Invincible!—Truth meets all corners, and satisfies all legitimate demands that can be made upon it. It harmonizes with every divine principle, and every discoverable fact, and so will be eternal in duration. The Sabbath is a shining example of a particular truth.
Confessions!—Intensive personal work is imperative to effective ministry, but it should be so conducted as to avoid any semblance of a "confessional." Souls should be led to bring their sins directly to God, and make whatever rectification is indicated with God or man, without first seeking counsel from the worker, the only exception being in the case of problems that are beyond the experience and power of the individual to adjust alone.
Leadership!—One of the qualities of the true leader is the capacity to detect the latent abilities of his associates, and to capitalize them by wise assignment to the fullest extent. Another is to fit men with recognized talents, but hampered by idiosyncrasies or weaknesses, each into his rightful place so as to produce strength and unity of the whole. Still another evidence of great leadership is the ability to rectify tactfully those weaknesses that are discovered.
Busy!—We must not permit the taunts and challenges of apostates, or other enemies of the faith, to occupy our time or direct our emphasis, to mold our policies or to deflect us from our appointed course. There are many publicity hunters who crave attention; but every hour devoted to futile recognition is subtracted from our legitimate work. We have a message from God to herald to men. We are accountable to Him for its delivery and its emphasis, which in God's plan is keyed to the changing world conditions, the developing cause of God, and the growing proximity of the end.
Dependable!—The glorious, comforting fact about Christianity is that it is unfailingly demonstrable. There are positive spiritual laws that operate in the realm of salvation with as great certainty as the unvarying laws of the physical world. Meet the conditions, and the results are as sure as the word and provisions of God. When we meet the conditions of forgiveness, forgiveness is assured; when we meet the conditions of peace, peace becomes an actuality; when we meet the conditions of regeneration, regeneration becomes a fact of experience. If the results do not appear, it is absolutely because the conditions have been evaded or flouted. With boldness and confidence we can challenge any soul to meet the stipulations of surrender, confession, and reception of a personal Saviour. Otherwise God stands impeached, His word a mockery.
Personalities!—It is unfortunately true that some people relate themselves to an issue on the basis of its bearing upon the personality sponsoring it, more than upon an unbiased, impersonal relation thereto. For example, if certain men stand for a particular position or policy, almost without exception, these folk will be in opposition thereto; or vice versa. Such an animus as a motivating force is unworthy a herald of this message. It is beneath a disciple of truth. Let us banish it from our ranks.
Friendliness!—Interest in strangers who attend our services should be cultivated. Transient Adventists should be welcomed, and strangers made to feel at home. More of the old-fashioned hospitality and sincere interest that cannot ,be simulated is needed as never before to counteract the growing chill of the world about us, and which has made its impress on the church. No one can estimate the value of a cordial handclasp and an inquiry as to the identity of an inconspicuous stranger. They cost nothing, but bring tangible returns.
Probity! —Character is the basis of confidence in the Christian ministry, far more than in the worldly professions. And this is built upon a conviction of personal probity that would scorn to manipulate matters to one's personal advantage; that would never knowingly misstate a fact nor misquote another; of assurance that the individual would never show improper favoritism to personal friends, never betray truth, violate confidence, nor prove disloyal in word or act toward the movement to which we have all pledged allegiance. Such high-minded men command respect.
Thrillers!—During recent decades a trend in our denominational preaching has developed, fraught with an unwholesome element that is causing grave concern to many lovers of the old Book who are profound believers in real Bible preaching. Just as fiction spoils the taste for solid, constructive reading, popular music for the majestic masterpieces, and highly seasoned foods for plain and wholesome dishes, so the "thriller" type of preaching built about a series of highly colored mission stories is creating a similar disatisfaction for substantial exposition of the word. It is also causing concern in the minds of those who are likewise acquainted with the events narrated. It leads them to wonder what the effect will be upon the sense of veracity in the teller of the tales. It is likewise engendering an unhealthful expectation on the part of the hearers who, like the fiction addict, pall unless stimulated with spellbinders. Here is scope for study and wholesome concern.
L. E. F.
