04.02. Qualifications
2. QUALIFICATIONS
There are certain definite qualifications necessary in order to be an efficient personal worker and soul winner. You should have a sincere passion for souls. This comes, and will increase, through prayer and practice. If you would gain a burden for souls, begin to pray for souls and work to bring them to Christ and the passion or burden will come automatically. You should be tactful, gentle, sincere, and courteous. These graces are always in order. You should have a personal and scriptural knowledge of salvation. The man who goes forth to deal with others must know that he himself is right with God. You may have all these qualifications and yet be "as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal," if God be not with you in the work. Keep in mind it is "not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts."
Illustration
Dr. Biederwolf once asked a prominent churchman, who stood at the front seat during the invitation, to go into the audience and do personal work. The man responded, but when he spoke to an individual, one standing near heard this reply: "Who are you to come back and talk to me? What is it that I do that you do not do? I swear and you swear. I drink and so do you, for we have drunk together. I play poker and so do you, for I have played with you. Who are you to ask me to get saved? You had better get saved yourself." The churchman turned and walked back to the front. When Dr. Biederwolf looked questioningly at him he said, "Doctor, I guess I am not adapted to this kind of work." Neither is anyone else unless he personally knows Christ.
Pleasant Breath
There is yet another qualification which many may lack, yet which all may do something about. That is, one should have a pleasant breath. Bad breath has repulsed many an individual and has been so offensive he could not listen to the worker’s appeal. A pastor friend told me that he spoke to a businessman about going forward for prayer. The preacher said: "I looked upon him as my friend, but he seemed cold and retiring and I could not understand it. "I met him the next day and, calling me by name, he said, ’John, if you ever speak to anyone else about becoming a Christian, before doing so, take something for your breath to keep it from being so offensive. Then when you draw near him he can listen to what you have to say.’" The words which the man used were cruel and cutting. Nevertheless, the advice was good. "Watch your breath."