As the artist chooses his canvas, paints the blurred-looking background, and lovingly adds each touch of color, he sees in his mind the finished picture, arresting in its beauty, perfect in its detail. Patiently chipping away at the hard granite, the sculptor sees a noble statue, one day to dominate its surroundings. In the tiny child, so full of faults and impulses, the loving mother sees the man, strong in principle, noble of character, for whom in childhood she is laying the foundation.
So also the Bible instructor with vision will see in the prospect with whom she is studying, a future strong, faithful, spiritual member of the family of God. (1 Cor. 3:9-11.) She will realize that only as she brings her spiritual children to the foot of the cross, can she hope for them to be truly unselfish in their church life when they become members. Only as she bids them listen to Jesus' presentation of the doctrines can she make them not legal Christians, but love-filled learners. As the consistency and tolerance of the Master are impressed on them, she will lay the foundation for balanced, broad-minded members of the church.
The Bible instructor should encourage new members to attend all meetings regularly, especially the Sabbath school and prayer meeting. Those who attend Sabbath school become students of the Word, and strong, intelligent advocates of truth, while attendance at the prayer meeting gives a depth of spirituality.
Paul was able to say, "Be ye followers of me," and the Bible instructor should be able to echo his words. To the new believers she should be an example in all things, some of which we note here in particular.
1. Punctuality. Never should the Bible instructor allow herself to become slack in punctuality at meetings. Once a new member follows such a bad example, he sometimes takes the first step to indifference.
2. Reverence. The Bible instructor should by her own deportment in church discourage any irreverence.
3. Discretion and Tact. All gossiping should be tactfully rebuked and avoided.
4. Dress. A Bible instructor should wear nothing extreme, but choose simple, yet tasteful, clothes of good quality.
5. Zeal. No one should ever be able to accuse the Bible instructor of lack of interest in church activities. She should be enthusiastic in the various campaigns. Although it is easier for her to go out on her own and get large goals for Ingathering, she should realize that the nurture of souls is much more important. The new members should be taken out, shown how to tackle the job, be encouraged, and have it proved to them that it can be done. This makes live members, workers full of zeal, glorying in the blessing which working for God brings to the soul. If new members are encouraged thus from the beginning, they will become soul winners as they meet with the people and will themselves grow in grace and strength.
If new members are added to a church already established, they should wait a year before being given office. If they become part of a newly organized church, the Bible instructor should remain with them for at least a year, so as to strengthen and help them when reverses come, and assist them in their various offices. She herself must be capable of filling any office, so that she may counsel helpfully.
We are builders of the temple of God on earth, where stones have to be 'polished after the similitude of a palace," that they may be "fitly framed together." Sometimes it takes courage to apply the Word, which can cut away rough places. But, remembering that ours is God's work, that we are tools in the Master's hands, we can fearlessly and bravely continue our task. Then, one day, if we have laid the true foundation, if we have taken heed to build only precious stones, we shall look upon our portion of the finished temple and be satisfied.
