-denial and sacrifice, voicing the words of the
Master, “I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified.” [
John
17:19
.] If they will yield themselves to God, He will use them in
helping to carry out His plan for the salvation of souls. Let the young
man who has entered the ministry look his calling fairly in the face, and
determine to devote his time, his strength, his influence, to the work,
well aware of the conditions under which he serves the Redeemer.
The standard-bearers are falling, and young men must be prepared
to take the places left vacant, that the message may still be proclaimed.
The aggressive warfare is to be extended. Those who have youth and
strength are to go into the dark places of the earth, to call perishing
souls to repentance. But they must first cleanse the soul-temple of all
impurity, and enthrone Christ in the heart.
“Take Heed”
To every young man who enters the ministry, Paul’s words to
Timothy are spoken, “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine.” [
1
Timothy 4:16
.] “Thyself” needs the first attention. First give yourself
to the Lord for purification and sanctification. A godly example will
tell more for the truth than the greatest eloquence, unaccompanied
by a well-ordered life. Trim the lamp of the soul, and replenish it
with the oil of the Spirit. Seek from Christ that grace, that clearness of
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comprehension, which will enable you to do successful work. Learn
from Him what it means to work for those for whom He gave His life.
“Take heed,” first to yourself, and then to the doctrine. Do not let
your heart become hardened by sin. Closely examine your manners
and habits. Compare them with the word of God, and then cut away
from the life every wrong habit and indulgence. Kneel before God,
and plead with Him for an understanding of His word. Be sure that
you know the real principles of the truth; and then when you meet
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