C 06 - A Soul- Winning Vocation

A SOUL- WINNING VOCATION

6. The ministry has the attraction of being a soul-winning vocation. Personal interest in a work makes it a delight, and its absence kills enjoyment and turns work into drudgery. The mere artisan may be set to tread the round of some mechanical routine in which he can have little or no interest, but the artist has an ideal that sets his soul on fire and kindles his intense interest and enthusiasm. The physician in a considerable degree has this interest in treating a patient, and the attorney in conducting a case. The lawyer in addressing a jury is trying not simply to make a fine speech and gain applause, but to persuade them of the truth and justice of his case; and he may have the tremendous incentive of trying to save his client’s life. The minister has this motive of personal interest and responsibility in the highest degree. He, too, is trying to win a case and heal a patient and save a soul. His aim is the practical one of persuading his hearers of their lost condition in sin and need of a Saviour and of convincing them that Jesus Christ is mighty to save. This practical and immensely responsible aim shapes the logic of his sermon and suffuses it with fervency and urgency from beginning to end. He is not rendering a performance before his hearers for their entertainment or even for their instruction, but he is at close grips with them in a personal contest in which he is endeavoring by every means in his power to enlighten their minds, remove their difficulties and doubts, conquer their prejudices, break up their indifference, break down their opposition, and melt and move them to faith and action. When he succeeds in his endeavor and knows that he has led souls to Christ, he has a sense of holy satisfaction and even of triumph which is like that of the physician who has delivered a patient from death, or of a. lawyer who has secured justice for his client or has even saved his life. The minister is engaged in saving souls not only in his preaching but also in his more private, personal relations with his people. Jesus not only preached to great multitudes that thronged the amphitheater of the sea shore or the mountain side, but he also engaged in private interviews with solitary individuals, such as Nicodemus, who came to him alone by night, or the woman with whom he talked at Jacob’s well. With him a single soul was a great audience. We do not read of anyone’s being converted by his public sermons, but in these personal interviews he won his individual hearer every time. The minister is carrying on this private work, as he gets into close, sympathetic touch with individuals and by his personal influence and tactful, tender words leads them to Christ. This personal work is often the most effective means of gathering souls into the Kingdom; and such converts are usually the most stable, as hand-picked apples are always the best. The minister’s office also includes the work of guiding and developing his people in their growth in Christian character and conduct; and in sustaining and comforting them in all the circumstances, temptations, trials, and sorrows of life. This brings him into the most intimate, confidential relations with them in both their joys and their sorrows and binds them to his heart with the strong est and most tender ties. As “friendship is three fourths of life,” the minister has opportunities enjoyed by few other men of forming precious friendships that are among his greatest treasures and richest joys.

There is a peculiar joy in winning and helping souls that rises far above the mere satisfaction of success in one’s work. It was for this joy that was set before him that Jesus “endured the cross, despising shame”; and his ministers in following him may go forth with weeping, sowing precious seed, but they also shall return with rejoicing, bringing their sheaves with them. He that is wise winneth souls, and they that turn many to righteousness shall shine “as the stars for ever and ever.” Such joy should surpass that of the artist in carving marble or painting pictures, for the minister is an artist and creator working in the imperishable material of the human soul.