THE true object of ministry is “that God in all things may be glorified” and the Body of Christ edified. Some who have a measure of gift fail to edify as they might. The reasons for this may be in their own hands and capable of removal. Some hints may help writer and reader. Ministry may fail to edify on account of;
1. — Inordinate Length.
This is specially wearying when prefaced by the usual formula, “A brief word,” or “A few remarks.” This frequently preludes a long drawn-out address of forty minutes or so... There is another phase of this which is very trying to an audience, the trick of making “false finishes.” The speaker seems to have come to an end, and then starts off again with renewed energy. Some speakers are long but never lengthy. Some may seem lengthy without being long. If you have seven heads to your address, perhaps it is more prudent not to announce that fact to your audience “lest they be discouraged.”
2. — Undue Frequency.
Some speakers would be twice as valued if they spoke half as often. “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:1919Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: (James 1:19)). Of some it may be said, as to Israel of old, “Their strength is to sit still” (Isa. 30:77For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still. (Isaiah 30:7)). The flesh is very restless. There is but little waiting upon God. Every one is at full-cock, ready to go off at the first opportunity. This is the death-blow to spiritual worship... We are not local Atlases bearing up the Church of God on our shoulders; there are others qualified to edify. Perhaps the Holy Spirit would use one of these if we spoke less frequently.
3. — Monotony.
Some people have their pet themes. To them your ministry is irrelevant if you move outside their little repertoire. They always speak of “Principles of Reception,” “The Higher Life,” Separation from the World,” or “The Great Tribulation.” Themes of great importance these, but not to be used to the exclusion of many others, for “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Tim. 3:1616All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:16)). Others are always dwelling on the low state of things. Their motto is “Ichabod.” This kind of thing is apt to be very depressing if it bulk largely in preaching. Those present are scolded for the shortcomings of the absent.
Things are low and weak today in many ways, and the testimony is of a remnant character in the midst of the growing apostasy, but God is the same; His Spirit abides with us, and His Word is as true as ever. We should avoid a depressing ministry. Let us “strengthen the things that remain, that are ready to die” (Rev. 3:22Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. (Revelation 3:2)).
4. — Staleness.
There is a great deal of stale manna about. Once a man’s ministry was fresh and crisp; now he seems played out. Once he was a blessing; now he fails to move. His words lack unction. He is perfectly sound, but it is the soundness of tinned meats. A young man once said to an elder brother who was seeing him off from the station after a short series of meetings, “I hope you will have me again. I have thirteen undelivered addresses.” “The Lord add to their number, dear brother!” was the reply of the other. In Africa the long grass is burnt up every year, and many a noisome creature with it. But grass is not the only thing here below that gets long and dry. It would be a good, thing if some notes of addresses were “purged with fire” every year or so.
5. — Crudity.
How badly ill-cooked food nourishes the body, and little better for the soul is crude ministry. The Word of God must be predigested. “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart” (Jer. 15:1616Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts. (Jeremiah 15:16)). The teacher must be first fed himself. True ministry brings us into the presence of God. There two persons are revealed, ourselves in our littleness, vileness, and unworthiness; and Christ in His infinite perfection. The teacher must have this double vision. He must share the thoughts of God, and then, like Luke, he can set them in order.
Some people seem to claim a sort of on-the-spot inspiration. They ask us to believe that, like the prophets of old, a message has come to them as a direct revelation from God on a verse they have never thought of before... But claims to inspiration are rarely inspiring. As for preparation, it is as we meditate on the Word that it takes shape in our minds in an orderly way, and it is only then that we can give it out clearly. When a person says that he understands a thing clearly, but cannot express it, it is his understanding which is at fault. The poet wrote truly:
“That which is well grasped is told out clearly,
And the words to express it suggest themselves easily.”
6. — Powerlessness.
This is the most serious hindrance of all. Correct doctrine with no grip. The water of the Word, but no oil of the Spirit. Form without the power. This usually comes from a careless walk, some inexpedient thing clung to, worldly ways, sin allowed. The Word has been neglected, or, if studied, not fed upon. Perhaps some doubtful habit blinds the eyes. The holy oil will only pour out into clean vessels. The way to the throne of grace has been little trod... If we want to be vessels unto Honor we must “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord.”
How much has been talked of separation “from,” and separation “unto” has been overlooked; of separation from what is outside, while the inward parts are full of self, envying, and strife. This is “Pharisaism.” The separation without holiness, of which God complained in Israel of old, who said, “Stand by thyself; come not near to me for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day” (Isa. 65:55Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day. (Isaiah 65:5)). Ecclesiastically, they were separated from their fellowmen, morally they were separated from God.
Extracted.
If you look at rivers you can often tell whence they come, and the soil over which they have flowed by their color: those which flow from melting glaciers are known at once. There is a text concerning a heavenly river which you will understand if you look at it in this light: “He showed me a pure river of the water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God, and of the Lamb.” Where the throne is occupied by Godhead, and the appointed Mediator, the incarnate God, the once bleeding Lamb, then the river must be pure as crystal, and be a river, not of molten lava of devouring wrath, but a river of the water of life.
C.H.S.