ounty P e o J e
m a ty k n o w
t lie w im o f Q o< i
FOURTH IN A SERIES O F MESSAGES FOR YOUTH By William W. Orr, D.D.
to God’s will, is not God able to use him just as he is? Should one adopt the principles o f the early disciples who although they were unlearned and ignorant men, were used o f God in a mighty way? (Acts 4 :13 ). This is a question indeed. Let it be said, first o f all, that edu cation is not the principal necessity. God is not bound to use men who are educated. It is quite possible for Him to speak through the stones o f the road or, even by the voice of a donkey if it is His will.- The principal requi site is that the Christian’s heart should be humble and his spirit teach able. But, on the other hand, there seems to be no doubt as to the greater use fulness o f well-equipped men and women. This is demonstrated every day. Those who have both studied the Word, and have come in contact with the need of the day are unanimous in their opinion that the candidate for Christian service should be adequately prepared. It seems almost a necessity in to day’s world that young people pro cure as much of the right kind of education as possible. Yet they should remember always that the fear o f the Lord is the beginning o f knowledge (Prov. 1 : 7 ; . Psa. 111:10). The schools which Christians should at tend are those with real regard for the truth o f God. Yet if this cannot be the properly-grounded Christian T H E K I N G ' S B U S I N E S S
T HIS is a vastly important ques tion. How can I know if God wants me in full-time service, abroad or at home? How can I be sure that it is just not my emotions or sympathy for less fortunate people that is prompting me to think along these lines? One o f the last things the Lord did before He went back to glory was to commission His followers to fill the earth with the gospel story (Matt. 28:18-20). There is no doubt o f God’s concern over this desperate need. Coupled with that we have the knowl edge o f the degradation and supersti tion which enslaves the people of pagan lands (Rom. 1:28-32). Religion they have, but not Christ. Worship they carry on, but not the worship which alone is acceptable to God. This knowledge in a very real sense is a definite challenge which comes to every Christian (Rom. 10:14, 15). Yet some have felt the need of a specific call, and in case after case God has graciously met that need (Acts 16 :9 ). I f one’s heart is con cerned regarding the lost millions, it is quite right that he should go to God asking for definite confirmation. Now how does God call? Ofttimes God speaks through a missionary con vention. Sometimes by missionary speakers in your own church, and Page Sixteen
very often by the reading o f great missionary biographies. Sometimes He calls through missionary movies or pictures, or He may just impress the heart with His will. But those who have been called are sure; they have no doubt as to whose voice it was that did the^calling. But God is greatly desirous that all Christians should be willing for mis sionary service (Rom. 12:1, 2 ). He does not call everyone, but God wants every child of His to be willing to be called (Rom. 6 :13 ). It is a very splendid plan to go forward in a pub lic meeting when the opportunity is given, openly recording your yielded- ness to the will o f God. What constitutes a missionary call? It just isn’t possible to answer that in one sentence. Some calls are general, yet it is God who calls. Some calls are so specific that they leave absolutely no room for doubt. Perhaps the answer might be that every Christian ought to willingly offer himself and leave the confirmation to the great Lord o f the harvest. What About Education? Is it necessary that one who wants to be used o f God should spend years in preparation for that service? Or, if one commits himself unreservedly
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker