'‘LOSING THE SAVED"
IF SOME way could be devised, some effective method developed, that would stop, even partially, the stream of backsliding and apostasy in our churches, we would be contributing greatly to the advancement of the cause of God. Far too many young people leave us, too many of all ages.
It is time for us all to concentrate on ways to hold them and to develop loyalty and faithfulness in the lives of our church members. This is "soul saving" of the highest sort. Let us focus on this in all of our churches, schools, homes, and conferences. Let us have a truly loving concern for every member, regardless of age or circumstances. Let us bring all the powers of our hearts and minds on a program of conservation. This is the duty and privilege of "shepherds of the flock."
Let us show them at all times and in all places that they are truly wanted and loved. Let us make it clear to them that the church needs them as much as they need the church. Let us assign them their place of duty, and help them to become involved in saving souls. Let us feed the flock so they will not die of starvation. Let us seek to "save the lost," but let us not "lose the saved."
N. R. D.
CLEAR AND CERTAIN
PREACHING is the minister's art, and words are his tools. It is of vital importance, therefore, that every minister—young, middle-aged, or old—be proficient and accurate in the use of words. To say what is meant and to say it in such a way that all will clearly understand and not be left in doubt is a most vital responsibility. "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver" (Prov. 25:1I). This is to say that our words properly thought through and spoken with distinctness should produce such a picture of harmony and accuracy that its image will be long remembered. This is real preaching.
Many a man has been accused of teaching error, not because he was a heretic but because he did not say in the right way what he really meant to say. It is important then that every message be studied most carefully, not only to see to it that it is scripturally sound but also that it is couched in such clearly defined terms that man cannot unwittingly misunderstand. The old saying "reading maketh a ready man and writing an exact man" is worthy of painstaking attention.
Let us be so careful in our sermon preparation and presentation that no one will be left in doubt about what he heard and what we meant. It is vital that men and women know what we believe and understand about God, His Word, the doctrine, our church, its teachings, its leadership, and its mission. Let us say what needs to be said. But let us say only enough to make it clear and not so much that it is made obscure. Until it is perfectly clear in our own minds, we cannot make it clear to others. The important thing is not what we say, but what people who hear us understand. This day and this hour demand that the trumpet be given a clear, certain sound.
N. R. D.
MINUTE VACATIONS
TRANSCONTINENTAL travel and over-seas visits have proved to me the validity of Daniel's time-of-the-end prediction of many running to and fro. Highways are lined with wall-to-wall vacationers. Every conceivable size, shape, and form of holiday equipment is attached to automobile tops and even lugged aboard airplanes. Parks and rest areas are gorged with masses of humanity attempting to rest from back-home labors. Muddled minds and confused hearts, the majority not recognizing the God of creation, devour majestic scenery and pleasant temperatures. Conversation with scores of these eager, recess-bound souls indicates that this form of escapism is totally insufficient to give real rest to the weary. In fact, the towering statistics of boats, motors, skis, free time, vacation spots, cabins, tents, mosquito repellent, Band-Aids, and other related things have more than offset the increase of modern nerve-racking elements. Yet insecurity and tension stand at record highs.
Certainly it is well to have a yearly "get-awayfrom-it-all" session. But better still daily "minute vacations" are not only helpful but an absolute necessity to us pilgrims who live in an exhausted world where mischievous madness reigns. Vacations always involve time. Treasured moments can make the poor rich and the ignorant learned. Split seconds are of incalculable value. Blessed is the man who knows the meaning of time and acts accordingly. Let monuments be erected to those who are unselfish with everything but time. Blank moments can be used for self-improvement, but in reality they are minute vacations. Pocket edition books can easily be carried and read during these "minute vacations." Cards with texts or statements can be used for memorization purposes while driving. The Bible and Spirit of Prophecy tape program can be used to refresh the spirit while shaving in the morning. Odd bits and ends of time can be sewed together into a quilt of mental and physical mind renewing, which is the actual purpose of a vacation! Start today on your "minute vacations."
J. R. S.
