Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Service! That is what love is. God serves. Nothing God does in any way hurts anyone. He gives joy, love and service to all His creatures. Pain, hurt, suffering and death all come from the evil one. It is the breaking of God’s Commandments that bring us all the misery we experience.
Does God allow pain, hurt, suffering and death? Of course. He has to. To intervene would make Him out as the one responsible for all the pain, hurt, suffering and death. He isn’t. He must let the natural consequence of sin play out so we understand the sinfulness of sin. However, if we turn from our sins and live in obedience to His Commandments, then He can mitigate the effect of our disobedience.
There are two types of pain, hurt, suffering and death. That which comes at us, and that which we inflict on ourselves. That which comes at us God can protect us from because it wasn’t our sin that caused it. But that which we bring upon ourselves because of our sinful behavior, that God must allow to play out to teach us the folly of sin.
1 Peter 5:1 to 1 Peter 5:14
Therefore, as a fellow elder, a witness of the Messiah’s sufferings, and one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you:
Peter did not put himself above anyone. He was a servant. He followed in the footsteps of Jesus. That is one reason why church is so destructive. It produces pride and arrogance in the elders and pastors and all the other offices of the church. God did not set up “church”. Church was the idea of the devil. The true church that God set up was the meeting together of people who served each other and helped each other to live the perfect, sinless and Commandment keeping life. “People won’t be saying, ‘Look! Here it is!’ (as here in our church) or ‘There it is!’ (as in there in that denomination) because now the kingdom of God is within you.” The true church comes from within. Luke 17:21.
How did Peter witness the sufferings of Christ? He watched the sufferings of Christ lived out for over three years walking with Jesus. He was with Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane the night of His betrayal. He saw Him arrested and watched and listened to His accusers. He saw Him nailed to the cross. Peter suffered the humiliation of denying his Lord. Yet, he also experienced the forgiving power of Jesus and could confidently say he was a, “sharer of the glory about to be revealed.” That is the confidence each of us can have.
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over it, not because you must but because you want to, and not greedily but eagerly, as God desires.
“Shepherd the flock.” In our world, few of us understand the concept of “shepherd”. We think of “overlords”, “dictators”, “commanders”, but the concept of shepherd? No, not really!
For several years here at the ministry, I had the privilege of watching a shepherd with his flock. Each year he would bring his flock to the acreage just down the road from the ministry. He never commanded the sheep. He lived with them in a shepherd’s wagon. In fact, he didn’t have must interaction with them unless they needed his help. His sheepdog did most of the work of simply keeping an eye on them. I often think of the sheepdog as the Holy Spirit. Or, if you prefer, our protective angel. The shepherd as Jesus.
He had oversight, but it appeared to me that he did not do it for money, but out of love for the sheep and his way of living. Too many of our church elders do not understand the word “love” for the brethren. It is all about the “church”, not the church member.
Do not lord it over the people entrusted to you, but be examples to the flock.
“Allotted to you.” Most are voted in and simply preform certain functions in the church. But back then, each elder had certain members who were “allotted” to him. He had to visit them, care for them and make sure they were walking with Jesus. He had to spend time in Bible study, prayer and listening to their wants and needs. We don’t find that taking place today. Church is nothing but the function of rites, rituals and ceremonies, not love.
Peter could talk from experience about being an example to the flock. Before his conversion, he was not a very good example. His desire to be first didn’t sit well with the flock. Lots of arguing and fighting over who was going to be first in the Kingdom of God.
Yet, after his conversion, Peter experienced not only the forgiveness of Jesus, but he was given the charge of shepherd of the flock. To tenderly, calmly and with patience guide the flock to the right pasture for feeding. That is what each of us must do for the flock of God.
Then, when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the victor’s crown of glory that will never fade away.
We don’t receive it when we die. We sleep in the dust until Jesus comes. I am not interested in a crown. I only want to be with Jesus. I’ll be happy to be His slipper cleaner.
In a similar way, you young people must submit to the elders. All of you must clothe yourselves with humility for the sake of each other, because: “God opposes the arrogant, but gives grace to the humble.”
In today’s world, parents have become subject to their children. They transport them to all their sports and school activities. Children are no longer disciplined, trained in godliness or taught humility. After all, they have no examples of humility. Teachers fight with staff. Staff fight with the school board. The school board fights with the unions. Parents fight with the school and teachers. What lessons are the children learning? We live in very dangerous times. I pray God holds back the “winds of strife” in order to give us more time to get out his truth. Soon, God will set Himself against the proud ones.
“The Waldenses had sacrificed their worldly prosperity for the truth’s sake, and with persevering patience they toiled for their bread. Every spot of tillable land among the mountains was carefully improved; the valleys and the less fertile hillsides were made to yield their increase. Economy and severe self-denial formed a part of the education which the children received as their only legacy. They were taught that God designs life to be a discipline, and that their wants could be supplied only by personal labor, by forethought, care, and faith. The process was laborious and wearisome, but it was wholesome, just what man needs in his fallen state, the school which God has provided for his training and development. While the youth were inured to toil and hardship, the culture of the intellect was not neglected. They were taught that all their powers belonged to God, and that all were to be improved and developed for His service.” GC 76.
Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that at the proper time he may exalt you.
The Bible talks a lot about humility. I suppose it is because humans are born with a natural desire to be exalted. It started in Heaven with Lucifer. He wasn’t happy with the position God had so graciously given him. He thought he should be like God. Next, Eve listened to Lucifer and thought she should be like God. Cain wasn’t happy with living in obedience and thought he should be able to do it his way. His way produced murder.
God, on the other hand, is very humble. He created everything in order to serve His creation. He loves to serve. He loves to bring happiness to others at His own expense. Instead of exalting ourselves, we need to let God exalt us in His own way and in His own time. Personally, I would rather live “under the mighty hand of God” than be exalted. I feel protected and secured when I am “under the mighty hand of God”.
“Humble yourselves”. Can God “humble” us? Yes/no. He can put us through situations that would humble us in outward appearances. Yet, I don’t think it does much to humble the heart. On the other hand, when we put forth the work of humbling our own hearts, it is a humbling work that will last for eternity. Jesus lived a humble life. He voluntarily humbled Himself. The Creator took on the garb of the created. He was willing to do this in order to show us how much He loved us. A love that would never hurt us. That is the only love He can accept into Heaven.
Throw all your worry on him, because he cares for you.
Pride wants to handle our own lives. Pride wants to do it “my way”. Pride wants to take the credit for what is done. “See that, I did that!” But pride has a plane load of baggage. The cares and worry that come with pride can break the heart and destroy the life. However, when we “throw” all that worry on Jesus and trust Him, we will find a sweet, wonderful life of love without care. Knowing that Jesus cares for us so much that He was willing to die for us, takes the worry out of life. I trust Him.
Be clear-minded and alert. Your opponent, the devil, is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
God is seeking people to care for; to take their worry and give them peace, joy and happiness. But if our minds are not “clear-minded and alert”, we can be eaten alive with worry, cares of this world, addictions, trouble and shame. The devil isn’t looking for you to bless you, only to destroy you. What he offers may look like a blessing to begin with, but if you bite into it, you will find yourself in a heap of trouble.
Resist him and be firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.
“Suffering!” There are two kinds of suffering. There is the one kind that we bring upon ourselves. Adam and Eve had that kind of suffering. They had the perfect world, and they destroyed it and brought suffering upon themselves. Then there was Abel. His suffering and death was caused by his brother Cain who had given his life to pride, ego and evil. Abel resisted his brother Cain’s suggestions to sin and suffered the consequence. We also, if we stand firm in our faith will suffer, as Jesus did. But that suffering will bring joy to the heart and peace to the mind.
After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you by the Messiah Jesus to his eternal glory, will restore you, establish you, strengthen you, and support you.
Yes He will. If we stand firm in our humbleness, trusting God, He will restore us and support us. He is simply strengthening us in our humility so we will be able to live forever in it. The last thing any of us would want is for pride and ego to sprout up again in Heaven.
Peter understood that concept. After the rooster crowed, Peter suffered intense pain for denying Jesus. But after suffering a little while, Jesus restored him, establishing and strengthening him to feed the lambs.
Power belongs to him forever and ever! Amen.
Yes it does. Not just the creative power, or the power to shake the mountains and part the seas, no, He also had the power to live the humble life. A humble life requires far more power than anything else in the world. That is the power we need for ever and ever.
Through Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written this short letter to encourage you and to testify that this is to be the true grace of God in which you are to stand firm!
I suppose Peter may have been a prisoner in Rome at this time. Due to his advanced years, maybe arthritis in his hands and possibly his hands being chained, he may have dictated this letter to Silvanus. Faithful? I suppose not many would want to be around Peter at this time. Being a Christian in the heart of Nero’s Rome was not exactly the smartest place to be at this time. But Silvanus was not afraid to be a “faithful brother” to Peter and risked his life to attend to the needs of Peter. Would to God that those who call themselves Christian would be like Silvanus: humble, loving, kind, truehearted.
Your sister church in Babylon, chosen along with you, sends you greetings, as does Mark, whom I regard as a son. Greet one another with a loving kiss. Peace be to all of you who are in the Messiah!
We have a hard enough time greeting each other with love, let alone with a “loving kiss”. Back then, love for a Christian was not the same as “love” today. We put a sexual concept on “love”. Back then, for a Christian, love was a duty, a responsibility without sexual connotations. They could greet each other with a holy kiss without any misgivings.
And how could they do this? Because they were “in the Messiah”. Those who are in Christ no longer have worldly perceptions, feelings and thoughts. Christians have removed the world from their lives and now live “in the Messiah”.
INMATE LETTERS
Brother Ron,
I’m interested in your program. I started on my journey with Christ two and one half years ago. I don’t usually do packets, but I want to post my writings on your sites so please, send the 8-step program. I definitely want to go into ministry, God made it very clear to me. Let me know more about the open position. Thanks for reaching out.
Madison, TX
(I am asking each of you to pray for this young man. God can work miracles. It would take a miracle to bring him here. But God opened prison doors for the disciples. He opened prison doors for Peter. Even Paul, after his first appearance before Nero, was miraculously released. Nothing is impossible for God. I am old and under this medical condition and need someone to train to take my place as the next director of this ministry. Madison is young enough to learn and has years available in front of him for work in this ministry. Let us hold him up in our prayers.)
Hello,
My friend Anthony shared your info and suggested I request the “Change Your Life Biblically” workbook. May I please receive this and whatever else you’d recommend for an individual who would like to grow closer to Christ and surrender himself.
Christian, OR
Dear Brother Ron,
I have a bunkie and I always seen him reading your book, “Change Your Life Biblically”. I always asked myself what is so interesting about that book. So, we started talking about your book. He told me how he got involved in it and how his friend got a pen-pal out of it. So, let me be completely honest with you. The reason I signed up for this book is to get a pen-pal. But, as I started reading your book, I couldn’t put it down. I don’t even care about the pen-pal no more. If it happens, it happens. I’m only on volume II. You don’t even know how much volume 1 has opened up my eyes. The truth really does set you free. I really do thank you Ron. You are an honest man. I will complete this book and will change my life and will give it to the Lord. Now I know why I am here. If I was never in the “box”, I would have never read your book.
Reinaldo, NY
Hello,
I am writing to sign up for the Bible study. Thank you so much for what you are doing for our Lord Jesus.
Jose, CA
Hello,
I just found and accepted Jesus Christ into my life. Can you send me some books and literature about my Lord so I can understand more and learn more about Him? Please and thank you.
Lonnie, CA
JCPM,
I would like a copy of “Change Your Life Biblically”. I would also like to know what else you guys offer.
Jonathan, ID
Hello,
I just received your info flyer you sent me. I would like to be put on your pen-pal list. I would like to participate in your free Bible study.
Anton, CA
JCPM,
Well, I’m writing requesting the free copy of “Change Your Life Biblically”. I ran across this and it is very interesting. I will highly appreciate your assistance in this matter.
Jonathan, TX
Hi,
I am interested in receiving Bible studies from you and other material. I would greatly appreciate it and the help to drive towards my faith. Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.
Joseph, MT
JCPM,
I would love to sign up and work your Bible study correspondence. Please feel free to contact me at any time. Thank you for your time in this matter.
Adrienne, CA
Hello,
I am writing to respectfully request to obtain the “Change Your Life Biblically” workbook.
Andres, CA
Brother Ron,
Hope this letter finds you in the best of health. I would like to be a part of your Bible study. I am on a 3rd or 4th grade reading level—So whatever you can provide me in my reading range would be much appreciated. I don’t have anyone outside I can contact. Any information that you can send me would be much appreciated.
Samuel, TX
Hello,
I recently borrowed my bunkie’s copy of “Change Your Life Biblically”. When I flipped the page of chapter 5, I heard a weird “humdy, humty”. This meant I had to return the cute book to her. She left for a half-way house and she took her book. Could you please send me a copy of my very own “Change Your Life Biblically”? You are a blessing. I will be watching for it.
Deb, CO
JCPM,
My bunkmate and I would like to receive “Change Your Life Biblically”. Both of our information is included. Thank you.
Timothy & John, AL
Hello,
Just a few weeks ago, I was talking with another individual in my living unit by the name of Devin. He showed me your letter to him and I had read all the stories. I am a believer. It has been only 17 years for me here in prison of the 56 that I have to face. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t need to change my life. I do want to change my life and follow Jesus. But I need to learn more. I feel that I need to learn more or find a way. I would like to participate in your program and take another step to change my life.
Pedro, IL
Peace,
I’m contacting you because this is my first time ever sending a lesson in. First, I’d like to thank you for your program and for the knowledge and insight that you have opened up to me. Also, I will like to know if you provide any other programs of lessons?
George, VA
Brother Ron,
I got your letter in the mail and what I really liked about your ministry is that it’s not a church, religion or denomination. That’s one thing that always bothered me abut churches. I used to be a devoted Christian, but I turned my back on God in 2007 after I went to prison. I haven’t tried since But I can honestly say that He hasn’t forgotten about me. Even when I was out there, He has always been with me and been there for me. I know that He wants me to do this 8-Step Program. I don’t know why, but I’m positive that this is what He wants me to do. And if this is what He wants me to do, I’m willing to do it. After everything He has done for me, I’m going to listen to Him.
Ruben, TN
Testimony for God’s Children
My Dear Family in Christ,
“Ministry” isn’t just for the “ordained”. Ministry is for everyone who takes the name of Jesus. If we are claiming to be “Christian”, then we are to be ordained as Jesus was: to minister to every person in our sphere. At no time are we to lay down our ministry. Until death, let us live to minister to others.
Appeal to Ministers
We are living in a most solemn time. All have a work to do requiring diligence. Especially is this true of the pastor, who is to care for and feed the flock of God. The one whose special work it is to lead the people into the path of truth, should be an able expositor of the word, capable of adapting his teachings to the wants of the people. He should be so closely connected with heaven as to become a living channel of light, a mouthpiece for God.
A pastor should have a correct understanding of the word and also of the human character. Our faith is unpopular. The people are unwilling to be convinced that they are so deeply in error; a great work is to be done, and at present there are but few to do it. One man usually performs the labor which should be shared by two; for the work of the evangelist is necessarily combined with that of the pastor, bringing a double burden upon the worker in the field.
The minister of Christ should be a Bible student, that his mind may be stored with Bible evidence; for a minister is strong only when he is fortified with Scripture truth. Argument is good in its place, but far more can be reached by simple explanations of the word of God. The lessons of Christ were illustrated so clearly that the lowest and most simple-minded could readily comprehend them. Jesus did not employ long and difficult words in His discourses, but used plain language, adapted to the minds of the common people. He ventured no further into the subject He was expounding than they were able to follow Him.
There are many men of good minds, who are intelligent in regard to the Scriptures, whose usefulness is greatly hindered by their defective method of labor. Some ministers who engage in the work of saving souls fail to secure the best results because they do not carry through with thoroughness the work that they commenced with so much enthusiasm. Others are not acceptable because they cling tenaciously to preconceived notions, making these prominent, and thereby failing to conform their teachings to the actual needs of the people. Many have no idea of the necessity of adapting themselves to circumstances and meeting the people where they are. They do not identify themselves with those whom they wish to help and elevate to the true Bible standard of Christianity.
In order to be a truly successful minister, one must wholly consecrate himself to the work of saving souls. It is highly essential that he should be closely united with Christ, seeking continual counsel from Him and depending upon His aid. Some fail of success because they trust to the strength of argument alone and do not cry earnestly to God for His wisdom to direct them and His grace to sanctify their efforts. Long discourses and tedious prayers are positively injurious to a religious interest and fail to carry conviction to the consciences of the people. This propensity for speechmaking frequently dampens a religious interest that might have produced great results.
The true ambassador of Christ is in perfect union with Him whom he represents, and his engrossing object is the salvation of souls. The wealth of earth dwindles into insignificance when compared with the worth of a single soul for whom our Lord and Master died. He who weigheth the hills in scales and the mountains in a balance regards a human soul as of infinite value.
In the work of the ministry there are battles to fight and victories to gain. “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth,” said Christ, “I came not to send peace, but a sword.” The opening labors of the Christian church were attended with hardships and bitter griefs, and the successors of the early apostles find that they must meet with trials similar to theirs; privations, calumny, and every species of opposition meet them in their labors. They must be men of stanch moral courage, and of spiritual muscle.
Great moral darkness prevails, and only the power of truth can drive away the shadows from a single mind. We are battling with giant errors and the strongest prejudices, and without the special help of God our efforts will fail either to convert souls or to elevate our own moral natures. Human skill and the very best natural abilities and acquisitions are powerless to quicken the soul to discern the enormity of sin and to banish it from the heart.
Ministers should be careful not to expect too much from persons who are still groping in the darkness of error. They should do their work well, relying upon God to impart to inquiring souls the mysterious, quickening influence of His Holy Spirit knowing that without this their labors will be unsuccessful. They should be patient and wise in dealing with minds, remembering how manifold are the circumstances that have developed such different traits in individuals. They should strictly guard themselves also lest self should get the supremacy and Jesus should be left out of the question.
Some ministers fail of success because they do not give their undivided interest to the work when very much depends upon persistent and well-directed labor. Many are not laborers; they do not pursue their business outside of the pulpit. They shirk the duty of going from house to house and laboring wisely in the home circle. They need to cultivate that rare Christian courtesy which would render them kind and considerate toward the souls under their care, working for them with true earnestness and faith, teaching them the way of life.
Ministers can do much toward molding the characters of those with whom they are associated. If they are sharp, critical, and exacting, they will be sure to meet these unhappy elements in the people upon whom their influence is strongest; though the result is not, perhaps, of the nature which they desire, yet it is nonetheless the effect of their own example.
It cannot be expected that the people will enjoy peace and harmony unless their religious teachers, whose footsteps they follow, have these principles largely developed and manifest them in their lives. The minister of Christ has great responsibilities to bear if he would become an example for his people and a correct exponent of his Master’s doctrine. Men were awed by the purity and moral dignity of our Saviour, while His unselfish love and gentle benignity won their hearts. He was the embodiment of perfection. If His representatives would see fruits attending their labors similar to those that crowned the ministry of Christ, they should earnestly strive to imitate His virtues and cultivate those traits of character which would make them like Him.
It requires much forethought and wisdom from God to labor successfully for the salvation of sinners. If the soul of the laborer is filled with the grace of God, his teaching will not irritate his hearers, but melt its way to their hearts and open them for the reception of the truth.
The workers in the field should not allow themselves to be discouraged; but whatever their surroundings, they should exercise hope and faith. The minister’s work is but just begun when he has presented the truth from the pulpit. He is then to become acquainted with his hearers. Many greatly fail in not coming in close sympathy with those who most need their help. With the Bible in their hand they should seek in a courteous manner to learn the objections which exist in the minds of those who are beginning to inquire: “What is truth?”
They should be carefully and tenderly led and educated as pupils in school. Many have to unlearn theories which have been engrafted into their lives. As they become convinced that they have been in error concerning Bible subjects, they are thrown into perplexity and doubt. They need the tenderest sympathy and the most judicious help; they should be carefully instructed; they should be prayed for and prayed with, watched and guarded with the kindest solicitude. Those who have fallen under temptation and have backslidden from God need help. This class is represented in the lessons of Christ by the lost sheep. The shepherd left the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and hunted for the one lost sheep until he found it; he then returned with rejoicing, bearing it on his shoulder. Also by the illustration of the woman who searched for the lost piece of silver until she found it, and called together her neighbors to rejoice with her that the lost was found. The connection of heavenly angels with the Christian’s work is here brought clearly to light. There is more joy in the presence of the angels in heaven over one sinner that repents than over ninety and nine just persons who need no repentance. There is joy with the Father and with Christ. All heaven is interested in the salvation of man. He who is instrumental in saving a soul is at liberty to rejoice; for angels of God have witnessed his efforts with the most intense interest, and rejoice with him in his success.
How thorough, then, should be the labor, and how deep the sympathy, of man for his fellow man. It is a great privilege to be a co-worker with Jesus Christ in the salvation of souls. He with patient, unselfish efforts sought to reach man in his fallen condition and to rescue him from the consequences of sin; therefore His disciples, who are the teachers of His word, should closely imitate their great Exemplar.
It is necessary, in order to pursue this great and arduous work, that the ministers of Christ should possess physical health. To attain this end they must become regular in their habits and adopt a healthful system of living. Many are continually complaining and suffering from various indispositions. This is almost always because they do not labor wisely nor observe the laws of health. They frequently remain too much indoors, occupying heated rooms filled with impure air. There they apply themselves closely to study or writing, taking little physical exercise, and having little change of employment. As a consequence, the blood becomes sluggish, and the powers of the mind are enfeebled.
The whole system needs the invigorating influence of exercise in the open air. A few hours of manual labor each day would tend to renew the bodily vigor and rest and relax the mind. In this way the general health would be promoted, and a greater amount of pastoral labor could be performed. The incessant reading and writing of many ministers unfit them for pastoral work. They consume valuable time in abstract study, which should be expended in helping the needy at the right moment.
Some ministers have given themselves to the work of writing during a period of decided religious interest, and it has frequently been the case that their writings have had no special connection with the work in hand. This is a glaring error, for at such times it is the duty of the minister to use his entire strength in pushing forward the cause of God. His mind should be clear and centered upon the one object of saving souls. Should his thoughts be preoccupied with other subjects, many might be lost to the cause who could have been saved by timely instruction. Some ministers are easily diverted from their work. They become discouraged, or are attracted to their homes, and leave a growing interest to die for want of attention. The harm done to the cause in this way can scarcely be estimated. When an effort to promulgate the truth is started, the minister in charge should feel responsible to carry it through successfully. If his labors appear to be without result, he should seek by earnest prayer to discover if they are what they should be. He should humble his soul before God in self-examination and by faith cling to the divine promises, humbly continuing his efforts till he is satisfied that he has faithfully discharged his duty and done everything in his power to gain the desired result.
Ministers frequently report that they left the best of interest at one point to enter a new field. This is wrong; they should have finished the work they began; for in leaving it incomplete, they do more harm than good by spoiling the field for the next laborer. No field is so unpromising as that which has been cultivated just enough to give the weeds a more luxuriant growth.
Much prayer and wise labor are needed in new fields. Men of God are wanted, not merely men who can talk, but those who have an experimental knowledge of the mystery of godliness and who can meet the urgent wants of the people, those who solemnly realize the importance of their position as servants of Jesus and will cheerfully take up the cross that He has taught them how to bear.
When the temptation comes to seclude themselves and indulge in reading and writing at a time when other duties claim their immediate attention, they should be strong enough to deny self and devote themselves to the work that lies directly before them. This is undoubtedly one of the most trying tests that a studious mind is called to undergo.
The duties of a pastor are often shamefully neglected because the minister lacks strength to sacrifice his personal inclinations for seclusion and study. The pastor should visit from house to house among his flock, teaching, conversing, and praying with each family, and looking out for the welfare of their souls. Those who have manifested a desire to become acquainted with the principles of our faith should not be neglected, but thoroughly instructed in the truth. No opportunity to do good should be lost by the watchful and zealous minister of God.
Certain ministers who have been invited to houses by the heads of families have spent the few hours of their visit in secluding themselves in an unoccupied room to indulge their inclination for reading and writing. The family that entertained them derived no benefit from the visit. The ministers accepted the hospitality extended them without giving an equivalent in the labor that was so much needed.
People are easily reached through the avenues of the social circle. But many ministers dread the task of visiting; they have not cultivated social qualities, have not acquired that genial spirit that wins its way to the hearts of the people. It is highly important that a pastor should mingle much with his people, that he may become acquainted with the different phases of human nature, readily understand the workings of the mind, adapt his teachings to the intellect of his people, and learn that grand charity possessed only by those who closely study the nature and needs of men.
Those who seclude themselves from the people are in no condition to help them. A skillful physician must understand the nature of various diseases and must have a thorough knowledge of the human structure. He must be prompt in attending to the patients. He knows that delays are dangerous. When his experienced hand is laid upon the pulse of the sufferer, and he carefully notes the peculiar indication of the malady, his previous knowledge enables him to determine concerning the nature of the disease and the treatment necessary to arrest its progress. As the physician deals with physical disease, so does the pastor minister to the sin-sick soul. And his work is as much more important than that of the former as eternal life is more valuable than temporal xistence. The pastor meets with an endless variety of temperaments; and it is his duty to become acquainted with the members of families that listen to his teachings, in order to determine what means will best influence them in the right direction.
In view of these grave responsibilities, the question will arise: “Who is sufficient for these things?” The heart of the laborer will almost faint as he considers the various arduous duties devolving upon him; but the words of Christ strengthen the soul with the comforting assurance: “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” The difficulties and dangers that threaten the safety of those he loves should make him cautious and circumspect in his manner of dealing with them, and watchful of them as one who must give an account. He should judiciously employ his influence in winning souls to Christ and impressing the truth upon inquiring minds. He should take care that the world, by its delusive attractions, does not lead them away from God and steel their hearts to the influence of His grace.
The minister is not to rule imperiously over the flock entrusted to his care, but to be their ensample, and to show them the way to heaven. Following the example of Christ, he should intercede with God for the people of his care till he sees that his prayers are answered. Jesus exercised human and divine sympathy toward man. He is our example in all things. God is our Father and Governor, and the Christian minister is the representative of His Son on earth. The principles which rule in heaven should rule upon earth; the same love that animates the angels, the same purity and holiness that reign in heaven, should, as far as possible, be reproduced upon earth. God holds the minister responsible for the power he exercises, but does not justify His servants in perverting that power into despotism over the flock of their care.
God has given to His servants precious knowledge of His truth, and He desires that they shall closely connect themselves with Jesus and, through sympathy, draw near to their brethren, that they may do them all the good that lies in their power. The Redeemer of the world did not consult His own pleasure, but went about doing good. He bound Himself closely to the Father, that He might bring Their united strength to bear upon the souls of men to save them from eternal ruin. In like manner should His servants cultivate spirituality if they expect to succeed in their work.
Jesus pitied poor sinners so much that He left the courts of heaven and laid aside the robes of royalty, humiliating Himself to humanity, that He might become acquainted with the needs of man and help him to rise above the degradation of the Fall. When He has given to man such unquestionable evidence of His love and tenderest sympathy, how important that His representatives should imitate His example in coming close to their fellow men and helping them to form a true Christian character. But some have been too ready to engage in church trials, and have borne sharp and unsympathizing testimony against the erring. In thus acting, they have yielded to a natural propensity that should have been firmly subdued. This is not the calm justice of the Christian executive, but the harsh criticism of a hasty temperament.
The churches need education more than censure. Instead of blaming them too severely for their want of spirituality and neglect of duty, the minister should, by precept and example, teach them to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. “Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints; to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: whereunto I also labor, striving according to His working, which worketh in me mightily.”
Our ministers who have reached the age of forty or fifty years should not feel that their labor is less efficient than formerly. Men of years and experience are just the ones to put forth strong and well-directed efforts. They are specially needed at this time; the churches cannot afford to part with them. Such ones should not talk of physical and mental feebleness nor feel that their day of usefulness is over.
Many of them have suffered from severe mental taxation, unrelieved by physical exercise. The result is a deterioration of their powers and a tendency to shirk responsibilities. What they need is more active labor. This is not alone confined to those whose heads are white with the frost of time, but men young in years have fallen into the same state and have become mentally feeble. They have a list of set discourses, but if they get beyond the boundaries of these they lose their soundings.
The old-fashioned pastor, who traveled on horseback and spent much time in visiting his flock, enjoyed much better health, notwithstanding his hardships and exposures, than our ministers of today, who avoid all physical exertion as far as possible and confine themselves to their books.
Ministers of age and experience should feel it their duty, as God’s hired servants, to go forward, progressing every day, continually becoming more efficient in their work, and constantly gathering fresh matter to set before the people. Each effort to expound the gospel should be an improvement upon that which preceded it. Each year they should develop a deeper piety, a tenderer spirit, a greater spirituality, and a more thorough knowledge of Bible truth. The greater their age and experience, the nearer should they be able to approach the hearts of the people, having a more perfect knowledge of them.
Men are needed for this time who are not afraid to lift their voices for the right, whoever may oppose them. They should be of strong integrity and tried courage. The church calls for them, and God will work with their efforts to uphold all branches of the gospel ministry. 4T 260-270.