Seven years ago I left England to reside in a new country. Those seven years I now find have been very important to me in my walk in the Truth. Being inexperienced both in the new country and in the Lord’s service, guidance and comfort was very essential to me. Such blessings came by way of letters which were sent to me by a beloved brother who has not failed to write weekly for the past seven years. Often that quotation from Proverbs Ch. 25, Verse 25 (As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country) has come to mind. In the hour of depression or success a letter was at hand, and the message always seemed to be very fitting for the particular occasion.
Having tasted and profited from such a brotherly action, I asked the said brother to write a few remarks on the importance and value of letter writing:—
The apostle Paul introduces us to this subject when writing to Timothy. (1st Timothy Ch. 3 Verse 14) “These things write I unto you hoping to come unto thee shortly, but if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God. Again in 2nd John Verse 12, “Having many things to write unto you I would not write with paper and ink, but I trust to come unto you and speak face to face that our joy may be full”.
At an Isolation league meeting recently, a great deal was said and reported upon the subject of corresponding with those of like precious faith in isolation. One speaker spoke on his experiences in visiting those in isolation and we had to agree with his remarks, that meeting ‘face to face’, our joy is made full. But as this is not always possible surely the next best thing is visiting them through the medium of the pen.
What joy is created when the mailman delivers a letter for us. At once the thought strikes us, that the proverb does not always apply ‘out of sight, out of mind’. In this twentieth century there are few who have not the ability to write, and I am positive that those who have been called to be servants of Christ have the inner desire to use this ‘one talent’ we have to help others. Let us think of the wonderful opportunities that are afforded us to cause this ‘one talent’ to increase in value:— One has just passed through the waters of baptism; someone has just been united in marriage ; a brother or sister has been taken sick ; the affairs of this life have come hard on another ; one has lost their beloved one through death. The pen can be mightier than the sword. It can take the place of the physician to heal and comfort those who need help so urgently.
Such a task of love will find us obeying the command of the scriptures, “Ministering to the wants of the Saints”. We cannot do better than follow the example of Paul to his sons in the spirit, especially when we think of his personal letter to Philemon. Remember the words of Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”. Yet the writer can personally benefit much by this Godly exercise, which is so profitable for this life and for that which is to come. I have received many reports saying what great satisfaction is gained by being able to help others to find happiness and peace in living in the hope of the gospel. How often can we preach the word through this medium. So while the Lord tarries, ‘bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ’.
You have this talent, I have it, so let us see to it that we do not bury it as the man in the parable of Christ, but put it to use so that when we stand before our judge he will be able to say, “When was sick, in prison, naked, ye visited me”. What joy it would be to enter that glorious Kingdom, and with our entrance behold those who we have been privileged to help in this life to obtain that better life everlasting.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One