The Call for Peacemakers
BY I. H. Evans
A peacemaker is one who makes peace. One does not make peace where there is no cause for trouble nor possibility of a misunderstanding. Where no harsh word has been spoken, no irritating act done, no appointed task left undone, one does not have to make peace; but when the reproachful word has been spoken; when the tone of voice, rasping and resentful, arouses indignation; when criticism and derogatory words come like burning firebrands that set all the passions of resentment aflame, then there is call for the peacemaker.
A man who stood at the head of many interests was bitterly attacked in a meeting at which he was presiding. Unselfishly he had worked for the cause of God. But others desired his position and were working for his retirement. One prominent brother attacked certain things that had been done, offering violent criticism, and using severe language. Another and another followed in bitter criticism, until it seemed that for very pity they should have desisted. The chairman said not one word in response.
When the meeting was over, I went to him and said, " How could you keep still, unjustly bearing this reproach, and not speak in self-defense? " He replied, " It is far better that I say nothing, and bear this reproach, than by answering to inflame these men, and cause trouble. The unspoken word can do no harm. I'd rather be wrongly accused and bear it, and have peace, than to have trouble, even were I justified." This great man was a peacemaker, a noble son of God.
Another man in high position of trust grossly misstated facts to incriminate a brother, to whom he openly showed his dislike, and that so directly that none could miss knowing whom he wished to wound. The one attacked fully understood the misstatement and its purpose, but offered not a word of criticism, and made no defense. When asked why he was silent, he replied, " It is better not to speak. To do so would only widen the breach, and we must have peace, no matter at what cost of personal suffering." He was a peacemaker.
Everything had gone wrong that day. The man's nerves were on tension. At last he could stand no more, and began scolding in angry tones. His wife was tired, and suffered under the husband's irritability. When he began his tirade in an angry tone of voice, I heard her breathing a hymn of prayer and praise. The husband demanded an immediate answer. I thought, " Surely she will retaliate." But when she spoke, it was in such soft, kind tones, and with a smile so gracious, that her husband was moved to immediate apology. His wife was a peacemaker.
Oh, these peacemakers are angels of mercy to our poor, distracted hearts! They are like soothing ointment to the aching wound, like sunshine to the darkened soul. Every Christian is in duty bound to be a peacemaker. Not only should he keep the peace, but he should also make peace. Satan's work is to sow discord among brethren. He does it in all sorts of ways by working through his agents, by lying, by telling part of the truth, by telling half-truths, by repeating what has been said in an unguarded moment, by insinuations, by every means that he can devise. The Christian fortifies himself against all these fiery darts, and out of them all makes peace. He forgives, he prays, he loves, and will not be a party to strife and division.
Shanghai, China.
Easy Steps in Personal Work
By Meade MacGuire
In doing personal work, I make constant use of " Steps to Christ," because rfind—it—meas every need better than anything else. Of course, I use the Scriptures, but many of our young people are familiar with the Scriptures, as far as the theory is concerned, but they have no insight into the practical application of them, and this is what " Steps to Christ " gives.
I use the " Army and Navy " edition, which is most convenient for carrying in my pocket.
As to just how the book serves to meet the worker's need in personal interviews, I will refer to a few of the more general problems which trouble young people, and the answer which is found in " Steps to Christ."
1. The New Birth.— One of the first questions which I frequently ask a young person in a personal interview is this: "Do you really believe you were truly born again? " The majority of young people will acknowledge that they do not know what the expression " born again " means. They know all about the meaning of the Sabbath and other points of doctrinal faith, but no one has made clear to them the meaning of " the new birth." The instruction found on page 51 of " Steps to Christ," including the paragraph at top of page 52, is very clear. This should be read slowly, and repeated and explained until the inquirer enters into a satisfactory understanding of the meaning of the term " the new birth," and is able to decide whether or not he has entered into the experience.
2. Unsatisfactory Christian Experience.— Many young people have made sincere endeavor, according to the best of their knowledge, to live the Christian life, and yet realize that there is something fundamentally lacking in their Christian experience. They do not know what it is. Review the foundation principles of the Christian life.
a. Union with Christ is everything. (Page 69.)
b. Abiding in Christ means giving all and taking all. (Top of page 70.)
c. Maintaining and appropriating the provisions of the Christian life. (Pages 70 and 71.)
d. Faith and trust essential. (Page 71, last paragraph; page 72, first paragraph.)
3. Stumbling Over Faults of Others. — Some young people point to the faults of professing Christians as an excuse for their neglect of duty. (Read paragraph 2 on page 32.)
4. Seeking to Procrastinate.— Some are inclined to put off the making of definite decision. (Page 32, last paragraph; page 33, paragraph 2.)
5. Careless and Trifling Attitude.—Some young people are not in dead earnest about the Christian life. (Page 35, paragraph 1.)
6. Neglect of Prayer.—(Read on page 94, last paragraph; page 98, second and third paragraphs; and page 99, first and last paragraphs.)
7. Work as Spiritual Exercise.— The need of some young people is to go to work for others. (Page 80.)
8. Discouraged by Feelings.— Some become discouraged because they feel so wicked. (Page 64, last paragraph; and page 65.)
9. Exercising the Will.— Some do not understand the right place of the will in the Christian life. Pages 47 and 48 touch this point. I also use other quotations. There are especially good statements in the pamphlet on the subject of sanctification, written by Mrs. E. G. White; also in " Mount of Blessing " and " Christ's Object Lessons " pertaining to the subject of the will and the influence.
It is a good plan to keep a little book at hand in which to record the names of those with whom personal interviews are held. The record for one year showed over six hundred interviews, and I am sure I might have done much more. It is a very interesting list to me.
Shanghai, China.
The Minister's Companion
By Mrs. M.C. Wilcox
Is' I were to live over again my life as a minister's wife, I am convinced that I could have no loftier ambition, or be more helpful to my husband in his heaven-appointed work, than to endeavor to make our home life all it ought to be; for it is in the home that the family supplies of physical, mental, and spiritual strength are deepened, widened, and replenished. In taking this position, I do not wish to be understood as underestimating the power of God, for there can be no ideal home without the presence of God. But if the home is ideal, inspiration emanates from its very walls, and all who go forth to action are fortified and beautified by its atmosphere. The home must be a sacred spot, a haven in which husband and children gather strength for the conflict in these days of darkness and peril.
The minister's wife is sometimes referred to as " the power behind the throne," and this may be true to just the extent that she is willing to enter upon the career of a minister's wife with a steadfast purpose, a readiness to do team work, to live a godly life, and to do everything possible to make her husband's ministry a success.
The message which the minister preaches in the desk must become living reality in his own life and also in the lives of his wife and children; otherwise the minister's message lacks the power to change lives. However convincing, eloquent, or forceful a preacher may be, he will suffer humiliation and defeat if his wife's life exerts a counteracting influence to his message. Even I myself, as a minister's wife, look to other ministers' wives to back up the words of their husbands. Words are easy to utter, but a life lived for God is a power. If the minister's wife and family practice what he preaches, irresistible power will attend his words.
The minister's wife must be a help to him financially, and this requires that she be resourceful and economical. She must help him mentally, and this requires that she be educated and intellectual. And she must be able to help him spiritually, which demands a godly, consecrated life, and a personal experience in knowing God, which will prove an anchor in the storms of adversity, criticism, and stress of temptation. If the wife fails in any of these three points, the minister's work will suffer.
Personally, I have put in many days of fighting to keep the home fires burning brightly. It has been necessary to talk faith when all seemed dark. I am not sorry that the hardships have come. God has been good. Trials are wonderful blessings in disguise, if the heart keeps bright. Trials test our caliber; they, reveal to us just what we are. All ministers' wives will have their share of trials, if they appreciate their high calling and try to meet the standard. Often I have found in my heart a longing to engage in some phase of public welfare work, as other women have done. But I knew that I could not follow this course and be true to my chosen life work, as the wife of a minister; so I have been satisfied to send forth from the home those from the family circle who were needed to fill places of usefulness in the work of God.
Yes, the quiet life, behind the scenes, is very satisfying, if we learn to appreciate its possibilities. And some day God may honor us by counting us among His unknown heroes.
Mountain View, Calif.
Executives and Evangelism
By B.M. Heald
The importance of emphasis on evangelism in every department of our work has recently been impressed upon me in a very decided manner, and I believe that as the spirit of evangelism sweeps through our conferences, there will invariably come a wave of encouragement to our constituencies. I have observed that in every case where well-organized, successful efforts were conducted, every department of the conference gave evidence of gain, and that a new life vitalized our people. It seems to me that an appropriate conference motto would be, " Evangelize or Fossilize! " Therein lies the rule of destiny to the cause of God. Where church organizations have ceased to evangelize, spiritual decline, stagnation, and apostasy have followed.
If a larger number of conference presidents could have the privilege of conducting a series of evangelistic meetings, at frequent intervals, manifold blessings would result. First, there comes to be a better understanding of the problems of the workers in the field, and more sympathetic appreciation of their burdens, when the conference president works shoulder to shoulder with his evangelists. Second, a fresh, up-to-date experience in meeting conditions in the field is obtained, as a substitute for the history of past accomplishments, which are usually far from being adapted to the conditions of modern times. Third, the real purpose of ordination to the gospel ministry is fulfilled,— that of leading souls to Christ. How often have I heard men in official positions say that the happiest time in their ministry was when holding a series of evangelistic meetings.
While serving as president of the Natal-Transvaal Conference, the committee gave me the privilege of holding tent efforts in two cities. The blessing of the Lord attended our efforts to the extent that believers were established in both cities, and in one city we had the privilege of erecting a beautiful church building, and dedicating it free from debt. Our principal medium of advertising was the daily press. By means of a large electric sign, we were distinguished as the " Back to the Bible " movement. Our evening topic was also electrically displayed. Each Wednesday night in the series was known as " Health and Religion " night, at which time medical lectures, demonstrations, and government health pictures were featured. My wife conducted a regular organized health school, With an enrollment of a hundred representative women of the city. When the tent meetings closed, the health school was continued in the Y. W. C. A. building.
I can testify from experience, that when we become obsessed with the spirit of soul winning, love for our brethren becomes deepened, zeal for saving the lost intensified, and administrative affairs are handled more efficiently. Surely the promised power of the Holy Spirit is at hand. It seems to me that we are on the very threshold of the promised baptism, and unitedly we should press in while the waters are troubled.
Lusaka, Northern Rhodesia, Africa.
