Consecration on the part of the Bible instructor is of first importance in holding and maintaining an interest. We read in Gospel Workers: "Those who consecrate body, soul, and spirit to God, will constantly receive a new endowment of physical. mental, and spiritual power. The inexhaustible supplies of heaven are at their command."—Page 112.
There is danger lest we depend too much upon our knowledge and the fact that we belong to the remnant church rather than depending upon the Holy Spirit to do the work for .us. Christ often spent full days in labor and entire nights in prayer in order to be able to meet the foe, and to be empowered to help those who came to Him for help. How much greater is our need of prayer!
To hold interest we must depend On power that conies from above. From the first contact with one who is interested, the Bible instructor should seek, to maintain the interest. There must be continuous earnest effort to keep the interest growing. The success will not depend so much upon one's knowledge as the ability to find the way to the heart of the interested person. As the instructor goes to the home from week to week, she should learn to understand the needs of the people. Kindly words simply spoken and little attentions simply given will do much toward holding the interest.
To hold and maintain an interest is like planting a seed. The most thorough and delicate work begins after the seed begins to sprout. Each plant needs individual care. Some plants need more water, others less ; but all depend upon continual care for growth. Neglected for a time, the plant may droop or die. So it is with spiritual growth. Continual care is important in order for growth to be made. Many a promising interest has waned because the worker neglected it for too long a period. The instructor must always be prompt in meeting appointments, or else confidence in the message will be lost.
Preparation is another essential for holding the interest. We should have our subject well prepared, selecting such texts as will reveal a "Thus saith the Lord" to all questions asked. We weary the people with long studies and too many texts, and thus lose the interest. Every Bible, study should have a distinct plan.
"Every teacher should see to it that his work tends to definite results. Before attempting to teach a subject, he should have a distinct plan in mind, and should know just what he desires to accomplish."—Education, PP. 233, 234.
We are called upon to bring the message for our time to high and low, ,rich and poor. We need to learn to adapt our labors to meet people where they are. Simplicity of language is important. Jesus spoke to the people in a language so simple that they could not fail to understand.
"Never search for words that will give the impression that you are learned. The greater your simplicity, the better will your words be understood."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 383.
Begin by teaching subjects upon which you can agree. Take one point at a time, and do not bring in too many points, especially at the be.—Please turn to page 2-8
