How timely is the admonition, "Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." We need heaven-born tact in the face of opposition and objections. It is well to be on guard lest the element of opposition suddenly arise from some unexpected source, and cause consternation on the part of the Bible instructor.
Bible studies may have been conducted on several occasions with a family in a neighborhood home, with results most promising and encouraging. Suddenly a stranger makes his appearance at the time of a study. This stranger may be the family pastor, or a dear friend who feels it his duty to safeguard the interests of the home against the influence of what he considers false teaching. The humble Bible instructor engaged in house-to-house work may be termed the wolf in sheep's clothing. The new foe is ready to bring in questions designed to oppose and confuse.
At such a time the sincere worker for God will submit his case entirely to the control of the Holy Spirit and rest upon the promise, "Whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost." Mark 13 :IL "He that winneth souls is wise." To argue would not be "wise." A "Thus saith the Lord" should be the response to all accusations or false'statements. Such experiences are crucial tests, but they result in victory for the side of truth. The Bible instructor is doing the King's business and requires all the wisdom, tact, and skill which can be employed. Christ's way is the best way to meet opposition. We find good counsel for such a time as this in volume 9 of Testimonies for the Church:
"Often, as you seek to present the truth, opposition will be aroused ; but if you seek to meet opposition with argument, you will only multiply it, and that you cannot afford to do. Hold to the affirmative. Angels of God are wat'ching you, and they understand how to impress those whose opposition you refuse to meet with argument. Dwell not on the negative points of questions that arise, but gather to your minds affirmative truths, and fasten them there by much study and earnest prayer and heart consecration. Keep your lamps trimmed and burning, and let bright rays shine forth, that men, beholding your good works, may be led to glorify yOur Father which is in heaven." —Pages 147, 148.
The Bible instructor needs the same heaven-born tact in overcoming objections as in meeting opposition. The most critical stage of the reader's experience while studying our message is the time when he is face to face with a decision to keep the Sabbath. Economic difficulties will often loom up as mountains, and false reasoning will form the scaffold of procrastination.
It is then that the Bible instructor must be conversant with Scriptural promises that definitely bring the decision for the next step on the part of the reader. Objections and flimsy excuses must be met with a Scriptural reply.
The worker should not wait until the series of studies is completed before the call to obedience is made. From the very beginning the importance of bringing one's life in harmony with every requisite of truth should be greatly stressed. Our readers must be entreated to read, examine, and judge for themselves, that they must take the responsibility of receiving or rejecting the divine enlightenment.
Angels of heaven draw near as scripture after scripture is given to overcome the objections made, especially on the question of keeping the Sabbath. By the power of the Word and with the aid of the Holy Spirit the faithful Bible instructor must hold on. The worker should not allow her faith to weaken, or yield to the temptation to give up hope. Procrastination, delay, and excuses must be encountered. The same heavenly aid must be sought, for an unwise answer may result in a weak decision on the part of the reader.
The worker need not feel alone in this seemingly difficult task. All during the series of Bible studies she should solicit the prayers of the church. As she faces her task, the reader, too, is on the battleground of victory or defeat.
The worker need not become discouraged or give up hope but should hold on to the soul who is struggling toward obedience. Here is wise counsel and instruction from volume 6:
"Those in the service of God must show animation and determination in the work of winning souls. Remember that there are those who will perish unless we as God's instrumentalities work with a determination that will not fail nor become discouraged. . . . He has given us a great work to do. Let us do it with accuracy and determination. Let us show in our lives what the truth has done for us."—Page 418.
