Importance of Reporting by F. W. PAAP

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 24, 1914

Importance of Reporting

By F. W. PAAP

IN every phase and department of any great movement or undertaking, it is absolutely essential to ultimate and permanent success that more or less detailed information be preserved and furnished to the directors at headquarters. This statement is broad enough to comprehend our great missionary campaign. There are a great many who say they do not believe in reporting. They quote, “Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth,” in support of their position. We plead for a truer interpretation of the text. If we are working with singleness of purpose, not with eyeservice as men pleasers, but doing the will of God from the heart, the right hand will know something about it. “Return to thine own house, and show how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him. And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.” Luke 8:39, 40. The sentiment and attitude of a whole community were changed by the report and life of this once demon-possessed soul. We rejoice in this report even at this late hour. We want you, dear laborer together with Christ, to do as did that man.

From Genesis to Revelation the Bible is more or less a series of interesting reports. We see what great things God has done or purposes to do for men and through men. If we should take from the Bible everything in the nature of a report, everything showing what great things God has done for men, what would we have left? “And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done.” Luke 9:10.

We find about one tenth of those who are blessed of God returning to give him the glory. “Where are the nine?” We can glorify God by returning to report just as well as by doing the work. Our influence for good is easily doubled by properly reporting all work done. “And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning

fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:17-20.

We wish that we might say something that would arouse all our people to do a perfect work, reporting included. You cannot report if you do not work. We do not want you to work so as to have something to report. We want you to work for precious souls, work patiently, wisely, considerately, with the tender ministry of love, and then you cannot help reporting. You will report to his glory. You will have results. Your report will arouse others and inspire them to greater activity. We earnestly solicit your cooperation.

F. W. PAAP.