Timesaver!—When there is diversity of opinion, instead of debating it out at length in some of our discussions in committees and councils, if we would all get down on our knees and plead for divine enlightenment, as did our pioneers, seeking for wisdom and unity, and the understanding of God's will, far quicker and sounder agreements would be reached and greater oneness prevail. God can do more for us after fifteen minutes of intercessory prayer for guidance upon our part than we can do for ourselves by hours of prayerless debate. Prayer is a wonderful timesaver, clarifier, and unifier. We need to pray more and talk less.
Undependable!—Some are long on promises but short on performances. These sincere souls fully intend to do what they promise, but lack the determination, persistence, self-discipline, organization—or whatever is involved—to carry it through. No, we are not referring to emergency situations that come to us all, when the best-laid plans go awry, but to those cheerful chronics, who give ready assurance, yet rarely carry through as promised. They simply cannot be counted on. If they meet their appointment, or write the article, or otherwise fulfill a promise, those involved are surprised and pleased. They are just that much ahead. The performance was really unexpected, but nonetheless welcome. It was not actually anticipated, because of the known dereliction of the procrastinator. If we have trends in the wrong direction, it will be wise to grip ourselves and to bring our performances into line with our obligations. To be known as a derelict is not something to be desired. For one thing it is bound to affect our future. It is tolerated only because of strong points in other directions that compensate, but it is a dangerous margin.
Ascription!—In its highest form, sacred song ever lifts the soul Godward. It gives voice to the highest aspirations and sentiments of the entire congregation of worshipers. It draws forth a spontaneous "Amen !" from the heart and lip of the devout. It is the transparent medium for ascription of praise, adoration, or testimony to the goodness, love, and care of God. In its purity there is no intrusion of praise to man, no glorifying of the skill and accomplishments of the musician. It is marred only when the devices of professional training, distracting facial expressions, or bodily contortions are obtruded. When in thought or word such expressions emerge from the hearers as, "What a voice!" "What remarkable control!" "What marvelous leading!" "What magnificent blending I" or "How they respond like an organ to the touch of the master on the key board!"—then the ideal has been marred. The goal has been missed. Then the human element has blemished the divine plan and purpose in sacred song. The tarnish of self has appeared on the gold of a sacred gift. We need, we seek, the trans parent gold of true worship through song.
Alternatives!—Some evangelists demand an inordinate amount of record keeping —tabulations of calls, studies, follow-ups, stages of interest, special problems, prospects, and so forth—from their associates, especially Bible instructors. This not infrequently presents an alter native : either keeping elaborate time-consuming books, or reducing the possible number of visits, studies, and follow-ups. There are only twenty-four hours in each day, and the human constitution can stand only so much pressure. When these workers are through serving you, they still are supposed to be in shape to help other evangelists. One has no right to demand so much that his assistants become virtual wrecks and have to get away to recuperate. Which will it be, brother evangelist—excessive bookkeeping, or better health, more visitation, more studies, and more decisions for this message? It cannot be both.
Compensation!—The best of men are a combination of strength and weakness. Human frailties beset the race, including preachers. And often the stronger the man the more conspicuous his weaknesses. We have not yet developed the knack of taking men apart, and putting them together again free from imperfections. Neither conversion nor consecration removes certain human trends and limitations. So we shall simply have to recognize the strength and value of men, and safeguard against their weaknesses. This can often be achieved by associating together two or more individuals of varying and compensating talents. One is strong in finance, another in good judgment and counsel, another has a careful, scholarly bent, another is strong in public presentation, and yet another has the gift of writing. It takes all to round out and complete the quota of need. Few men have all "ten" talents. But two with "five" each can together make ten, and the "one-talent" man has his contribution to make. Group work is the strongest of all, if men will recognize the strength of others and the weaknesses of them selves, and make compensating provisions to cover these weaknesses. This program calls for charity, discernment, and appreciation.
L. E. F.
