Personality!—If the element of personality could be removed, some of the vexing doctrinal perplexities of the past few decades would very largely disappear. This very fact is a disturbing one, for any issue that is projected or perpetuated on such a basis is fundamentally wrong. Truth is impersonal, and its true defense will be impersonal.
Spine!—The administration of God's cause calls for men of integrity, vision, tact, and wisdom, and withal a generous supply of moral backbone. Men are demanded who will not be deterred by fear nor deflected by flattery; men whose eyes are open to discern duplicity, but who at the same time are instinct with justice and honor. Such are needed today.
Unique!—The minister is more than a private individual. He is a public exponent and example. The people have a right to expect more of him, and to impute more to his words and actions than to the inconspicuous layman. There are some things which might not be deemed improper and would be passed unnoticed on the part of a layman, which the minister must avoid because of the prominence entailed, if he would truly guard the welfare of the faith.
Confidence!—The merited respect and confidence of one's associates in service, and their belief in his spiritual integrity and honesty of purpose, whether they can always agree or not, is one of the things to be most coveted in our association in the Lord's work. Tragic the case of the man who by his words and acts creates a suspicion of motive, a question as to hidden purposes, and who is watched by his brethren lest he "put something over." This cause is no proper place for a man to remain who is smooth, slippery, tricky, double.
Inconspicuous!—Ofttimes the spotlight is thrown by the turn of circumstance upon some individual, and ever after his movements are capitalized for publicity. He is praised and idolized and exploited, while hundreds of others are just as faithfully toiling away in obscurity. Indeed, often the humble unknowns are the strength and security of the movement. If you are one of these, remember that our Father which seeth in secret will in the day of recompense reward thee openly. Let not jealousy nor resentment, nor the itch for publicity, wreck your labor of love for God.
Position!--Are you ambitious for official position? Are you seeking a place of prominence? Seek it not. There is no higher, nobler, diviner privilege than simple, direct soul saving. Organizations will soon pass. Institutions will soon crumble. But souls redeemed will live on forever, the joy and rejoicing of the saving instrumentality. Moreover, none but those who are called and are really bearing the burden will ever know the care, the night vigils, the wear and tear of official responsibility. Happy the man whose lot is cast in direct soul-winning endeavor. May he magnify his opportunity!
L. E. F.
