As “fishers of men” employed by Jesus Christ, we must do our work in a spirit that will reflect Christ’s attitude toward the world.
Christ is the head of a mighty organization engaged in taking men out of the dominion of Satan and bringing them into the realm of love and life eternal. The love of Christ must dominate the actions of every person who takes part in this great work, from the foremost Christian leader to the quietly working but unnoticed layman.
Foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves. (2 Timothy 2:23–25)
We must under no circumstances be drawn into an argument, as nothing can be gained by it. You will find that it is very difficult to win an argument and a soul at the same time.
It is so very important that we remember this, as so many precious eternal beings are driven away by some unwise person who could not control his tongue.
Some unsaved men will try to draw you into a sharp discussion so that they can show off their knowledge of science or evolution, or some other subject.
Avoid such useless discussions, as your purpose is not to reason with men concerning personal opinions but to convey to them a message from God’s Word.
You are a messenger and it is not your place to argue with men about the message, but it is your duty to deliver it to them.
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)
It never pays to be overcome by any situation, no matter how difficult. If the person with whom you are conversing seems rather harsh, discourteous, or ill-mannered, then no better method of answer could possibly work than that of remaining master of the situation by your gentle, loving spirit.
Always strive to speak the right word at the right time. The conversation should positively suit the situation. Be calm in your tone of speech, never become excited, worked up, or argumentative.
In a meeting being conducted by a young Christian worker, there was a high school student present who was unsaved and full of skepticism. The meeting was of such a nature that it was not out of place to ask questions, which he did.
His very irritating and annoying manner could have easily given rise to an argument. In spite of the situation, the young worker kept calm, answering his questions to the best of his ability, but refusing to argue.
There happened to be other unsaved people present who were impressed by this. Had a heated discussion taken place, it would have greatly lessened his chances of leading them to Christ.
Later in the evening, the student himself accepted Christ.
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. (James 1:20)
USE OF TRACTS
Many times, it is impossible to speak personally to an individual whom we contact. In crowded places such as street cars, trains, buses, or large gatherings, it is often well to quietly hand a tract to those whom we meet. Everyone can give out tracts. Everyone should possess a good supply of tracts that clearly and simply explain the need and way of salvation.
Over every tract, the personal worker should breathe a prayer in the name of Jesus. He says, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you” (John 16:23).
How limitless the ministry of tracts can become.
Always carry a good selection of tracts. Always be looking for opportunities to give them away. Thousands have been saved because someone was faithful in handing out tracts.
After you have led a man to Christ, it would be well to give him several tracts to give out, so that he can start right in working for the Lord.
THE PERSONAL WORKER MUST BE A LOVER OF SOULS
The greatest qualification for a successful personal worker is a genuine love for men and women. The successful personal worker’s attitude is this: “I love as though I had died for them.”
If a Christian discovers that he does not possess this love, he may receive it by claiming it in Christ. “My God shall supply all your need” (Philippians 4:19).
He will meet this need of love.
Meditation in the Word will also bring to us love for the unsaved and show to us our responsibilities as personal workers.
All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:18–20)
God has completely reconciled the world unto Himself, but we must bring to them the message of reconciliation. The ministry of reconciliation in Christ will be of no effect if we do not bring it to them.
If a man could be saved without hearing the gospel, Christ would not have given the Great Commission:
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations; baptize them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19 WEY)
We are His ambassadors. God is beseeching through us. He has no other contact with the lost world. This is why we must love them as Christ loved them. We must be as anxious to bring to them the message of reconciliation as though we had, in the place of Christ, died for their redemption.
You must have a fixed goal before you in dealing with an unsaved person whom you are endeavoring to lead to Christ. Your purpose in bringing the Word to him is to receive from him a confession of the lordship of Jesus Christ over his life.
QUESTIONS
- What one characteristic is to be outstanding in the personal worker?
- Why is it best never to argue with the unsaved?
- Why should one carry tracts or other Christian literature with them at all times?
- Can a man be born again without ever hearing the Word of God?