The usefulness of young men who feel that they are called by God to preach, depends much upon the manner in which they enter upon their labors.Those who are chosen of God for the work of the ministry will give proof of their high calling and by every possible means will seek to develop into able workmen.They will endeavor to gain an experience that will fit them to plan, organize, and execute.Appreciating the sacredness of their calling, they will, by self-discipline, become more and still more like their Master, revealing His goodness, love, and truth.And as they manifest earnestness in improving the talents entrusted to them, the church should help them judiciously.
Not all who feel that they have been called to preach, should be encouraged to throw themselves and their families at once upon the church for continuous financial support.There is danger that some of limited experience may be spoiled by flattery, and by unwise encouragement to expect full support independent of any serious effort on their part.The means dedicated to the extension of the work of God should not be consumed by men who desire to preach only that they may receive support and thus gratify a selfish ambition for an easy life.
Young men who desire to exercise their gifts in the work of the ministry, will find a helpful lesson in the example of Paul at Thessalonica, Corinth, Ephesus, and other places.Although an eloquent speaker, and chosen by God to do a special work, he was never above labor, nor did he ever weary of sacrificing for the cause he loved."Even unto this present hour," he wrote to the Corinthians, "we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place; and labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it." 1Corinthians 4:11, 12.
One of the greatest of human teachers, Paul cheerfully performed the lowliest as well as the highest duties.When in his service for the Master circumstances seemed to require it, he willingly labored at his trade.
Nevertheless, he ever held himself ready to lay aside his secular work, in order to meet the opposition of the enemies of the gospel, or to improve a special opportunity to win souls to Jesus.His zeal and industry are a rebuke to indolence and desire for ease.
Paul set an example against the sentiment, then gaining influence in the church, that the gospel could be proclaimed successfully only by those who were wholly freed from the necessity of physical toil.He illustrated in a practical way what might be done by consecrated laymen in many places where the people were unacquainted with the truths of the gospel.His course inspired many humble toilers with a desire to do what they could to advance the cause of God, while at the same time they supported themselves in daily labor.Aquila and Priscilla were not called to give their whole time to the ministry of the gospel, yet these humble laborers were used by God to show Apollos the way of truth more perfectly.The Lord employs various instrumentalities for the accomplishment of His purpose, and while some with special talents are chosen to devote all their energies to the work of teaching and preaching the gospel, many others, upon whom human hands have never been laid in ordination, are called to act an important part in soulsaving.
There is a large field open before the self-supporting gospel worker.Many may gain valuable experiences in ministry while toiling a portion of the time at some form of manual labor, and by this method strong workers may be developed for important service in needy fields.
