A superindentent of public education, in his misuse of the king's English over the radio recently, made it painfully evident that politics and not proficiency had put him into his position. Flattery, bribery, and simony are effective in politics. Position is everything. Men seem obsessed with the thought of promotion at all costs.
Christ warned His followers against this spirit. "The princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them," He said, and added the emphatic word, "but it shall not be so among you." Surely in the household of faith "these things ought not so to be." In the church of Christ it should never be a question of exalted position, but of the privilege of service, no matter how humble. We are saved to serve, and should welcome any service which meets a real need. This cause is not in the world today to promote men, but a message.
"Position does not make the man. It is the integrity of character, the spirit of Christ, that makes him thankful, unselfish, without partiality and without hypocrisy,—it is this that is of value with God."—"Testimonies to Ministers," p. 356.
Man's position does not make him one jot or tittle greater in the sight of God; it is character alone that He 'values. The writer knows of laborers in this cause who have been happy in service as General Conference men, and who today are happy in service holding a pastorate; workers who have received Pentecostal power, who would rather be doorkeepers in the house of the Lord than to seek prominence; workers with an "upper room" experience, who are willing to serve God in any humble capacity in His cause. It is not a "let-down" for a General Conference or union conference man to become a pastor. A faithful worker is willing to serve where the need is greatest, and he will always be governed by that conviction. Whether it is administrative oversight, secretarial service, institutional labor, evangelistic effort, or pastoral duty, he will be happy in his service.
In the cause of God we are ordained to gospel ministry, not to official position. While among the millions of India, William Carey once said: "What is there in the whole world worth living for but the glory of God and the salvation of men?" We ought to be known to the church and to the world as outstanding spiritual men,—men whom God can trust with Pentecostal power; men from whom the sick can expect healing power; men in whom the dying can trust for consolation and peace; "men who will not be bought or sold; men who in their inmost souls are true and honest; men who do not fear to call sin by its right name; men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole; men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall."—"Education," p. 57.
It is time for Pentecost, and for this "baptism of the Spirit every worker should be pleading with God."
New York, N. Y.
