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In Contact With Others
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greater disadvantage than Judas did. He was oftener reproved by the
Saviour. But what a life of service and sacrifice was his! What a
testimony does it bear to the power of God’s grace! So far as we are
capable, we are to be to others what Jesus was to His disciples when
He walked and talked with them on the earth.
Regard yourselves as missionaries, first of all, among your fellow
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workers. Often it requires a vast amount of time and labor to win
one soul to Christ. And when a soul turns from sin to righteousness,
there is joy in the presence of the angels. Think you that the min-
istering spirits who watch over these souls are pleased to see how
indifferently they are treated by some who claim to be Christians?
Should Jesus deal with us as we too often deal with one another,
who of us could be saved?
Remember that you cannot read hearts. You do not know the
motives which prompted the actions that to you look wrong. There
are many who have not received a right education; their characters
are warped, they are hard and gnarled, and seem to be crooked in
every way. But the grace of Christ can transform them. Never cast
them aside, never drive them to discouragement or despair by saying,
“You have disappointed me, and I will not try to help you.” A few
words spoken hastily under provocation—just what we think they
deserve—may cut the cords of influence that should have bound
their hearts to ours.
The consistent life, the patient forbearance, the spirit unruffled
under provocation, is always the most conclusive argument and the
most solemn appeal. If you have had opportunities and advantages
that have not fallen to the lot of others, consider this, and be ever a
wise, careful, gentle teacher.
In order to have the wax take a clear, strong impression of the
seal, you do not dash the seal upon it in a hasty, violent way; you
carefully place the seal on the plastic wax and quietly, steadily
press it down until it has hardened in the mold. In like manner
deal with human souls. The continuity of Christian influence is the
secret of its power, and this depends on the steadfastness of your
manifestation of the character of Christ. Help those who have erred,
by telling them of your experiences. Show how, when you made
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grave mistakes, patience, kindness, and helpfulness on the part of
your fellow workers gave you courage and hope.