Meditations on the Bible Worker and Her Work
Definite Call!
Yes, there must come a definite call to the Bible work; and this involves more than some one's opinion as to one's making a good worker, or even an invitation from the conference to connect with this line of work. God calls Bible workers just as truly as He calls ministers, and there must be a conviction of this divine call, and, an. inborn love for souls, accompanied by an intense desire to win them to this wonderful truth. Talent, training, appearance, the necessity of earning a living, or any other consideration, does not constitute the call; but if one has talents, training, or a pleasing personality entirely under God's control, the possibilities of success in responding to the call are that much greater.
Responsibilities!
The Bible worker's responsibilities are varied. A few of the outstanding responsibilities I would enumerate as follows:
a. Punctuality.—Be punctual in all engagements and appointments. Nothing but sickness of a severe nature, or a calamity, should permit exceptions to this rule.
b. Helpfulness.—Interest in the little things which tend to success will cause her to notice if everything about the church and the pulpit is in order for the public meeting, and may lead to doing a little dusting, placing flowers, distributing the song books, et cetera.
c. Alertness.—During the lecture or Bible study to which the Bible worker is listening, her ears are alert to supply any missing text which may be needed. Or if some part of the program for the service is overlooked, such as special music, the collection, prayer, or an important announcement, she will unobserved send a message up to the one in charge, who, because of his many burdens, has forgotten.
d. Faithfulness.—Following up the newly born Christians with faithful instruction to establish them in the truth, is one of the Bible worker's responsibilities yielding lasting results. This follow-up may be through personal visits or by letter.
e. Trustworthiness.—And the Bible worker should be trustworthy in the time spent in her work. No one is watching to see if she puts in so many hours daily, and her program cannot be scheduled to require the same hours of labor every day; but realizing that the harvest is plenteous and the laborers are few, she will put in faithful time. In the matter of reporting expenditures and work, she will use great care and accuracy.
f. Exemplifiable.—"Well, the Bible worker did so! " How often is such a statement made as justification for conduct or personal adornment! And this emphasizes the importance of carefully guarding the responsibility of providing the right example in deportment and dress, whether in social gatherings, on the street, in the church, or at home.
Dwelling Place!
Natural curiosity leads to the inquiry on the part of the people as to where the Bible worker has her abiding place. The same question was asked the Master, "Where dwellest Thou?" John 1:38. Although the Bible worker is a pilgrim and a stranger here, she has a right to a pleasant place in which to sojourn along the way, and a few general suggestions may prove helpful. The first consideration is to select suitable rooms or an apartment quite near the seat of one's work. The rooms should be neat, cheery, commodious enough for her needs, and such that she can invite some of her readers to her apartment or rooms for studies when necessary. The Bible worker needs quiet environment, and opportunity for undisturbed study, and for this reason it is advisable for her to secure living quarters separate and distinct from the family living in the house, whether renting from Seventh-day Adventists or from so-called "outsiders."
Meditations on the Bible worker and her work are not by any means ended —it is a theme for oft musing; but the stern realities of the work confront me, as one of the Bible workers, and I must hasten forth to be true to responsibility. I shall welcome an early quiet hour for further meditations concerning the work and workers nearest my heart, and may find opportunity to pass them on.
Anaheim, Calif.
