Be exemplary. It is essential to be a living representative of your message at all times, in all places, in all ways,—to live up to all the requirements of the Bible and the Spirit of prophecy. Christ gave a//; we cannot truly follow Him and do otherwise.
Be meek. The Greeks said, "Sir, we would see Jesus." John 12:21. The world is looking to see the same Jesus today. They have failed to find Him in court or palace, in college or university, in cathedral or community church; they 'must see Him in you. Col. 1:27.
Be brave. That lawyer, professor, or perhaps preacher with whom you are brought into contact does not know the truth. The message is clear and plain in God's word, and although you have a meek and quiet spirit, yet you can speak with authority. Matt. 7:29.
Be wise. Do not argue. If you match wit with wit, your opponent's may be superior to yours. Making our message plain does not depend upon wit or even advanced education, although many times an education places one on vantage ground. It is the Spirit of God that teaches this message; therefore, seek to be Spirit-filled. Paul did a wonderful work. He was highly educated, and that helped him to become "all things to all men;" but it was the uneducated fisherman who preached one sermon when three thousand were converted. Remember the promise in John 14:26.
Be informed. Do not depend upon notes. Know your message in detail, and know the bearing of each phase upon every other phase. When you are trying to help a critic, your prepared notes may not be usable. But with your message well in mind, you will have clear discernment, and the Holy Spirit will never fail to guide. John 16 : 13.
Be original. Anyone can discern the difference between a child's "Hi!" and a parrot's "Good morning." You may not have as beautiful illustrations as others, but if they are original, they will be effective. You will also change illustrations unconsciously. Thus you will have a living message.
Be practical. A mother who has watched over a sick child all night needs to see a demonstration of the theories that she has been studying. Wash the dinner dishes and tidy the kitchen for her; or put her to bed and apply hot and cold to her spine, meanwhile caring for the sick child.
Be adaptable. Adjust your program to fit the plans of the minister in charge of the work. You may have better plans; nevertheless, there can be but one head, and the minister has to bear that responsibility. So make his work a pleasure by your co-operation.
Be observant. Be quick to discern when opposition is arising, and turn the attention to another phase of the subject before your student expresses it. Human nature is less likely to surrender opposition after having expressed it.
Be dignified. But do not confuse pride with dignity. Remember, "It's not the house and not the dress that makes the saint or sinner." True dignity cannot be put on and removed at pleasure. True nobility of character will dignify the most humble home.
Logan, Ohio.
*In reluctantly submitting this series of points to success in the Bible work, the writer says simply but pointedly that they are counsels she would have appreciated when she was starting out. Reared on a farm and thrust into city work, she asked for suggestions as to how to proceed, but was told she should "learn by experience" —and left thus to muddle through. We believe these counsels will be helpful alike to younger workers in starting, and to older workers in review.—Editors.
