Like many things in life, when preaching the truth, the first step always seems to be the hardest. How many times has the spirit been willing to speak about the things of God, but in looking for those first few words, the opportunity is lost? Surely we have all known disappointment and frustration in trying to get started. The following thoughts may therefore prove useful in learning to sow the seed with confidence and efficiency.
- Be Prepared. A simple but indispensable tool for those who want to “Preach the word; be instant in season and out of season,” II Timothy 4:2! If the things of God are always in our mind then we will find the opportunities are more numerous and the initiative much greater. Paul was in total isolation at Athens, (not really, for God was with him), and yet “his spirit was stirred in him.” He, like Jesus, was always ready — ARE WE?
- Don’t be shy. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord,” II Timothy 1:7, 8. Our words must be spoken with confidence. And this comes by these things given us by God: Power, love and a sound mind. Power — in the strength and logic and force of His Holy Word. Love — in the humble loving concern we should have toward all men, even as God “Who will have all men to be saved and to come into the knowledge of the truth.” A sound mind — in the application and consistency of the things we say and the things we do. Our lives will have one purpose and our minds will be uncluttered.
- Find a Common Interest. Almost everyone is interested and acquainted with some aspect of current events: Common Market, Middle East Problems, Rhodesian Crisis, Racial strife, legalized gambling, etc. All of these can be discussed freely and gradually bring up the moral problem behind the subject. And as soon as the moral is raised there is the chance to speak of God’s standards and justice. Also the prophetic scriptures are of great interest and value in this line of discussion. People read all sorts of books and this again gives us the chance to start talking. Never be afraid to point out poor reasoning or the low moral content of a publication.
- Let your light shine. Many times the activities of the truth give us a good opportunity to discuss our interests in the word of God. Bible School, Sunday School, public efforts and gatherings are activities that can easily be mentioned to get nearer to the general subject of religious thought and discussion. Our activities reflect our interests and we should not hesitate to mention these things as they help to show the general direction of our lives.
- Education for our Children. There is today a considerable interest in providing adequate education for our children. And most parents are more than willing to discuss this subject and its related problems. As believers our principal concern is nourishing our young in the things of God. We can therefore freely discuss the subject of education, gradually showing our concern for spiritual development, as well as in the domestic affairs of life. It may be well to point out that many of the problems concerning honesty, immorality, juvenile delinquency, divorce, etc., arise simply because children have grown without the necessary spiritual guidance and discipline.
- I shall pass through this place only once. Certainly it is true that many of the places we go and many of the people we meet will be brief and singular encounters. The opportunity to talk of the kingdom may arise and it is here that much of the truth’s literature can be put to use. Many fine introductory pamphlets are available which can be carefully distributed. They can be left in restaurants, on public transportation, given to toll collectors, left in hotels and given to all manner of people. Is this not truly another way of sowing the seed? If it is in our mind to spread God’s word ___ we shall find the ways to do it.
“The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it,” Psalm 68:11. May we all partake in this glorious work.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One