INTERESTED in a three-part formula to finish God's work in any part of the world under any conditions? Here it is:
1. A totally dedicated and consecrated force of workers and laymen.
2. This force working together as a closely knit team on a prayer-nurtured plan.
3. Sincere dependence on the Holy Spirit for the necessary power and forthcoming success.
Of course, there are two obvious flaws in the formula. First of all, it is hoary with age. Everyone today knows that any idea over ten years old has no real meaning for the jet age.
Secondly, it is too simple. Like Naaman, we tend to appreciate something a bit more complex and self-oriented. So heaven waits while we search for a formula of our own devising.
What About Money and Method?
Some will wonder that my prescription does not as much as mention money. Mission projects go begging. The use of the mass media calls for unprecedented sums. But either the silver and gold is the Lord's or it is not. If it is, then He will surely supply our need as He sees we are ready to receive.
We grasp at methods. When we see the talent and time that goes into the promotion of a new detergent, we know that the Lord's work cannot compete in any haphazard manner. But if God had a successful battle plan for Jericho, He no doubt has a perfect blueprint for the closing campaign. Our danger is that it may be so simple we will overlook it.
What About Activity?
Hyperactivity beckons. God's great men through the ages have been men of action, and thus it will always be. But we might ponder the implications of this message:
While the energy, earnestness, and efficiency of the workers become deadened by the efforts to have everything so systematic, the taxing labor that must be done by our ministers to keep this complicated machinery in motion, engrosses so much time that the spiritual work is neglected.--Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 602.
Our basic problem is that we are continually looking for a short cut to the kingdom. The fact that we are several decades overdue is a clear indication that our search has been in vain. Eventually, we are going to have to give up and do it the Lord's way.
So Simple, Yet Costly!
What is simple is not always easy. God's way is simplicity itself, but it demands that which we are not always prepared to give. It calls for Spartan discipline, a putting away of differences, genuine self-abnegation, an active prayer life in short, a total commitment. In the final analysis, it is much easier to engage in earnest work than in earnest prayer.
We are of good courage. Every head line proclaims that the end of all things earthly is at hand. Sometime soon, very soon we trust, some church or conference will let God have His way completely. Instead of a seeking after short cuts, there will be a seeking after righteousness. This breakthrough will herald the final out pouring of His Holy Spirit upon all who will endure to the end.
We cannot dictate to the brethren, but with God's help we can dictate to self. No one can stand in the way of our having our own private "refreshing" just now. Brother in Christ, let us put first things first and see what the Lord will do.
