“In all your work remember that you are bound up with Christ,
a part of the great plan of Redemption. The love of Christ, in a healing, Life-giving current, is to flow through your life . . . .”
“Therefore with joy shall ye draw Water out of the wells of Salvation . . . . that ye should know how to speak a Word in season to him that is weary !”
Isaiah 12:1-3 & 50:4
This work requires self-sacrifice. While many are waiting to have every obstacle removed, the work they might do is left undone, and multitudes are dying without hope and without God. Some for the sake of commercial advantage, or to acquire scientific knowledge, will venture into unsettled regions and cheerfully endure sacrifice and hardship; but how few for the sake of their fellow men are willing to move their families into regions that are in need of the gospel.
To reach the people, wherever they are, and whatever their position or condition, and to help them in every way possible — this is true ministry. By such effort you may win hearts and open a door of access to perishing souls.
In all your work remember that you are bound up with Christ, a part of the great plan of Redemption. The love of Christ, in a healing, Life-giving current, is to flow through your life. As you seek to draw others within the circle of His love, let the purity of your language, the unselfishness of your service, the joyfulness of your demeanor, bear witness to the power of His Grace (G5485 – divine Influence). Give to the world so pure and righteous a representation of Him, that men shall behold Him in His beauty.
It is of little use to try to reform others by attacking what we may regard as wrong habits. Such effort often results in more harm than good. In His talk with the Samaritan woman, instead of disparaging Jacob’s well, Christ presented something better. “If thou knewest the Gift of God,” He said, “and Who it is that saith to thee, Give Me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee Living Water.” John 4:10. He turned the conversation to the treasure He had to bestow, offering the woman something better than she possessed, even Living Water, the joy and hope of the gospel !
This is an illustration of the way in which we are to work. We must offer men something better than that which they possess, even the Peace (Shalom) of Christ, which passeth all understanding. We must tell them of God’s holy law, the transcript of His character, and an expression of that which He wishes them to become. Show them how infinitely superior to the fleeting joys and pleasures of the world is the imperishable glory of heaven.
Tell them of the freedom and Rest to be found in the Saviour. “Whosoever drinketh of the Water that I shall give him shall never thirst,” He declared. Lift up Jesus, crying, “Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world!” John 4:10-14 and 1:29. He alone can satisfy the craving of the heart and give Peace to the soul.
Of all people in the world, reformers should be the most unselfish, the most kind, the most courteous. In their lives should be seen the true goodness of unselfish deeds. The worker who manifests a lack of courtesy, who shows impatience at the ignorance on waywardness of others, who speaks hastily or acts thoughtlessly, may close the door to hearts so that he can never reach them.
As the dew and the still showers fall upon the withering plants, so let Words fall gently when seeking to win men from error. God’s plan is first to reach the heart. We are to speak the Truth in love, trusting in Him to give it power for the reforming of the life. The Holy Spirit will apply to the soul the Word that is spoken in love.
Naturally we are self-centered and opinionated. But when we learn the lessons that Christ desires to teach us, we become partakers of His nature; henceforth we live His life.
The wonderful example of Christ, the matchless tenderness with which He entered into the feelings of others, weeping with those who wept, rejoicing with those who rejoiced, must have a deep influence upon the character of all who follow Him in sincerity. By kindly words and acts they will try to make the path easy for weary feet.
“The Lord Eternal hath given me a tongue for teaching.” “That I should know how to speak a Word in season to him that is weary. He wakeneth me morning by morning, He wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. The Lord God (Adoni Yehuvee’) hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back !”
Isaiah 50:4-5
Ministry of Healing p.156-158