Characteristics of a Minister
33
is now. Once there were but few friends of the cause. They forget
those upon whom God laid the burden of the work in the past. There
were but a few then who received the truth as the result of much labor.
God’s chosen servants wept and prayed for a clear understanding of
truth, and suffered privation and much self-denial in order to carry it to
others. Step by step they followed as God’s opening providence led the
way. They did not study their own convenience or shrink at hardships.
Through these men God prepared the way and made the truth plain to
the understanding of every honest mind. Everything has been made
ready to the hands of ministers who have since embraced the truth, yet
some of them have failed to take upon them the burden of the work.
They seek for an easier lot, a less self-denying position. This earth is
not the resting place of Christians, much less for the chosen ministers
of God. They forget that Christ left His riches and glory in heaven,
and came to earth to die, and that He has commanded us to love one
[37]
another even as He has loved us. They forget those of whom the world
was not worthy, who wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, and
were afflicted and tormented.—
Testimonies for the Church 1:370, 371
.
Let ministers who feel they are suffering hardships, visit the
workshop of the apostle Paul—Although feeble in health, he labored
during the day in serving the cause of Christ, and then toiled a large
share of the night, and frequently all night, that he might make provi-
sion for his own and others’ necessities.—
Testimonies for the Church
4:410
.
Trials prepare preachers for success as shepherds—Moses was
directed of God to obtain an experience in care-taking, in thought-
fulness, in tender solicitude for his flock, that he might, as a faithful
shepherd, be ready when God should call him to take charge of His
people. A similar experience is essential for those who engage in the
great work of preaching the truth. In order to lead souls to the life-
giving fountain, the preacher must first drink at the fountain himself.
He must see the infinite sacrifice made by the Son of God to save fallen
men, and his own soul must be imbued with the spirit of undying love.
If God appoints us hard labor to perform, we must do it without a
murmur. If the path is difficult and dangerous, it is God’s plan to have
us follow in meekness and cry unto Him for strength. A lesson is to
be learned from the experience of some of our ministers who have
known nothing comparatively of difficulties and trials, yet ever look