|
 I
knew a man in Christ about twenty years ago who needed courage
to face a difficult period. By keeping quiet, leaving unsaid
words that needed to be said, things would be much easier for
him and his family — or so it seemed. He was frightened that
he would hesitate at such a time. Then, he remembered and read
Acts 18:9-10.
“Be
not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with
thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much
people in this city.”
He
typed those words on a little card and put them under the glass
on his desk. He spoke, and no man set on him to hurt him. He
only lasted four weeks after that (instead of a year and six
months) but then some preachers move more often than others. The
Lord did have much people in that city. A sound church is there
now.
Are
we preachers today aware of the need to keep on speaking honest
convictions? Paul wrote, “. .according as it is written, I
believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and
therefore
|
|
speak.” (2 Cor. 4:13) It is
significant that he addressed the following to Timothy, the
evangelist. “Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure
conscience.” “Meditate upon these things; give thyself
wholly to them;” (Emph. mine.) And of course, “Preach
the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke,
exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” (1 Tim. 3:9;
4:15; 2 Tim. 4:2). What an awesome responsibility!
ne
fellow complained that people do not have respect for preachers
now as they once did. That may be another “good old days”
fallacy, but if it is a valid observation, preachers are
probably to blame. Respect must be earned, and I don’t mean by
selling something to the brethren. Nor is it enhanced by
stomping and yelling abuse at them. I wonder what people would
think of a preacher who studied diligently, and presented each
point only after carefully researching it. Who spoke kindly, yet
firmly and with no favor of persons? With whom one could differ
without sensing an injured pride? If no one would support him he
could be displayed in a zoo.
[Previous
Article] [Next
Article]
|
