p. 421 | Skill in Gospel Work by George B. Gow

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jul 16, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 27.

Skill in Gospel Work.

By George B. Gow

THERE are many in our churches who have no skill in gospel work, many who have a little skill in some kinds of work, and only a few comparatively who have much skill in many kinds of work. It requires much time and effort, and the loss of many things which selfish human nature greatly prizes, to acquire such varied skill. Many do not think it necessary to acquire skill in gospel work. They look upon religion as an experience to be saved by, not a life of devotion in the service of Christ. They drift on through life, cherishing a hope of Heaven, eager for the things of this world, but never eager for work in the kingdom of Christ. They have no such love of the service of Christ as will bear the cost of acquiring skill in it.

The degree of skill which men can acquire in Christian work is greatly varied. The native gifts of men for such work greatly differ. But the work, too, is varied, and there is no one who has the faith, love, and knowledge of a true disciple who cannot acquire a good degree of skill in many kinds of Christian work. Any disciple, however small or few his native gifts, who, constrained by love, sets himself to acquire the knowledge and skill necessary for gospel work, seeking the counsel of the church, its pastors and elders, patient and persistent in endeavor, burning with zeal, but humble and prudent, willing to be instructed in ways and means, will acquire a high degree of skill in many kinds of gospel work. The great majority of Christian workers are not persons of special or extraordinary gifts. Their ability comes from practice in the work to which love constrained them. By patient and persistent trying, they have learned what to do and how to do it. What the churches need is not greater natural talents, but persons whose love of work has made them skillful. It is the few of this sort who are the strength of the churches, a handful in each church.—Geo. B. Gow.