Chapter 34—Importance of the Subject
Efficiency As Workers for Christ—By diligent effort all may
acquire the power to read intelligibly, and to speak in a full, clear,
round tone, in a distinct and impressive manner. By doing this we may
greatly increase our efficiency as workers for Christ.
Every Christian is called to make known to others the unsearchable
riches of Christ; therefore he should seek for perfection in speech.
He should present the Word of God in a way that will commend it
to the hearers. God does not design that His human channels shall
be uncouth. It is not His will that man shall belittle or degrade the
heavenly current that flows through him to the world.
We should look to Jesus, the perfect Pattern; we should pray for
the aid of the Holy Spirit, and in His strength we should seek to train
every organ for perfect work.
Especially is this true of those who are called to public service.
Every minister and every teacher should bear in mind that he is giving
to the people a message that involves eternal interests. The truth spoken
will judge them in the great day of final reckoning. And with some
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souls the manner of the one delivering the message will determine
its reception or rejection. Then let the word be so spoken that it will
appeal to the understanding and impress the heart. Slowly, distinctly,
and solemnly should it be spoken, yet with all the earnestness which
its importance demands.
The right culture and use of the power of speech has to do with
every line of Christian work; it enters into the home life, and into all
our intercourse with one another. We should accustom ourselves to
speak in pleasant tones, to use pure and correct language, and words
that are kind and courteous. Sweet, kind words are as dew and gentle
showers to the soul. The Scripture says of Christ that grace was poured
into His lips that He might “know how to speak a word in season to
him that is weary.”
Psalm 45:2
;
Isaiah 50:4
. And the Lord bids us,
“Let your speech be alway with grace” (
Colossians 4:6
) “that it may
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