03 - What is a Call Ministry
WHAT IS A CALL TO THE MINISTRY? BY REV. JAMES D. KNOWLES.
LETTER III. MY DEAR BROTHER Another general principle which the Scriptures teach is, that it is the duty of every Christian to contribute all in his power to the promotion of truth and holiness. Nothing less than the utmost exertion of all his faculties can fulfil his duty. It becomes, then, a question which every Christian ought seriously and prayerfully to examine, -How can I be most useful? As God has given to men different degrees of ability, he has evidently designed them for different stations. The parable of the talents is founded on this principle, and it teaches us the consolatory truth, that the faithful servant will be approved and rewarded by his master, whether he possess ten talents or but one. The reasoning of the apostle Paul, in the 12th chapter of Romans, proceeds on the fact, that there are different offices to be filled, and that different qualifications are given to those who are designed to occupy them: “ As we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the VOL. VIII. proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation; he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.” We may, then, safely adopt this general rule, that wherever God has given to an individual the qualifications for a particular work, he ought to engage in that work. There would otherwise seem to be a waste of power. In the human body, each organ is evidently intended for its appropriate service. There is nothing deficient, and nothing superfluous. In the body of Christ the case is similar. God has undoubtedly distributed among her members all needful gifts foi her preservation and growth. It is to be lamented that these gifts are not always judiciously and faithfully employed. The principle now under consideration supplies us with two important rules, which may assist a young man to ascertain his duty respecting the ministry.
1. That he ought himself to be convinced, on reasonable grounds, that he would be more useful as a minister than in any other sphere of duty.
2. That he ought to possess, in the opinion of others who are competent to judge, the essential qualifications for the ministry. The judicious Andrew Fuller has accordingly stated, in his brief remarks on a “ Call to the Ministry,” that it is a principle which may be taken for granted, that “ whoever possesses the essential qualifications for the Christian ministry, is called to exercise them.” I will, in my next letter, consider what light may be reflected on the path of duty from the providence of God.
Affectionately yours.