When a special effort is put forth by laborers
of experience in a community where our own people live, there
rests upon the believers in that field a most solemn obligation
to do all in their power to open the way for the Lord to work.
They should search their hearts prayerfully, and clear the King's
highway by putting away every sin that would hinder them from
co-operating with God and with their brethren.
This has not always been fully understood.
Satan has often brought in a spirit that has made it impossible
for church members to discern opportunities for service. Believers
have not infrequently allowed the enemy to work through them
at the very time when they should have been wholly consecrated
to God and to the advancement of His work. Unconsciously they
have wandered far from the way of righteousness. Cherishing a
spirit of criticism and faultfinding, of pharisaical piety and
pride, they have grieved away the Spirit of God and have greatly
retarded the work of God's messengers.
This evil has been pointed out many times
and in many places. Sometimes those who have indulged in a censorious,
condemnatory spirit have repented and been converted. Then God
has been able to use them to His name's honor and glory.
We are living in a special period of this earth's history. A great work must be done in a very short time, and every Christian is to act a part in sustaining this work. God is calling for men who will consecrate themselves to the work of soulsaving. When we begin to comprehend what a sacrifice Christ made in order to save a perishing world, there will be seen a mighty wrestling to save souls. Oh, that all our churches might see and realize the infinite sacrifice of Christ!