Leaders Column

Self-examination Questions for Missionaries

An Open Letter to My Preacher Friends about Money
Preachers & Patience
40 Years 40 Lessons
How I Preach
How to Preach the Word of God
How to stay young
Periodic check-up for Pastors
Do’s and Don’ts for Leaders

Do’s and Don’ts for Leaders

-R.Stanley
Christian leadership is a privilege as well as a responsibility. It’s a privilege because not everyone is called to leadership. It’s a
responsibility because God’s expectation from those in leadership is much greater than what He expects from average Christians. The
Lord in His sovereign grace chose me to be a leader even before I entered fulltime Christian service in 1975 at the age of 28. I had the
privilege of leading the prayer group in the College campus during my student days. Why the Lord chose me to found and lead a
mission from 1971 is beyond my understanding. I can only say that it is all because of His grace.

The four decades in Christian leadership has been a time of learning for me. Though I had been quite successful in the ministry, I have
learnt more from my failures than from victories. I share here with my fellow-leaders and the future leaders some of the precious
lessons I have learnt over the years, at times the hard way. I write with a burden that they might not repeat my mistakes, but go for
beyond what I could accomplish. The insights from the Scriptures and the input from Servants of God have kept me strong and steady
in demanding and challenging situations.

Under Part One I write 10 things a leader must do, and under Part Two 10 things a leader must not do. I present these counsel with all
humility and concern.

Part One

1. Maintain a spirit of prayer.

There are three secrets for a successful ministry — First prayer, second prayer, third prayer! Because, it is neither by might nor by
power but by God’s Spirit that all true work of God is accomplished. It is possible to begin in the Spirit and end in flesh. God anoints
His men rather than their methods and machinery. Jesus accomplished so much in three years and six months but He never allowed
any work to crowd out prayer from His life. None of us need be busier than He. There is a freshness about a leader who keeps inhaling
the fragrance of prayer. If we do not learn to carry our ministerial burdens to the Lord in prayer, we will be crushed by them and
finally collapse. Prayer means exchanging our heavy burdens for the light yoke of Jesus (Mt 11:28-30). The work is always great and
the harvest always plenty. But the command of Jesus is, "Pray therefore" before "Go therefore!" (Mt 9:38; 28:19). Leonard Ravenhill
writes, A minister who is not praying is straying. Travelling is important but travai1ing even more. Preachers are in danger of asking
the people to pray for them but neglecting personal prayer. Paul said, "I bow my knees" and then he urged the people, "You strive
together with me in your prayers" (Eph 3:14; Rom 15:30).

2. Have a disciplined study life.

Apostle Paul admonished Timothy the young minister to "give attention to reading" (l Tim 4:13). "For the lips of a priest should keep
knowledge, and people should seek the Law from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts" (Mal 2:7). The early hours
of the day are best for meditation and unhurried study. It is possible to preach sermons with a superficial knowledge of the Scriptures.
We should get deep into the Word using the study aids available. "I don’t refer to any study help or commentary but learn directly
from God!"— So have I heard from more than one person. Though this sounds spiritual, it is not Scriptural. Paul instructed Timothy to
teach faithful men what all he had learnt from him and let the process continue (2 Tim 2:2). God has placed "teachers" in the Church
for its growth and edification (Eph 4:11). Teachers can either be heard or read. The only way to be benefitted from the teachers of the
past or a distant country is to read their writings. Therefore use Commentaries and Study Bibles freely. No one prevents you from
going beyond them. Read as much as possible. People should learn atleast a few new things everytime they hear you. Travelling time
can be profitably used for reading. (Click: Be a Bible Student!)

3. Spend sufficient time with your family.

Every leader should maintain this order of priority—God first, family second and ministry third. Reversal of this order means serious
consequences. Let no preacher say, "I am sacrificing my family for the ministry." See what God’s word says: "If a man does not know
how to rule (manage) his own house, how will he take care of the Church of God?" (1 Tim 3:5). The wife does not want a preacher at
home but a husband, and the children not a leader but a father. Spend quality time with the family and be involved in domestic affairs
like marketing, gardening, cleaning, etc. Peter cared for his mother-in-law. Jesus knew how much tax was to be paid. The disciples
knew the cost of a perfume. Play indoor or outdoor games with the family members. Have regular vacationing. Don’t always talk
religion but enjoy the jokes of the children. Eat together and have relaxed chats while dining. If possible, take your wife with you for
ministry. In any case don’t be separated for long. Don’t share the defects of your wife with the women you meet in your ministry. You
are in for trouble. When writing letters, address the husband or both the husband and wife. Let your wife reply personal letters to
women. If your wife is not capable of handling such correspondence, direct the candidates to women ministers. "Discretion will
preserve you; understanding will keep you" (Prov 2:11).

4. Keep your body fit.

The body is the temple of God and it must be properly maintained (1 Cor 3:16). Eat balanced food and avoid overeating. Timely meal
and good rest will give you extra years of service. Go to bed early and get up early. Do some daily exercise. Do lot of walking and
bicycling. Don’t get addicted to motorised vehicles. Preachers should not think that bicycling is below their dignity. It is a false Indian
prestige. Upto His thirtieth year Jesus was a busy carpenter, and during the next three and a half years he did so much of walking and
mountain-climbing. He carried His own cross. He kept His body trim and fit. Praise God for comforts but don’t be addicted to them.
Simple living and high thinking—this should be our watchword. Flee sexual immorality. It is against your own body (1 Cor 6:1.8).
You will lose your anointing and strength. Have a periodical medical check-up and attend to any problem immediately (1 Tim 5:23).
Claim divine health (3 Jn 2).

5. Listen patiently to counsellors and critics.

"Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety" (Prov 11:14). "Better is a poor and wise
youth than an old and foolish king who will be admonished no more" (Eccl 4:13). When we reach certain level of popularity, more and
more worldly people will surround us. The simple but godly friends wi1l go unnoticed. The Book of Psalms begins with a warning:
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly." Criticisms will not appear pleasant to us, but if we prayerfully and
patiently consider them we will be greatly benefitted. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy (the ungodly)
are deceitful" (Prov 27:6). Herbert Vander Lugt says, "When someone criticizes you, resist the impulse to find an excuse for your
actions. Don’t look for ways to defend yourself. Don’t become angry. Listen gratefully, and do what is right. That’s how to benefit
from criticism!"

6. Build nextline leadership.

In the Old Testament the leadership was mostly singular. But there is a definite shift to the plurality of leadership in the New
Testament. The words bishop or pastor or elder refer to one and the same office and these ministers are always mentioned in the plural
throughout the New Testament (Acts 14:23; 20:17; Phil 1:1; 1 Thess 5:12; Tit 1:5; Heb 13:7,17,24; Js 5:14). This is God’s definite
plan for leadership for any New Testament ministry. A leader should be delivered from the lust of keeping the sole authority and
absolute control of the ministry with himself. We have only one head and that is Christ. All others including the leaders are only
organs of the Body. We must share responsibilities and delegate authority to men on whom we find the necessary grace bestowed.
Leaders must voluntarily retire to give opportunity to the nextliners and stand behind the young leaders to support and counsel. People
generally will not be mature enough to accept this arrangement but leaders should boldly take such steps counting on God’s enabling
grace. The death of a founder-leader should in no way slow down the onward march of a ministry.

7. Maintain balance in ministry.

We must avoid extremes in preaching and practice lest we become spiritual eccentrics. Preach both about Heaven and Hell, love of
God and His righteousness, sanctification and service, First Advent and Second Coming, Calvary and Pentecost, salvation and
hea1ing, prosperity and adversity, position in Christ and condition, gifts and fruits of the Spirit, personal soulwinning and corporate
ministry, revival and evangelism, and so on. Only this way we can join Paul and testify, "I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I
have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:26,27). If we don’t serve wholesome meal to the people who
hear us regularly, we will send them around with tinted glasses and this will cause great harm to the overall growth of the Body of
Christ. Also evangelistic and revival ministries must consider themselves as a supplement and not a substitute to the local church. The
church is the building and the para-church organisations, so called, are a scaffolding. (Click: A Call to Balance!)

8. Let your love for people be genuine.

God so loved the world that He gave His Son (Jn 3:16). Christ so loved the Church that He gave Himself (Eph 5:25). Several healing
ministries which begin with a compassion for people become commercialised in course of time. It is possible to continue to manifest
the miraculous gifts of the Spirit without a genuine love. This awful possibility is explained in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, "Though I have
the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains,
but have not love, I am nothing." If we love and respect rich people more than the poor, it is actually love of money. Read James 3:1-4
and understand this truth. Some preachers are really blessed with tears in prayer (Acts 20:31), and if you don’t have that grace, please
don’t go about telling your hearers and readers that you would pray for their problems "with tears." We can cheat people today but a
day of reckoning is near. Meditating on God’s love towards people makes it easy for us to love them. We should constantly meditate
on Calvary to keep our hearts broken and filled with divine love.

9. Examine your life and ministry periodically.

Setting aside one day every month and a couple of days twice or thrice a year for self-examination and introspection. This is a very
healthy and helpful practice. The hymn-writer sang, "Take time to be holy." Jesus said, "Come apart." David prayed, "Search me, O
God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way
everlasting" (Psa 139:23,24). Investigation, interrogation and inspection! Success and blessing can easily blind our eyes to the plan
and purpose of God. A sudden disaster will awaken us to realize the neglect of periodic overhauling. Open and transparent fellowship
with reliable and mature leaders is a must for any preacher. Don’t be a loner. When God convicts us of a particular action or a course
we followed, we should have the courage to tell the people we were wrong. That is manliness. God will back us. John the Apostle
lived closest to Jesus and he received greatest revelations. But he worshipped the angel twice. On both occasions he was corrected. He
did not cover this fundamental mistake but faithfully recorded it (Rev 19:10; 22:8,9). (Click: Periodic check-up for Pastors)

10. Do everything with eternity in view.

Jesus endured the cross, despising the shame "for the joy that was set before Him" (Heb 12:2). Paul said, "But one thing I do,
forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of
the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:13,14). He warned the ministers, "Let each one take heed how he builds... Each one’s
work will become manifest; FOR THE DAY will DECLARE IT, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s
work, of what sort it is" (1 Cor 3:10,13). Success will be applauded here, but faithfulness rewarded THERE!

Part Two

The Ten Commandments contain only two Do’s but eight Don’ts! The teaching of Christ and the apostles also had lots of Don’ts. This
was not because man fell into sin. Even before sin entered the world, God gave a Don’t commandment to man. Therefore, eventhough
the Don’ts may appear negative we must take them as warnings and precautions against dangers for our own safety and wellbeing.
Here are some Don’ts for you in leadership. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.

1. Don’t copy other ministries.

We are all called to work in the same vineyard but God’s assignments to ministers differ. Some are called to be eyes—say, prophets.
"If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing?" (1 Cor 12:17). Some are to be hands—say, helpers. Legs or feet may
speak of pioneer missionaries, and so on. "Let every one remain with God in that calling in which he was called" (1 Cor 7:24). Don’t
change track in the race. Just because a particular type of ministry is more popular, successful or appealing to people, don’t jump into
it like the businessmen of this world. You have a race that is set before you. Run it with "endurance"— patience, determination,
steadiness, perseverance, resolution, courage (Heb 12:1). We can learn so many helpful things from other ministries but we should not
lose the originality God has given us. When we start doing what God has not called us to do, we still will be finding some blessing but
would have missed God’s best for us. God delights in variety. Look at the creation to appreciate His taste. "Are all apostles? Are all
prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?" (1 Cor 12:29). The answer is simply "no." We should be a voice, not an echo.

2. Don’t exceed your limits.

Paul wrote, "I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to
think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith" (Rom 12:3). In the parable of talents, we find all were not
given equal number of talents. One was given five, the other two and the next just one. God’s demand is only according to what is
given to us. It is good to plan big projects but the Bible admonishes us to "sit down first and count the cost" whether we have enough
to finish it. I have painfully watched many faith evangelists in the TV literally begging people to help pay the large pending bills or the
huge bank loans. This does not bring glory to God. One of the broadcasting agencies in India tells of some evangelists who don’t even
reply its repeated reminders to pay their long dues of airtime cost. One should not try to do everything and get into trouble. Expansion
is a blessing from God, but we can always run ahead of Him. Sometimes we fix and announce big targets which are not clearly guided
by the Lord, and then to save our face before the people we turn heaven and earth and end up in fleshly methods. Also avoid sympathy
appeals which actually let God down.

3. Don’t compete with other ministries.

We need to draw inspiration from the progress of other ministries, but the realisation that we are all serving the same Lord and
working towards the same goal will keep us from unhealthy competition. Look at the example of Jesus in John 4:1-3. "When the Lord
knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John... He left Judea and departed again to
Galilee." What a lesson! Years ago while attending an international conference a Western mission leader asked me how many fulltime
workers we had. At that time we had just thirty and I gave that number. The leader of another mission in India was standing by my
side. Without anyone asking him he said, "We have fifty!" This rat race should stop. We should die to our boasting of figures and
achievements. "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his
riches;... He who glories, let him glory in the Lord" (Jer 9:23; 1 Cor 1:31). We should learn to rejoice over the victories of another
ministry. "Rejoice with those who rejoice" (Rom 12:15). God may bypass an older mission and bless a newly started one, as in the
case of Saul and David. But we should never give place to envy. Envy is bone cancer! (Prov 14:30).

4. Don’t violate rules.

The Christian life and ministry are compared to athletics, an army, a building, and so on. These are all governed by definite rules and
regulations. Apostle Paul firmly said, "If anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules" (2
Tim 2:5). The philosophy of the Christian ministerial world today is that the end justifies the means. Do anything, anyway, as long as
it blesses the people and benefits the preacher. This is totally alien to the teaching of the Lord and His apostles. The Biblical principles
should not be violated under any circumstance. God cannot honour such a work. The quality of the materials we use in our building
will be tested on the final day by fire—even the Word of God (1 Cor 3:12,13; Jer 23:29). A new brand of preachers has come up
baptizing all their methods and practices with the formula, "God told me!" People are afraid to think or discern. It must be clearly
established that God never contradicts His written Word. Let’s beware of forgetting the Scriptural principles while evolving fund-
raising techniques and promotional methods. Another sad thing is that defection of workers in ministries has become common. But the
other ministries should not directly or indirectly encourage the defectors. Leaders should maintain high ethical standards. The 10th
Commandment says, "You shall not covet your neighbour’s manservant, nor his maidservant... nor anything that is your neighbour’s"
(Ex 20:17). What you would not want others do to you, don’t do it to them!

5. Don’t exaggerate.

"Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one" (Mt 5:37). Almost every
ministry has its magazine to report its news. We should be honest in reporting. God will judge us for what impression we leave on the
readers rather than what information we serve. If 600 people attended our meeting, we do not bring glory to God by saying, "About
1000 people attended!" Because it is a lie, we actually honour the devil, who is a liar and the father of lies. The first petition in the
Lord’s prayer is, "Hallowed be Your name!" How often we have dishallowed His name by exaggerated and twisted reporting! For our
people, anything above a few thousands is one lakh! Preachers should not exploit this. If a modern magazine reports the five-loaves-
two-fish miracle, it will simply add two more digits to the 5000 and the photographic manipulation will make it appear true! The
photographs sent by certain Indian agencies sometimes make the Western friends think that most of the Indians live on the streets,
carry bowls begging from house to house, and are primitive tribes. They need pictures and we need dollars and thus we "help" each
other! Let’s repent of this sin of giving wrong impressions.

6. Don’t aim to please men.

The testimony of Paul is a great challenge. "Do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I
would not be a servant of Christ" (Gal 1:10). We are called to bless people, not please them. Jesus is called "a stumbling stone and
rock of offense" (Rom 9:33). And Paul speaks of the "offense of the Cross" (Gal 5:11). Several times we read in the gospels that the
people were "offended at Him" (Mt 13:57; Mk 6:3). Once the disciples of Jesus came and said to Him, "Do You know that the
Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?" But He answered and said, "Every plant which My Heavenly Father has not
planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind" (Mt 15:12-14). Don’t hide the truth just to keep some
rich and influential men with you. Don’t soft-pedal while preaching that you may gain wide acceptance. John the Baptist did not
garland the Pharisees and Sadducees saying, "What a privilege to have you in our campaign!" He simply called them, "Brood of
vipers!" and urged them to repent. Apostle Paul asked the Galatian Christians, "Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell
you the truth?" (Gal 4:16).

7. Don’t project yourself.

John the Baptist said, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (Jn 3:30). And Jesus told of John, "Among those born of women there
has not risen one greater than John the Baptist" (Mt 11:11). It is sickening to see Christian magazines projecting individuals from
cover to cover. The evangelist is photographed in all poses—like cine stars. After reading a magazine or listening to a message we
should be able to exclaim, "What a wonderful Saviour we have!" and not "What a powerful preacher he is!" Don’t go after titles. One
of the greatest Indian apostles of the last century was just called Brother Bakht Singh. Jesus said, "You are all brothers" (Mt 23:8).
There are institutions which offer a "Doctorate" for just Rs. 50/- or 100/-. Titles have become so cheap.

8. Don’t be questionable in money matters.

Paul writes to the Corinthians, "Avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us—providing
honourable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men" (2 Cor 8:20,21). In some churches, the huge sums
received by pastors as "tithes" from people are not accounted. Unaccounted money is black money. India Missions Association admits
missions as members only if they have their accounts audited and duly submitted to the Government. We need financial accountability
because we are handling public money. A minister should not keep his wife or any relative as the Treasurer. We should live above
reproach. The Apostles left the business affairs which involved finance into the hands of "seven men of good reputation" chosen by
the people (Acts 6:3). Billy Graham testifies, "All financial affairs of our Association are in the hands of the Board of Directors; I have
no control over this aspect of the work. Along with the other evangelists on our staff, I am paid a salary by the Board. Our finances are
audited... and the report is made available to our supporters." Thank God for the many leaders in India who can so testify. Examine
whether your hands are clean.

9. Don’t be selfish.

"There should be no division in the body, but that the organs should have the same care for one another" (1 Cor 12:25). "Let each of
you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others" (Phil 2:4). Look for opportunities to help other
ministries. Share your resources and know1edge with them. It matters not who pounds the paddy provided it becomes rice! Also in
your own ministry, don’t always try to bring yourself and your family to the forefront. Give ample opportunities to others and
endeavour to bring them up. As we get older, "Let the young men now arise, and play before us" (2 Sam 2:14). They should not wait
for our death! Let them take up the leadership and we can always advise them from behind.

10. Don’t spread evil reports.

"He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbour, but a man of understanding holds his peace. A talebearer reveals secrets, but he
who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter" (Prov 11:12,13). When you hear something bad about a leader, the only thing you are
permitted to do is to plead for him before the Throne for his restoration, and to exhort him privately. Doctrinal errors, heresies and
unscriptural practices of course must be exposed and people warned. But the pulpit or the press should not be used for character
assassination. When the backslidden Saul died, David said, "Tell it not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon—lest the
daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph" (2 Sam 1:20). Two Scripture verses are
conclusive: "We ALL stumble in Many things," "LOVE will COVER a multitude of sins" (Js 3:2; 1 Pet 4:8).

Let ministries grow! And ministers glow! And the Lord be glorified!

Periodic check-up for Pastors

1. Am I regular in prayer life? (Acts 3:1; Lk 5:15,16)

2. Am I systematic in Bible meditation? (Ezr 7:10; Lk 4:16,17)

3. Am I serious about thought purity? (Prov 4:23; Mt 15:18,19)

4. Am I careful about my words? (Js 3:1,2; Eph 5:4)

5. Am I self-controlled in food habits? (Prov 23:1,2; 1 Cor 6:12,13)

6. Am I satisfied with simple lifestyle? (1 Tim 6:6-8; Phil 4:11-13)

7. Am I faithful to my spouse? (1 Tim 3:2a; Rom 2:22a)

8. Am I dutiful as a parent? (1 Tim 3:4,5; Dt 6:6,7)

9. Am I obedient to civil laws? (Mt 17:25-27; Rom 13:1-7)

10. Am I transparent in money matters? (2 Cor 8:20-22; Acts 20:33,34)

11. Am I affectionate to my sheep? (2 Cor 12:15; 1 Cor 13:1,2)

12. Am I committed to train people? (Lk 11:1,2; Eph 4:11-13)

13. Am I compassionate towards the poor? (Gal 2:9,10; Acts 20:35)

14. Am I impartial? (1 Tim 5:21; 2 Chr 19:5-9)

15. Am I dead to casteism, regionalism, nepotism, etc. (Col 3:9-11; Rev 7:9,10)

16. Am I enthusiastic in evangelism and missions? (Jn 10:16; Mt 9:36-38)

17. Am I true in reporting? (Rom 15:18; Mk 6:5)

18. Am I accountable to others? (2 Cor 8:18,19,22-24; Acts 15:22)

19. Am I open to correction? (Gal 2:11-14; Eccl 4:13)

20. Am I quiet when spoken against? (1 Pet 2:21-23; Mt 5:11,12)

21. Am I respectful of others’ reputation? (Prov 17:9; 2 Sam 1:19,20)

22. Am I friendly with my coworkers? (Jn 15:15; Acts 20:17,36-38)

23. Am I cooperative with other ministries? (Lk 5:5-7; Gal 2:7-9)

24. Am I working hard? (1 Cor 15:10,58; Jn 9:4,5)

25. Am I practising self-denial? (Lk 9:23; Jn 3:30)

How to stay young

Everybody wants to live long, but nobody wants to get old. Even though ageing cannot be avoided, people try to hide it. Hair dye is
one of the fast-selling cosmetics! "Old" people prefer to be called as "senior" citizens! It’s an instinct in man to stay and appear young.

Though I am not old enough to advise senior citizens, I am not too young to do it either. So many books and articles have been
published by the secular press giving tips on maintaining youthfulness. They mostly talk about food habits, physical exercises and
mental attitudes. This article is from a spiritual perspective. It is the state of the inner man that’s reflected on the outside. Paul the aged
testified, "Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day" (2 Cor 4:16).

Spirituality is the most important factor in enabling us stay young. It is said,

You are as young as your faith,

as old as your doubt;
as young as your self-confidence,
as old as your fear;
as young as your hope,
as old as your despair.

Instead of worrying about adding years to our life we should try adding life to our years. Here lies the secret why some feel old at
forty whereas others feel young at eighty. I’ve gathered here from the Bible five spiritual exercises to help you stay young.

1. Keep praising God for your past, present and future.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy Name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with loving
kindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that YOUR YOUTH IS RENEWED like the eagle’s" (Psa
103:1-5).

We Christians recite the first two verses of this Psalm too often but we fail to realize that a spirit of praise and thanksgiving reminds us
how God Himself is interested in the renewal of our youthfulness. Give no place to complaining or murmuring. When you "forget"
God’s benefits, you dump yourself in depression and die of self-sympathy.

Count your blessings

instead of your crosses;
Count your gains
instead of your losses;
Count your joys
instead of your woes;
Count your friends
instead of your foes;
Count your smiles
instead of your tears;
Count your courage
instead of your fears;
Count your full years
instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds
instead of your mean;
Count your health
instead of your wealth;
Count on God
instead of yourself!
Salvation from sin is one benefit the remembrance of which can excite us everyday (Isa 12:3). Any other good thing in life gets its
enjoyment value decreased day by day. But the remembrance of God’s saving grace keeps on intensifying our joy. The song of
salvation is ever "new" (Psa 40:1-3). That’s why David puts forgiveness at the top of the list of God’s benefits (Psa 103:3a). When we
rejoice in the God of our salvation, our mind is in a state of happiness. Medical science confirms that happy people in general are
healthy people.

Read through the 103rd Psalm as often as possible. It will read like your autobiography. It speaks about fathers, children, generations,
lifespan, covenant, etc. All these are subjects of interest for those growing old. The Psalm begins and ends with, "Bless the Lord, O my
soul!" Praise does not come forth naturally all the time. I must "command" my soul to praise the Lord!

The Psalmist elsewhere confesses, "You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust FROM MY YOUTH . By You I have been upheld
FROM MY BIRTH; You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb. My PRAISE shall be CONTINUALLY of You" (71:5,6).

2. Wait before God with meditation and reflection.

"The everlasting God gives power to the WEAK, and to those who have no might He INCREASES STRENGTH. Even the YOUTHS
shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall RENEW THEIR STRENGTH;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint" (Isa 40:29-31).

It’s good to go jogging for improving blood circulation and increasing muscle strength. But the daily exercise of sitting before God
with an open Bible and an open mind, as the above Scripture passage promises, will renew our strength and restore spiritual energy to
our inner man. The blessedness of brokenness belongs to those who spend unhurried time before God their Creator. Hardening of the
heart ages people more quickly than hardening of the arteries. Comparing his life on earth to a pilgrimage, Psalmist David testifies
concerning God’s word, "Your principles have been the Music of my life throughout the years of my pilgrimage" (Psa 119:54).
Recalling his many tears and fears of life he affirms to God, "Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my
misery" (119:92).

Every average Christian has in his bookshelf numerous un-read books which he has purchased over the years. Use the leisure time of
the old age to read these books, especially the biographies and autobiographies of God’s saints and servants. You are never too old to
read. Hear apostle Paul addressing Timothy: "The time of my departure is at hand... I have finished the race... Be diligent to come to
me quickly... Bring the cloak... when you come — AND THE BOOKS, especially the parchments" (2 Tim 4:6,7,9,13).

Your spirit will soar high when you read how the saints of old handled their old age problems. One afternoon in October 1931 Amy
Carmichael fell and broke a leg and dislocated an ankle; complications set in which, added to her thirty six years of unbroken service
in India, left her an invalid for the rest of her life. Yet from her bed — often lying completely flat — she continued her ministry in
Dohnavur. She kept in touch with the outside world through her correspondence and, with help, wrote thousands of letters. Already the
author of many books, she wrote a further thirteen works during this period, as well as revising her other titles and producing more
poetry. In all her struggles she learned "to know Christ, in the power of His resurrection, and in the fellowship of His sufferings."

Listen to music and message tapes. These days we have the entire New Testament or the Bible on tapes. Hearing is sometimes less
strenuous than reading in old age. A Jewish proverb says, "For the ignorant, old age is as winter; for the learned, it is a harvest!"

3. Serve God and people actively and joyfully.

Moses was 80 when God called him. Although he cited many excuses, he never mentioned his old age. He was active in serving God
and His people till his death. The Scripture records, "Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not
dim nor his natural vigour abated" (Dt 34:7).

There may be retirement from secular jobs and even from Christian ministerial positions. But God never relieves anyone from serving
Him just because of age. It is advised that retired people take up regular voluntary work in service organisations. Idling will lead to all
sorts of physiological and psychological maladies. An idle man’s mind becomes the devil’s workshop. Don’t lose your enthusiasm.
Walterson was right when he said, "Years wrinkle the face, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul."

Though Zacharias was "well advanced in years," he was serving as a priest before God. It was when he was burning incense in the
temple he had the angelic visitation with the promise of the birth of John the Baptist, the greatest prophet ever to be born of women
(Lk 1:6-13).

John Wesley the founder of Methodism travelled 250 miles a day for 40 years; preached 40000 sermons; produced 400 books; knew
10 languages. At 83 he was annoyed that he could not write more than 15 hours a day without hurting his eyes. At 86 he was ashamed
he could not preach more than twice a day. He complained in his diary that there was an increasing tendency to lie in bed until 5-30 in
the morning!

History abounds with such testimonies of senior citizens. Michelangelo was still composing poetry and designing structures in his
89th year. He painted the ceiling of Sistine Chapel on his back on a scaffold at near 90. Milton completed Paradise Lost when 57 and
Paradise Regained at 63. George Bernard Shaw wrote some of his famous plays at 80. Webster wrote his monumental dictionary at
70. Mother Teresa, a heart patient with so many ailments, never lost her smile in ministering to the unwanted and unlovables until she
died at 87.

I admire my parents who served the Lord and ministered to people till death. Daddy who retired as an Army officer and later as a
security officer from an Engineering College was selling Bibles, Testaments and hymnbooks till the day prior to his death. Mummy
who had been operated for breast cancer kept visiting Christian homes, praying for families, and raising funds for missionary work
until she could walk or write no more due to secondaries which terminated her life. My father-in-law is a 86 year old (2002)
ophthalmologist. He still goes to his private clinic to assist his ophthalmologist son. My mother-in-law is 82 and unable to walk
normally. She still drags herself to speak in women’s fellowship meetings though by sitting on a chair, and mobilize funds to support
missionaries. Margaret Deland’s advice to old people is intelligent: "As soon as you feel too old to do a thing, do it!"

4. Enjoy the fellowship of God’s people.

"Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear FRUIT in old age; they
shall be FRESH and FLOURISHING" (Psa 92:13,14).

There’s fullness of joy in God’s presence. When we gather with fellow saints in the Name of Christ and worship the Lord, our hearts
rejoice and tongues are glad. This also blesses our physique with a refreshing restfulness (Acts 2:25,26). Though the things of the
world give us temporary kicks of pleasure, they ultimately sap us of our vitality and vibrance. It is because the devil is basically a
thief. But the presence of the Lord we enjoy in the sheepfold of Jesus adds life to life so we may enjoy it abundantly (Jn 10:10; Acts
2:28).

Sustained youthfulness is one of the promises of the New Heaven and New Earth. "No more shall an infant from there live but a few
days, nor an old man who has not fulfilled his days; for the child shall die one hundred years old!" (Isa 65:17,20). What is New
Heaven and New Earth other than the "literal" presence of God in our midst? (Rev 21:1-3). The "spiritual" presence of God we can
experience today does have the characteristic of the future glory, though partially.

It is good to involve in social clubs, but beware of getting mixed up too much with the worldlings. Gossip and vain chats will leak
your spiritual vigour. "Nobody grows old by merely living a number of years. People grow old only by deserting their ideals," is an
old saying.

Don’t feel left out if you cannot shout or sing or jump like others in a worship service or a fellowship meeting. Though these
expressions are welcome, it is the spirit of the worshipper that ultimately matters. What you mean and how much you mean it is what
God is interested in. That is the meaning of worshipping God in spirit and in truth (Jn 4:24).

5. Spend time with young people and men of vision.

Caleb at 85 referring to an incident that happened forty five years before testified, " I am as strong this day as I was on the day that
Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in" (Josh 14:11). This
confession he made exactly on his 85th birthday (v 10c). For his birthday he desired not a sponge cake but a steep mountain (v 12)!
All this was because he refused to join the pessimistic majority (Num 13:30-33). Over cautiousness is typical of old age whereas
young people are known for venturing and taking risks. Risking is a companion of faith.

Earl Wilson observed, "We spend the first half of our lives trying to understand the older generation, and the second half trying to
understand the younger generation." Along with a few College students of my age, in the sovereign plan of God, I founded the
Blessing Youth Mission in 1971 when I was 25. Even though we have consistently maintained the youth emphasis in all the activities
of the Mission, most of us leaders in our fifties experience tensions with the youth because of the generation gap. Unless we spend
sufficient time with the youngsters to listen to them, play with them and enjoy their jokes, we become irrelevant in what we write or
speak to them. Personally, this exercise keeps my spirit youthful. I am always amazed how the apostle John in his nineties could
address specifically the old people, youngsters and little children (1 Jn 2:12-14).

Associating with young people is not only for your own good but also for theirs. Years ago an old professor took me aside after I
preached in an evening service and told me, "Stanley, I’m glad God has taken you in His hand. Give yourself to simple living and high
thinking. This is the only advice I have for you." Perhaps but for this timely counsel, I would have succumbed to the pull of the
material-minded ministerial stream that runs in full force these days. I once spent an evening in London with George Verwer the
founder of Operation Mobilisation. He was telling me how he had become tired of self-made apostles and high sounding titles (Rev
2:2b). This has given me an unforgettable warning to discern between leadership that is self-assumed and God-appointed. While
having tea with the saintly prophet Leonard Ravenhill (1907-1994) in his humble home in Texas, he was sharing with me how he had
been weeping rather than sleeping the previous night over the condition of Christendom. More than all his revival classics that I had
read, this one statement intensified my burden for revival. I can go on listing the indelible impressions that God’s seasoned men have
left on my heart.

In conclusion let me quote the conviction of an unknown old man:

I shall not mind the whiteness of my hair,

Or that slow steps falter on the stair,
Or that young friends hurry as they pass,
Or what strange image greets me in the glass —
If I can feel as the roots feel in the sod
That I am growing old to bloom before the face of God!
 How to Preach the Word of God
1. The Word of God is FIRE! (Jer 5:14; 20:9)
Preach it with a burning sense of urgency that crackles with a spirit of seriousness.
The hearers must be devoured like wood to burn out for God.
2. The Word of God is a HAMMER! (Jer 23:29)
Preach it bangingly and overwhelmingly.
The hardest hearts must be broken to pieces before the Holy Rock.
3. The Word of God is a SWORD! (Eph 6:17; Heb 4:12)
Preach it boldly and forthrightly.
The hearers must be cut to the core before the revealing eyes of God.
4. The Word of God is a MIRROR! (Js 1:22,23)
Preach it prophetically and clearly.
The hearers must be exposed of their true self and denounce all hypocrisy.
5. The Word of God is a SEED! (Lk 8:11)
Preach it with tears and expectation.
The hearers must keep it in their hearts and bring forth fruit.
6. The Word of God is DEW! (Dt 32:2; Eph 5:26)
Preach it tenderly with compassion.
The hearers must be cleansed, refreshed and comforted.
7. The Word of God is MILK! (1 Pet 2:2)
Preach it without adulteration and serve it liberally.
The hearers must grow strong and balanced.
8. The Word of God is SPIRIT! (Jn 6:63)
Preach it enthusiastically pouring yourself into the sermon.
The hearers must be revived and challenged for action.
9. The Word of God is HONEY! (Psa 119:103)
Preach it pleasantly, avoiding unedifying words.
The hearers must enjoy it and become sweet in their behaviour.
10. The Word of God is a LAMP! (Psa 119:105)
Preach it revealingly and relevantly.
The hearers must receive direction and guidance for their lives.

"My Word that goes forth from My mouth

shall not return to Me void,"
says the Lord!
(Isa 55:11)
 How I Preach

"I preach as a dying man to dying men!" No other saying has impacted and influenced my ministry of preaching so much as these
words of Richard Baxter (1615-1691), a Puritan preacher from England. Invariably I am reminded of this mortifying confession every
time I step on the pulpit. I must preach with robust sincerity and reverential seriousness. Preaching is an eternal business. It’s a matter
of life and death (2 Cor 2:14-17).

Background

Mummy (1924-1981) was an elementary school teacher, and Daddy (1914-1973) was an officer in the Indian Army. Both of them
were kind socializers and good conversationalists. Mummy used to speak in women’s groups and Daddy was a preacher in open-air
meetings and small conventions. I used to play major roles in English and Tamil dramas in the school. I also took active part in the
weekly Literature & Debate Society (LDS) classes as a student. When God saved me and filled me with His Spirit in 1962, the
background I had as a young boy came in handy to share my testimony and preach short messages without stage fear. Excelling in
studies as a bright student both in school and college, I never thought that God would call me to invest the best part of my life in the
ministry of preaching His Word. I fall prostrate at the feet of the Almighty, who knows the end from the beginning, for ordering events
in my life most appropriately.

Of the hundreds of sermons I have preached during forty years (1963-2003), I don’t consciously remember a single instance when my
sermon was a flop. I have thousands of fans but I’m not carried away by what they say (Jn 5:44). I am however encouraged by the
abiding fruits (Jn 15:16). With earnest and enthusiastic enquirers, I have shared now and then how I go about with this ministry of
preaching. Testimonies from youngsters who have successfully tried my principles and procedures abound. In this article I have put
together my manners and methods in preaching. Be edified, exhorted and encouraged!

Invitations

We are commissioned to proclaim the Gospel everywhere and to everyone (Mt 28:19). We are commanded to preach the Word
whether the time is favourable or not (2 Tim 4:2). This does not mean I must accept all invitations to preach. Paul and Peter are called
to two different audiences (Gal 2:7,8). God has a specific "measure" and "sphere" for me (2 Cor 10:13-16). In order to stay within it, I
don’t give instant reply to invitations but take some time, atleast a few days, to find out whether God really wants me to go there. I am
called to be a revivalist, and not very much an evangelist. As such my ministry is mostly to believers rather than unbelievers and non-
christians. Only where God sends me I will prosper. I am under orders. I don’t yield to human pressures and enticements but teach
folks to accept no for an answer. Passion for preaching and lust for pulpits are two different things. A.W. Tozer (1897-1963) asserted,
"I cannot recall, in any of my reading, a single instance of a prophet who applied for the job!"

"Break me, melt me!"

My preparation starts with the birth of the inner conviction that it is God who has given me that particular preaching assignment. The
preparation of the preacher is more important than the preparation of the sermon. After accepting an invitation, I give myself to weeks
and months of prayer. The ministry of the Word should be bathed in the prayer closet before bringing it to the pulpit (Acts 6:4). During
this season of prayer, the "burden of the Lord" comes on me (Isa 13:1; 15:1; 17:1; 19:1; etc.) and the "word of the Lord" is implanted
in my heart (Jer 2:1; 7:1; 11:1; etc). When I am possessed with the burden of the Lord, I think I feel like a woman in full pregnancy.
When I am captivated by the Word of God, it’s like fire burning in my bones (Jer 20:9).

What to speak

Sometimes the organizers themselves give me the topic or the theme. In other instances I am free to choose the subject. This makes no
difference to me as far as waiting on God to hear Him is concerned. He will implant seed thoughts in my mind even during regular
times of Bible meditation and prayer. At times He does it when I am half awake in bed. I have learnt from my mentors to note down
the thoughts then and there in a pocket notebook or my diary. Whenever I felt too lazy to write down at once, I lost the seeds for ever
because "the birds came and ate them!" (Mt 13:4).

Raw materials

The farmer has to now work with the seeds God has given him (2 Cor 9:10a). With the help of Concordances, Bible Dictionaries and
Commentaries, I study the subject or the passage from the Scripture as thoroughly as possible. Oftentimes I do this on my knees. I
gather as much informations as I can from whatever Bible study aids I have. I jot down all such collections and the inspirations I
receive from God. Eventhough this is hard work, I enjoy it very much. I get excited like the one who has found hidden treasures (Psa
119:162). When I am overjoyed, I run out of my study to swing in the garden or treat me with a chocolate!

"I am a man of unclean lips!"

The preparation time affects my inner man deeply. It’s a time of both learning and unlearning for me. Scales fall off my eyes.
Conviction grips me wherever I haven’t measured up to God’s expectations. The Word of God is a knife with two sharp edges. The
first one is to cut the heart of the preacher and the other one is to operate on the hearers (Heb 4:12,13). This is how "the Word becomes
flesh" in the speaker. God desires to bless me before I become a blessing to others (Gen 12:2). "Hardworking farmers must be the first
to enjoy the fruit of their labour" (2 Tim 2:6).
God of order

I go through whatever I have gathered in prayer and study several times to form an outline and frame a structure. I am amazed at the
help of the Holy Spirit I receive at this stage (Isa 34:16). My sermons are usually of five points or seven. I have some faith in Scripture
numerics! For each point I give a few Bible references to teach the truth, and then a few to illustrate it with examples. The Bible is
made up of both "law" and "testimony" (Isa 8:20). Belief and behaviour. Doctrine and deeds. I make it a point that what I preach must
be descriptive as well as prescriptive, theologically sound and practically applicable.

God of beauty

I write and rewrite my sermon outlines several times. I am not economical with stationery. I have a good collection of quotebooks. I
select quotations from them to spice my sermon. Eventhough my mother tongue is Tamil, from my student days my meditations and
study have been with the English Bible. However, because before entering College I did my schooling in Tamil medium, my
vocabulary in English is rather poor. I therefore keep a Dictionary and a Thesaurus with me when I finalise my sermon notes. I spend
time in choosing words and coining them so they may be rhyming. God is artistic! When words are coined, it becomes easy for the
hearers to remember the points. Wisdom and knowledge are from the Spirit of God (Isa 11:2). I use fine ballpen and good quality
paper to write the notes which I will carry to the pulpit. The size of the notes folder will be slightly less than the page size of my Bible
so it may fit in conveniently. For safety sake I keep a xerox copy of my notes elsewhere. We are not ignorant of Satan’s schemes!

Cleansing the vessel

With the sermon notes ready, as the day of preaching approaches, I intensify prayer. I go through my notes several times. I wait on the
Lord with fasting to receive a new strength (Isa 40:31). The Spirit of God is already upon me, but I seek God for a fresh anointing. I
subject myself to serious self-examination so I may be cleansed of all the filth in my soul and spirit. Anointing with oil is only after
the application of blood (Lev 14:14-18). First it is the Lamb and then comes the Dove! God uses cleansed vessels (2 Tim 2:21).
During this period I become more and more aware of my unworthiness and appreciative of God’s greatness (2 Cor 3:4-6). Tears roll
down my eyes as I worship Him who has counted me faithful and put me in this ministry (1 Tim 1:12).

"Strike the shepherd!"

The eve of my preaching assignments, especially if it is a major programme, is usually days of storm. It may be physical sickness,
ministerial conflicts or family problems. The blows will literally crush me. I would wonder whether I would ever make it to the
programme. But in the last minute God would release a new supply of His grace in answer to the prayers of thousands of my friends
who would cry unto God that I would not be intimidated by these attacks (Eph 6:19,20). No doubt the devil wanted to disturb me
because I was getting ready to disturb him. However I believe that God allows such disturbances. This brokenness leads to such
boldness in the pulpit that no one in the audience would ever know that I had walked through the valley of tears the previous day! (1
Cor 2:3,4). I weep in the night but walk to the pulpit with the joy of the Lord which is my strength (Neh 8:10c).

In 1997 I was invited to Chennai to preach in the 3-day missionary convention of the largest Church in South India. The first evening
meeting was on a Friday. In the morning I got a catch in my hip as if it was knocked out of joint at the socket. (I felt like Jacob! Gen
32:25,31). Standing or walking was such a painful thing. Just before the meeting a senior orthopaedic surgeon tried his level best to
manipulate my joints so I might be relieved. It was all in vain. Painkillers couldn’t help me either. For the first time in my preaching
career, I had to sit and speak in those three meetings. Folks testified that the messages were the most powerful missionary challenge I
had ever made. Interestingly and inexplicably I became perfectly normal on Monday morning! How is it for a testimony that God’s
strength is made perfect in my weakness, and when I am weak, then I am strong? (2 Cor 12:9,10).

The hour has come!

During the hours before preaching I avoid house-visiting or doing anything that would physically or mentally tire me. A nap before
going to the meeting refreshes me. I don’t eat a heavy meal before preaching. Lighter the stomach better the sermon! I brush my teeth
and clean my tongue so my saliva may not be sticky and my words may be clear. After this I avoid eating anything solid. I ease myself
by emptying the bladder. How I suffered whenever I forgot to do it! I dress smartly but don’t wear anything I am not accustomed to or
which is not suitable to the climate. David doesn’t fare well in Saul’s suit! (1 Sam 17:38,39). I want to be normal and natural on the
pulpit.

On your mark! Get set!

I try to be in the meeting from the very start. Only then I can catch the wavelength of the audience and join the people in worship
before preaching to them. I am not a cine actor to enter the scene in the middle. I strictly tell the organizers not to kill the people with
long preliminaries and lengthy introductions. The worship or song leaders must not give me a tired congregation! People must be left
with some mental energy to receive a meaty message! I wet my throat before getting up to preach. I request the volunteers to keep a
cup of warm water on the podium. Many times they forget to do it and that makes me carry with me my own flask of water!

I ensure that the pulpit height gives me a comfortable reading distance so I can stand erect. I wait till the audio man sets the mike
properly lest there are interruptions after I begin to speak. I request the photographers and the videographers not to stand right in front
of me but move to the sides. I hate the glare of powerful flashlights which heat up my body.

Level of expectation
Before I utter the first word in the pulpit, I whisper a prayer within myself: "O God, help me to glorify You today!" I remember what
George Verwer the Founder Director of Operation Mobilisation once said: "If a preacher has two aims, he has one too many!" I
usually begin with a word of greeting. If it is a missionary convention I greet the audience in the Name of the Lord of the "Harvest." If
it is a holiness conference, the greeting will be in the Name of the Lord who is "Holy, Holy and Holy!" If it is a meeting on spiritual
warfare, the greeting is in the Name of the Lord of "Hosts!" I thus relate to the theme of the programme in the first sentence itself. In
the introduction of the sermon I briefly explain to the audience what I was going to speak on. A proper orientation raises the level of
expectation.

A word of appreciation to the organizers will be in place. I tell the people to keep their Bibles open to turn to the references I would
make. They must show the verses to those who sit by if the latter have not brought their Bibles. I insist that every literate man and
woman should bring the Bible from the next day. I ask how a student could go to school without textbooks. Do Christians come to
spiritual meetings just to watch a performance?

Authority & Power

I keep the dial of my wristwatch on the palm side so I can note the time without the knowledge of the audience! I try to equidistribute
the time to all my points of the sermon, but I often fail. I spend too much time for point number one and too little for the last one. I
preach with a triple conviction and consciousness: I am a servant of God; I stand on the authority of the Word of God; I speak with the
power of the Spirit of God. I have learnt this from Jesus. When He spoke with such a conviction, "the eyes of all who were in the
synagogue were fixed on Him!" (Lk 4:17-20).

What a Word!

The Word of God is FIRE! I preach it with a burning sense of urgency that crackles with a spirit of seriousness (Jer 5:14; 20:9). The
Word of God is a HAMMER! I preach it bangingly and overwhelmingly (Jer 23:29). The Word of God is a SWORD! I preach it
boldly and forthrightly (Eph 6:17; Heb 4:12). The Word of God is a MIRROR! I preach it prophetically and clearly (Js 1:22,23). The
Word of God is a SEED! I preach it with tears and expectation (Lk 8:11; Psa 126:6). The Word of God is DEW! I preach it tenderly
with compassion (Dt 32:2; Eph 5:26). The Word of God is MILK! I preach it without adulteration and serve it liberally (1 Pet 2:2).
The Word of God is SPIRIT! I preach it enthusiastically pouring myself into the sermon (Jn 6:63). The Word of God is HONEY! I
preach it pleasantly, avoiding unedifying words (Psa 119:103). The Word of God is a LAMP! I preach it revealingly and relevantly
(Psa 119:105).

Spot inspirations

I stick to my sermon notes as closely as I can. At the same time I remain flexible to respond to spot inspirations from the Spirit of God.
It is the same Holy Spirit who anointed me in the prayer closet and assisted me in the study room during sermon preparation. The spot
inspirations will be about 25% and it’s a thrilling experience to receive them. I use humour but very cautiously lest the seriousness is
lost. I illustrate the truths through stories, personal experiences and other examples. Illustrations are simply windows to a sermon.
They are used only to explain hard truths. Too many illustrations will leave too little time for the exposition of the written Word of
God. In my sermons I don’t spend more than 10% of the time for telling stories and sharing experiences. I am not an entertainer or an
exhibitor but a spiritual edifier and a Scriptural exponent. I am not on the pulpit to impress people but to implant in their hearts eternal
truths and impart to them divine graces. Repetition is Biblical and beneficial (Phil 3:1).

Truth is parallel.

In all my preaching I endeavour to be balanced. I speak about the love of God as well as His wrath, the Word of God as well as His
power, the fruit of the Spirit as well as His gifts, Bible meditation as well as prayer, sanctification as well as service, the local church
as well as frontier missions, and so on. I am analytical without turning critical. I oppose false doctrines tooth and nail (2 Tim 4:2,3).
This I do objectively without becoming subjective. I come against traditions which are contrary to the Scriptures (Mk 7:13). I am
committed to serve God’s people with His "whole" counsel (Acts 20:27). In order to do these things effectively with God’s approval, I
go through Genesis to Revelation as frequently as I can in my study (Mt 13:52).

What I don’t

There are certain things I do NOT do while preaching—

I do not preach what people "want" but what they "need" (Isa 30:10). I don’t desire to become popular. I do not prepare ground for
the next invitation.

I do not take the microphone in my hand like professional singers. I leave it on the stand so both my hands would be free to turn the
pages of the open Bible. I resist the temptation to become theatrical.

I do not close my eyes but look at the audience. If I need to close my eyes for better concentration in speaking, the people may also
need to close their eyes for better concentration in listening! It will then be a modern version of "blind leading the blind!"

I do not ask someone in the audience or the dais to read the Scripture references. I read the references myself so that everyone can
hear clearly and understand where I lay the stress. When I myself see the passage in the Bible, it checks me from going out of
context. The marginal notes I have made in my Bible during personal meditations also will supply me additional thoughts.

I do not speak in tongues from the pulpit. This is clearly forbidden in the Scriptures (1 Cor 14:18,19). I remember to have shouted
 in tongues on the pulpit twentyfive years ago. "When I became a man, I put away childish things" (1 Cor 13:11).

I do not imitate other preachers. I do not want to lose the originality God has blessed me with. Let me be me! I want to learn from
the manner of life and ministry of the other servants of God, but I will not copy their style.

I do not preach for money even if it is for ministry. I do teach giving but my aim is to make Christians good stewards, rather than to
promote a programme or an organisation. This gives me freedom to preach the truth without adulteration (2 Cor 2:17).

I do not come down to people’s level but try to raise them to higher standards. I hate sermons of watery milk and milky water. Both
Jesus and Paul were known for hard sayings (Jn 6:60; 2 Pet 3:15,16). But that’s meat! (Heb 5:12-14).

I do not keep shouting all the time. There’s a time to raise the voice and a time to speak softly. If there’s no modulation, people will
be strained.

I do not tolerate indiscipline of any sort on the dais or in the pew. Folks must be taught to be reverential in the presence of God
which is manifest when His Word is preached (Isa 66:1,2).

It is finished!

I usually finish my sermon with a prayer of commitment. I then recommend to the people any literature they can read to supplement
what all I said. I request the organizers not to make big announcements or play loud music after the sermon but close the meeting
quickly with a benediction so people can disperse quietly thinking on what they have heard. Because I have already offered a
collective prayer for the entire audience, I do not exhaust myself further by praying for individuals. I learnt this from T. L. Osborn
(1923- ), a legendary healing evangelist of our time.

"Thank You, Lord!"

After preaching I drink plenty of water to cool down my system. Brother Nataraja Mudaliar (1930-1982) the famous piano-accordion
evangelist from South Africa advised me to do this in 1969 when I was a student preacher. In spite of this I suffered from renal colic
twice. This is a speakers’ disease, perhaps! I have a shower and then supper if it’s evening (Eccl 9:7). I go for a stroll in order to
rejoice in the Lord for using me as His mouthpiece. Returning home, I add up to my notes whatever spot inspiration I received while
preaching. I also note down the date and place so I may not repeat the same talk in the same town! Lying on bed I rewind to find out if
I had spoken anything that was not right or touched God’s glory. Another cleansing in Emmanuel’s stream and then off to sleep!

This article is not a teaching on "How to Preach" but a testimony about "How I Preach." Swallow the flesh and spit out the bone!

40 Years 40 Lessons
By the grace of God I completed 40 years of my life in Christ on the 18th of November 2002. Walking with God as a student for 8
years, as an Engineer for 5 years, and as a fulltime preacher for 27 years has been challenging and thrilling. In April 2003 the prayer
group I founded in 1963 in the Engineering College Campus in Karaikudi, Tamilnadu, celebrated its Ruby Jubilee. In this context I
was inspired to write down 40 most important lessons I have learnt during these 40 years. I submit them here for this generation and
those to come.

1. Position in Christ
My position in Christ is the most amazing revelation I have ever received in my Christian life. I died when Christ died; I was buried
with Him; I rose again with Him; when He ascended I was made to sit with Him in the heavenlies. Christ is my righteousness and
sanctification. The Father God cannot wink at sin but I am fully accepted because He sees me through His Son. My life is hid with
Christ in God. No one can condemn me. Satan is wasting his time in accusing me. On earth Christ is with me through His Spirit; in
eternity I shall be with Him in my glorified body.
2. Bible
Among the spiritual disciplines, the study of the Bible must be considered the foremost. God has magnified His Word above all His
Name. Our attitude towards the Bible affects all areas of our life. Prayer is called the Christian’s vital breath, but we must first listen to
God in Bible Meditation before we speak to Him in prayer. Systematic study of the Word begets meaningful worship. The Bible is up
to date for any generation. As a textbook it is the same for the new believer as well as the mature saint.

3. Prayer
Prayer is the most practical expression of our dependence on God. When we add fasting to prayer we tell God that we desperately
need Him. Prayer is not essentially to change God but to change us fit into His plan. Our prayer life is the devil’s primary target,
because if we fail on our knees we fail everywhere. Prayer is sweet because it deepens our intimacy with God. I ask God what all I
want, but He gives me only what I need. I therefore thank Him for unanswered prayers too.

4. Holiness
God’s call to holiness is the foundation for any other specific calling in our life or work. Holiness in thought, word and deed is God’s
supreme purpose concerning each of us. He sent His Son to show us what holiness is. He sent His Spirit to empower us live holy.
Holiness has two sides: what God does and what we are to do in response. Eccentric groups in Christendom emphasize just one of
these aspects and leave out the other. Sins of omission are not less serious than sins of commission in the sight of God. Periodic self-
examination helps us grow in holiness.
 5. Temptations
Temptation is not sin, but yielding to temptation is. Everytime we say no to temptation, we are strengthened; everytime we say yes, we
are weakened. Unless there’s a real desire to overcome temptation, victory is not possible. Temptations may come from the most
unexpected person and place, and strike at the most unexpected hour. No one can say that he would never be tempted in a particular
area. You will be tempted strongly to commit that sin against which you have vehemently preached. You will be shaken in that area
where you have strengthened others. Seek God’s help daily and stay watchful.

6. Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is God. He is not simply a power or an influence but a Person in the Trinitarian Godhead. God the Father is in Heaven,
and God the Son is at His right hand up there. Only God the Holy Spirit is literally and personally present here on earth today. But for
the baptism with the Spirit I received 40 years ago, I would not have understood God’s ways so clearly. The gifts of the Spirit will
have the desired effect only to the extent they are operated with His fruits. Attaching a denominational label to the anointing of the
Holy Spirit has been the worst tragedy in Church history.

7. Devil
Authority over Satan is the birthright of every child of God. Demons can oppress us but never possess us. We belong to God, bought
by Him by the precious blood of His Son. We do not struggle towards a possible victory but proceed from a victory already won. Over
occupation with the subject of demons as well as ignorance of it are two extremes to be avoided. Binding Satan is an attempt not
sanctioned by the Scriptures. God has let him loose and free during this dispensation. Our responsibility is to give no place to him. He
is already defeated and his final destiny is sealed.

8. Sexual Immorality
Nothing saps the spiritual vitality of a child of God like sexual immorality. It will also blunt his spiritual sensitivity. If he is a preacher
and he indulges in this sin for long, the flow of God’s message through him will be blocked. When there’s no truth in the innermost
being, God will not reveal His wisdom. The Kingdom of God will suffer numerous losses. There is no substitute for genuine
repentance if there must be restoration. Transparent fellowship with men of God and accountability to them are a protection.

9. Guidance
Decisions make us or break us. There’s no safety or security outside the will of God. God’s leading through His Spirit is promised to
every child of His. But He reveals His will only if there’s a willingness to obey. Absolute surrender to God’s will makes our flight
effortless and graceful. Those who are accustomed to God’s guidance can testify that it is naturally supernatural and supernaturally
natural. Leaders to whom God reveals His mind are a strategic asset to their ministries. Divine guidance usually comes in stages.

10. Studies
God gave Daniel and his team of three young men an unusual aptitude for learning the literature and science of their time in Babylon.
They were ten times better than their counterparts. It is unfortunate that preachers and leaders don’t challenge and encourage our
young people to excel in the academic world. The result is that we don’t have many Christians occupying top administrative posts.
Simply praying for the nation is not sufficient. We must produce Moseses and Daniels. Higher studies in secular disciplines are not a
waste even if one is called to be a fulltime preacher.

11. Family
Family is the school of patience. Success in family life does not depend on tolerance but acceptance. When the negative things in the
spouse appear bigger than the positive, marriage will begin to deteriorate. In spiritual warfare no two-member team is mightier than
husband and wife. Keeping the first love fresh is not easy, but it’s worth all the troubles taken and sacrifices made. The lasting gift
parents can give their children is the quality time they spend with them.

12. Money
Love of money is condemned in the Bible as much as the lust of the flesh. It is the root of all evil. Godliness with contentment is great
gain. Covetousness and stinginess are sisters. A liberal soul will experience daily showers from Above. Honesty in financial matters is
a fundamental qualification for Christian leadership. Prosperity is not always indicative of God’s approval, or poverty a curse. In
general those who are materially poor are spiritually rich. In showing love, the poor are more genuine than the rich. They are also
more trustworthy.

13. Health
Health is wealth. My body is the temple of God’s Spirit. I must do all that’s possible to keep it free from sin and sickness which are
basically interconnected. I must eat well, sleep well, exercise enough and work hard. "Early to bed; early to rise!"— This golden rule
is for everyone, especially for preachers. Gifts of healing and medical science are God’s gracious provisions for our wellbeing.
Vacations are a must. For every six days of work God takes a day off!
14. Pastimes
Sports, games, outings, picnics and the like are not unspiritual or a waste of time. It is God’s will that we enjoy life fully and sacrifice
legitimate blessings only when required. Jesus enjoyed parties and dinners so much that He got a nickname, Sinners’ Friend! Art and
beauty are divine characteristics. Shabbiness in dress and dwelling does not reflect God’s nature. Hobbies and exercise keep the mind
and body relaxed and fit. Staying in touch with nature and playing with children help understand the Scriptures better.

15. Humility
Just like water flows down the slope, the grace of God gushes towards a humble heart. Humility is the most desirable virtue in making
and maintaining relationships. Pride is the chief characteristic of Lucifer, and every fallen man has inherited it. "God resists the
proud." The Bible doesn’t make such a statement against any other vice. A constant realisation of our unworthiness before God is the
surest way to develop humility. Of what we have, there is nothing that was not received from God. Pride takes many subtle forms. One
such is the pride of humility.

16. Patience
I must not be lethargic or slothful, but at the same time I should not run ahead of God. Walking with God means keeping pace with
Him. God never acts in haste because everything is under His control. If I believe this truth, I also will not panic. God’s delays are not
denials. He does everything beautiful in His own time. Impatience causes irreversible damages. There are no shortcuts to goals which
God has set for us. The path may be painful and long, but that’s where God matures and perfects us. Patience is perfection. It is the
queen of virtues. I must be patient with others as God is with me.

17. Orderliness
Orderliness and discipline are hallmarks of Christian discipleship. God’s love for orderliness is seen in creation. At the end of each
creation day He reviewed His work of the day and was satisfied that it was good. Habitual disorderliness affects devotional habits,
sermon preparation, family life and administrations. Acquaintance with an orderly person and watching him at close quarters will help
us practically. Punctuality and smartness are important ingredients of order. The commonest name for our God in the Old Testament is
the Lord of "Armies."

18. Faithfulness
Eternal rewards ultimately depend on our faithfulness. Whatever work God has committed to us is because He counted us faithful. It is
a struggle to stay faithful in a world of cunningness, crookedness and corruption, but it’s worth it. Honesty and faithfulness are
becoming rare commodities in today’s world. This scarcity in Christianity is most deplorable. Moses had several failures so much so
God didn’t even allow him to enter the Promised Land. Nevertheless God unreservedly commended his faithfulness.

19. Consistency
Consistency is one of the sublime secrets of success. Those who keep changing tracks will hardly accomplish anything substantial for
the Kingdom of God. Lust for novelty and popularity is an enemy of consistency. By discipline we must overcome boredom and
humdrum and delight in the work and the course which the Lord has assigned to us. Slow and steady wins the race.

20. Relationships
Friends, fellow-believers and coworkers are God’s precious gift to me. I must not simply use them to satisfy my needs. I should
always endeavour to build and bless them. We are called to serve and not to be served. People are fragile; I must handle them with
care. Everyone is hurting. I must be a healer of wounds. I should love everyone freely. Holding grudge and harbouring bitterness will
only make me the loser. Everyone in Heaven will be there only because he is forgiven. I hope to be there on the same grounds.
Seclusion in the name of separation is unscriptural. Just like Jesus we must grow in sociality.

21. Thankfulness
Living in an ungrateful world, we must constantly remind ourselves to be thankful to God and grateful to people. Thankfulness cannot
be assumed but must be expressed through words and deeds of acknowledgement and appreciation. It is pride that chokes our throats
from thanking others. Maintaining a list of persons, who have helped us from childhood, will be handy to pray for them and send
appropriate notes of thanks on birthdays, rebirthdays and anniversaries.

22. Hospitality
Hospitality and loving enquiries are fading away fast in the modern world. Relationships are becoming impersonal. Time spent
leisurely with one another just to enjoy company is considered a waste. This culture is anti-Biblical. We lose many graces in life
because of this trend. E-mail is fast but it cannot replace handwritten letters. We never outgrow the need for personal and affectionate
enquiries. Some of the strangers we entertain may be angels of God. "Am I my brother’s keeper?"— is an ancient question which still
angers God.

23. Poor
The Bible speaks more about giving to the poor than tithes and offerings. God’s concern for the poor is imprinted all through His
Word. Charity may serve as a point of contact for evangelism but that should not be our primary motive. We must help the poor
because they are poor and we have more than what we need. True happiness is in making others happy. We can see God in the smile of
the poor. We can never give too much to the poor. No one has become poor by giving to the poor. The God of the Bible is the God of
the poor. Christianity is charity.

24. Personal Soulwinning

Nothing keeps our souls aflame and makes our spirits dance like personal soulwinning. No evangelistic activity is superior to it.
Personal soulwinning and watchful living are interconnected. When a preacher considers personal soulwinning an act below his
dignity or a waste of time, he is not in tune with the Good Shepherd. Our theology of salvation gets refined everytime we lead a soul
to Christ. If we stop personal soulwinning, there can be only two reasons: Either we don’t believe any more that Christ is the only
Way, or we have lost the passion for souls.

25. Church
Christ so loved the Church that He gave Himself for it. I must love the Church however imperfect it may be. My burden for the
evangelization of the world must not negate my concern for the edification of the Church. If missionary organisations and evangelistic
agencies are nets to catch fish, churches are baskets to collect them. Here lies the secret of abiding fruitfulness. There can be so many
ministries not directly within the structure of the Church, but everyone of them is only a supplement and not a substitute to the local
church.
 26. Casteism
Casteism in the Church is worse than AIDS and SARS. Feelings of racial superiority are totally unjustifiable in the light of the New
Testament. Churches and Missions which have caste-minded leaders are to be pitied. We have not properly understood the power of
the Blood of Jesus until we know how it has wiped away the distinction between two diametrically opposite people groups like Jews
and gentiles. The Cross and casteism are eternal enemies.

27. Ministries
Among Christian ministries, no one is superior or inferior to the other. Limelight ministries get all the applause, but only in eternity we
will know who had pleased God the most. No ministry or Church is 100% flawless or 100% fraudulent. No ministry has it all. We
must learn from others and work with them if the Kingdom should expand. One ministry’s strength should help in the weakness of the
other. Meeting often with other leaders will weed out suspicions. Seniority is not superiority. The first shall be last, and the last shall
be first!

28. Youth
Ministry to youth is difficult but rewarding. When an old person is saved, his soul alone is saved. When a youngster is saved, his life
also is saved. Youth normally grow faster in spiritual life than seniors. God usually chooses young people for most challenging tasks.
Questions of youth must be frankly answered. The normal tendency to despise young people must be resisted. They must be given
active role in the Church. With enough of freedom and guidance, they will accomplish fantastic things. They have a right to commit
mistakes like the elders.

29. Preaching
Being called to preach is an admirable privilege but an awesome responsibility. Preaching is an eternal business and it must be taken
seriously. No pains must be spared for preparation. Oratory skills may be advantageous but folks will be blessed only if the preacher
has received a definite message from the Lord and he delivers it in the power of the Holy Spirit. At the end of each sermon I must
know for sure that I have pleased God. I must preach what the Bible teaches, and endeavour to practice whatever I preach.

30. Writing
Christian writing requires lot of discipline and study. Gifting alone will not suffice. You can speak whenever you want, but not so with
writing. Unless God implants a seed in the heart of the writer, however skillfully he may write, the product will be a doll and not a
baby. A writer cannot fully hide his autobiography in his writing. Everytime I write an article I go through the discomforts and pains of
a woman in labour. What is spoken may be forgotten or twisted, but what is written is written.

31. Fundraising
When religion is so highly commercialised, we must check our motive in fundraising by asking ourselves whether it is money for
ministry or ministry for money. It is said that God’s work done by God’s men in God’s time in God’s way will not lack God’s support.
However there will be seasons when God would make the rivers dry. That’s when we must overcome the temptation to employ subtle
methods of fundraising. Sympathy appeals by Christian ministries put God to shame. How we spend money must be pleasing to God
if His supply should not be blocked.

32. Competition
I must remain in my calling and should not go beyond my sphere. God does not expect me to do everything but only what He has
assigned to me. This realisation will keep me away from unhealthy competition and wasteful duplication. God is interested in how I
do a thing rather than how much I do. If I attempt to do what is not God’s will for me, I cannot expect His enablement to accomplish
it. I will only end up employing ignominious methods.

33. Balance
Balance is indispensable for wholesome growth in Christian life. Being balanced is not staying neutral. It is holding both the extremes
in proper tension. Doctrinal deviations are invariably due to eccentric emphases. Balancing Scriptural truths is an art one should
cultivate with the help of God’s Spirit. This is a must especially for those who are called to the ministry of teaching. Comparing
Scripture with Scripture is a safeguard against imbalance. There are truths which Pentecostals and non-Pentecostals should learn from
each other.

34. Bigness
Bigness is not greatness. Jesus compared the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed. God’s people are called little flock. Beginnings in
God’s work are usually small. God desires growth, but quality perhaps without quantity is more desirable than quantity without
quality. It is said that the first impression is the best impression. But the Bible teaches that the end is more important than the
beginning.

35. Promotion
No one can promote me to a position God has not designed for me. Also, no one can bring me down from where God has placed me.
Therefore I can be perfectly relaxed on the face of jealousies, competitions, injustice and threats. Promotion or demotion comes from
God Almighty, and no mortal can stop it.

36. Failures
I have learnt more from my failures than successes. Some of the truths in God’s Word are clearly seen only through the glasses of
tears. When my eyes are full, I see God’s full-circled rainbow on every page of His Word. Nothing keeps me humble like failures.
They also teach me that I need others. Friends and neighbous must be valued greatly. Accountability is a safeguard. Blameshifting is
unprofitable. Self-introspection is fruitful. No failure is final.
 37. Disadvantages
I thank God for the disadvantages with which I grew. They have become advantages in my life and ministry. I have learnt to appreciate
even small blessings so-called. I understand the plight of the have-nots and empathize with them. Murmuring is minimised. My heart
is filled with praise to God who remembered me in my lowly state. The experience of living with disadvantages was behind the words
of Jesus which attracted the poor. We try to give our children everything they ask. By doing so we are not actually helping them.

38. Knowledge
The more I study the Bible the more I realize how little I know and how much I know not. Everyday I grow in the know- ledge of the
Lord but I will know Him as He is only in eternity. I don’t know God fully but He knows me perfectly. That’s what strengthens my
trust and confidence. After 40 years of my walk with God I have more questions than answers. I don’t understand many things. It is
the element of uncertainty that adds thrill to Christian life.

39. Second Coming

The Second Coming of Christ is not a subject for discussion and dispute. It is an event we must prepare for. Among sincere Christians
there are various views on the mechanism of Christ’s return. We can find Scripture passages to support any of them. What is important
is to keep ourselves and make others ready. Our supreme priority should be the edification of the Church and the evangelisation of the
world. Because we believe that Christ is coming again, we are optimists.

40. Suffering
Suffering in Christian life should not surprise us; the absence of it must. Having a mind to suffer is the best preparation to pass through
the valley of darkness, disease and death. Suffering is suffering, but if handled rightly the outcome will be felicitous. Some of my best
sermons and essays were born in the days of adversity. Suffering trains us to comfort fellow-sufferers. After God has tried us, we shall
come forth as gold. The greatest of all is that God is with us!

Preachers & Patience

If God is not patient with His creation, no one or nothing can survive. If parents are not patient with children, no child will mature in
behaviour. If teachers are not patient with students, no responsible citizen will pass out of classrooms and lecture halls. If preachers are
not patient with people, the purposes of God cannot be fully accomplished on earth. Preachers as well as people need patience, but the
former need it more than the latter.

When we talk about patience, what comes to our mind instantly is suffering. The Bible speaks so much about being patient in
suffering. Every Christian goes through some suffering or other. This being so, preachers always find themselves in a position to
exhort "others" to be patient. Hardly does a preacher realize that he is the one who is expected to exercise untiring patience more than
anyone else. In this article, by preachers I mean anyone in Christian service and leadership whatever be the size of his group or the
level of his responsibility.

Father & Mother

The Bible uses various word pictures for those in Christian work. A servant of God is compared to a nursing mother. Apostle Paul
testified to the Christians in Thessalonica, "As apostles of Christ... we were as gentle among you as a mother feeding and caring for
her own children" (1 Thess 2:7). A mother’s patience is like a tube of toothpaste—it’s never quite all gone! Paul goes on to say, "You
know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children" (v11). He says that he "pleaded" with them, "encouraged" them,
and "urged" them to live a God-pleasing life (v 12). What practical manifestation of patience!

Patience of a donkey

None of the five typical ministries listed in Ephesians 4:11 can be fulfilled without patience. Apostles must go forth with the patience
of pioneers. Prophets must wait with the patience of seers. Evangelists must work with the patience of farmers. Pastors must care with
the patience of shepherds. Teachers must instruct pupils with the patience of parents. Someone quipped, "A pastor must have the
patience of a donkey, the meekness of a lamb, the hide of a rhinoceros, the industry of a beaver and the strength of an ox." I wonder
how many will opt to become a pastor if this requirement is placed before them when they choose their ministry! Folks in the
congregation are usually in a frivolous hurry. They expect too much for too little too soon. They want to get to the promised land
without going through the wilderness. Your patience will be tested to the core when you work with the impatient. It is said, "After five
or ten years those who are active against us in our church will outnumber those who are active for us! Be patient!"

Let’s look at various types and categories of people that preachers work with to whom they must show patience—

"As Elijah did!"

Expecting people to believe on Christ following the very first sermon is unreasonable. When the people of a Samaritan village rejected
the messengers of Christ, two of the top leaders of His team asked Him, "Lord, should we order down fire from heaven to burn them
up, as Elijah did?" (Lk 9:51-54). Jesus rebuked them saying, "You don’t know what manner of spirit you are of" (v 55b). James and
John would have boastfully thought about their own instant obedience to Christ’s call and contrasted it with the poor response of the
Samaritans. What they failed to remember was the rich Jewish background they had already had! There are still thousands of
unconverted men and women in our Churches even after listening to thousands of sermons. If Jesus must act on the suggestion of
James and John, all our Churches would be in flames and ashes!

Christians or Non-Christians?

Why then did Jesus tell His disciples to shake off the dust from their feet against any town or city which rejected their message? (Mt
10:14). These were not non-Jewish villages but villages of Israelites (vv5,6). We also misquote Paul to justify our impatience. When
those in Corinth opposed him, he shook his garments and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads; I am clean. From now on I
will go to the Gentiles" (Acts 18:6). We forget that Paul did not take this step just after one or two sermons. On the other hand, he had
"stayed" with a tentmaking couple, "worked" with them in this trade, and preached "every Sabbath" in their synagogue! (vv 3,4). In
the same way, it was after stretching out His hands to the people of Israel "all day long," God made Himself manifest to the non-
Israelites (Rom 10:20,21).

Sowing & Reaping

The popular trend in the missiological world today is not to waste time with irresponsive peoples but move fast to the responsive
groups. This may sound logical and profitable, but this viewpoint does not fall in line with the consistent teaching of the Bible. Did not
Jesus say, "One sows, and another reaps?" (Jn 4:37). May be God wants one mission group to labour for long years in a field without
visible fruits, and He would send there another group to reap that for which it did not labour (v 38). Because we run for responsive
groups in India, we have practically neglected the resistant caste Hindus. When Church growth is more rural than urban, the moral
climate of the nation will not be changed. The intelligentsia of the society will remain untouched.

Ishmaels or Isaacs?

It’s good to fix targets, but unrealistic goals and rigid targets will crush the workers in the mission fields. No doubt the supporters look
for attractive reports, but the way of the Spirit may be quite different (Eccl 11:5,6). The Great Commission of Christ is not to
christianize the world but to evangelize it. William Carey (1761-1834) laboured for seven years before the first Hindu convert was
baptized. In Burma, Adoniram Judson (1788-1850) toiled for seven years before he had one. He wrote to England, "Beg the Churches
to have patience!" If evangelistic preachers are not patient, they will fill our pews with more of Ishmaels than Isaacs. We are called to
sow faithfully and wait patiently so we may reap "at the appropriate time" (Gal 6:9). The appropriate time may come "after many
days" (Eccl 11:1).

Who will write for us?

Among those who decide to serve God fulltime, very few choose the ministry of Bible translation, because it’s a time- consuming job
and the results will not be impressive or spectacular to carnal eyes. This also explains the reason for the scarcity of Christian writers in
India. Among the popular preachers very few sit to write. We shun anything that requires patient and painstaking labour. Apostle Paul
might have felt that he had been paralysed by imprisonments. But that was God’s way of making him sit and write without distractions
and itinerancy! O how many Epistles the Church would have otherwise lost! The climaxing book in the New Testament was written by
John during his banishment to an island!

Athens & India

Idolatry in India would upset any true worshipper of the living God. But if we lose patience and prudence, we will shout from public
pulpits words which will only antagonize the non-Christians rather than awaken them to consider the claims of Christ. The Bible
suffers more in the hands of its exponents than its opponents. Apostle Paul was deeply provoked in his spirit when he saw the entire
city of Athens sold out to idolatry (Acts 17:16). But he showed dignified restraint when he began to speak to the city folks. Read his
sermon from verses 22 to 31. He uses the word "we" more often than "you!"

The opposers of the Gospel are not our enemies; they are simply the victims of the Enemy, even Satan. We are called to bless those
who persecute us and to pray for them (Mt 5:44). It was in a hostile atmosphere Paul showed the patience and gentleness of a mother
and a father (1 Thess 2:1,2,7,11). This he could do because he never forgot God’s patience towards him before his conversion. Writing
to his trainee Timothy he said, "That is why God had mercy on me, so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of His great
patience with even the worst sinners" (1 Tim 1:16). Let no one in the ministry of the Gospel ever forget this!

Nicodemus of the night

I have seen preachers being unkind and impatient with secret Christians. How on earth can anyone be a "secret" Christian? —they
would ask. Were not Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea "secret" followers of Christ? Nicodemus is always referred to as one who
came to Jesus "by night" (Jn 3:2; 7:50; 19:39). Joseph was called "a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews" (Jn 19:38). But
both in life and death of Jesus these two men were unusually close to Him! Preachers who are patient towards people actually affirm,
"We are not trying to dominate you and your faith, but we can work with you to increase your joy" (2 Cor 1:24).

Judging others is the easiest thing to do. I once saw a woman, at the reception counter of a Christian retreat centre, with a haircut that
made her look like a man. I thought why people had kept such ultra- moderns in a retreat centre where folks had been coming for
spiritual renewal. Soon I realized that she had lost her fingers in her right hand due to leprosy, and with one hand she could not
manage long hair. I was ashamed of my impatient conclusion.

Little by little

New believers are babies just born into the Kingdom of God. In our enthusiasm we must not push them into our perfection moulds.
Neonatal deaths abound in Churches because of the impatience of pastors and preachers. People must be given time to grow. The only
condition for water baptism is a sincere faith in the heart (Acts 8:36,37). Any addition is not Scriptural. There are no "seven" steps to
salvation. There is only one! (Acts 16:30,31). See how God teaches us: "Line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little" (Isa
28:13). He treats us like those "just weaned from mother’s milk" (v 9). So much of fruit of evangelistic labour is lost because of
insufficient follow-up. Everyone wants to be a planter like Paul, but very few opt to become a waterman like Apollos. Watering is to
be done patiently and consistently (1 Cor 3:6; Js 5:6).

Devil’s trap

Doctrinal deceptions are on the increase. The deceived don’t know that they are deceived. That’s what deception is. What’s the point
then in getting angry with them? See how thoughtfully apostle Paul advised Timothy: "The Lord’s servants must not quarrel but must
be kind to everyone. They must be able to teach effectively and be patient with difficult people. They should gently teach those who
oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will believe the truth. Then they will come to their senses
and escape from the Devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants" (2 Tim 2:24-26).

Who is the Prodigal?

Backsliding is common whereas restoration is uncommon. Of the many reasons I have observed, one weighty reason is the impatient
remarks and reactions of pastors and preachers towards backsliders. Under no circumstance should we condemn anyone. The parables
of the lost sheep, the lost silver coin and the lost son better illustrate restoration from backsliding than the initial repentance of a
sinner. The lost sheep was once in the fold. The lost silver coin was once in the forehead. The lost son was once in the family. What is
highlighted in these three stories is the patience with which the losers searched or waited. Pastors have the moral responsibility to find
out the underlying cause of backsliding in each case. Remedying the situation will not only pave way for the backslider to return but
also prevent others from going astray.

God loves backsliders. The Old Testament is filled with the restoration messages of prophets. See how patient He had been and has
been with Israel! In fact there is atleast a little backsliding in each of us. Who among us does maintain the same glow at all times?
Unnoticed backsliding is more serious than apparent backsliding. In the parable of the two sons the younger one backslided outside
the home whereas the elder backslided right inside. If the end of a story is more important than its beginning, the younger boy has got
in whereas the elder one is out. Who is the real prodigal, I wonder! Does the elder boy portray unkind and impatient church elders?

Paul & Mark

It is repeatedly said that leadership in the New Testament is plural. But it is more a theory than a practice. We are not able to tolerate
differences and be patient with imperfections. Jesus could not have built a strong team for world evangelisation if He had not been
patient with an unstable Peter, power-hungry James and John or a doubting Thomas. Even the noblest among us will succumb to the
temptation to lose patience towards one another, unless we are watchful and self-controlled. Whatever may be the reason, Paul’s
impatience in the matter of John Mark cannot be condoned. His impatience cost him the ministerial companionship of a Barnabas who
had been named as the Son of Encouragement (Acts 4:36; 15:36-40).

Paul & Peter

Again, Paul need not have opposed a senior leader like Peter publicly (Gal 2:11-14). Peter might have been wrong to play "hypocrisy"
as Paul termed it! But Paul was not right either in speaking against him in front of others. Why did then Paul circumcise Timothy?
(Acts 16:3). Why this appeasement? Why did Paul shave his head? (Acts 21:23-26). If you so want, you can find fault with anyone.
Without making some allowances, coexistence is impossible. In spite of Paul’s stiff attitude, Peter was gracious enough to
acknowledge his wisdom (2 Pet 3:15,16). Perhaps this is why eventhough Christ made Paul the Kingdom builder, He gave the keys to
Peter!

When you are criticized...

Hardly any preacher escapes false accusations sometime or other in his ministerial career. The devil uses scandal as a powerful
weapon to destroy servants of God. The Lord will ultimately vindicate them, but the passage is painful. Joseph was patient towards a
sex scandal. Moses was patient towards a marriage scandal. God permitted Jesus to be crucified on false charges. Here’s a thumb rule:
"Never fear criticism when you are right; never ignore criticism when you are wrong!" H. W. Longfellow has penned these insightful
lines: "If we could only read the secret history of our enemies, we would find in each man’s life sorrow and suffering enough to
disarm all hostility!"

Prophets without honour

No institution teaches us patience like the school of marriage. It is at home a preacher’s patience will be tested exhaustively. When he
returns home with lots of enthusiasm and encouragement after a successful preaching programme, he finds his family members
pouring cold water on his excitement. He must not get irritated or lose patience, but remember the words of Jesus: "A prophet is
honoured everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family" (Mt 13:57b). John Wesley (1703-1791) the Father of
Methodism used to receive such a contemptible treatment from his wife whenever he returned home after preaching fiery sermons. He
took it patiently. His marriage failed but he stayed faithful in his calling till the end. William Carey’s wife suffered severe mental
depression. Life was not easy for him. But he was steadfast in his work and became the Father of Modern Missions. However, there’s
nothing like a husband-wife team in Christian work. Challenges and problems will be there, but rewards will be great if patience
overrules (Eccl 4:9-12).

Children are the next patience-testers. According to a recent study, over 75% of the children of missionaries never want to choose
missionary career. Many pastors’ children hate religion though they cannot show it out. Every other preacher has unruly children. Paul
wondered how a man could take care of God’s Church if he could not manage his own family well, with children who respect and
obey him (1 Tim 3:4,5). If this text is to be taken literally as a qualification for a minister, over half of the pastors and preachers will
have to resign. What is implied here is that servants of God must not neglect their families in the pretext of ministerial responsibilities.
Both family and ministry are from God (Prov 18:22; Psa 127:3; Acts 20:24). Don’t sacrifice one for the other but balance them and
work patiently at each of them against all odds.

Having seen some of the categories of people with whom we must be patient as servants of God, we will now study the areas where
we need to be patient—

Sermons or Messages?

Sermon preparation is a work that demands lots of patience. Before it became too late the early apostles decided that they would
devote themselves exclusively to the ministry of the Word and prayer. There were of course other necessary things, but they made a
choice to spend their time primarily on knees for preparation and then to stand up for the proclamation of the Word of God (Acts
6:3,4). Very few are the modern preachers who patiently shut themselves in their prayer closets until they hear from God what they
must speak to people. There are plenty of sermons but there’s a scarcity for messages from God. Preachers are too busy with financial
and administrative matters to wait on God patiently. Someone said, "Christianity began in a catacomb with nothing but a message, and
ended up in a cathedral with nothing but money!"

Information or inspiration?

Dr. Billy Graham was once asked how he would spend his life if he were to start all over again. He replied, "I’ll preach less and study
more!" Preachers don’t grow because they are no more listeners and learners. You need patience to listen and to learn. If you prepare
sermons without sitting quietly before God, you will be dominated more by informations and imaginations than inspirations. John
Newman rightly said, "The false preacher is one who has to say something; the true preacher is one who has something to say!" The
preacher who cannot broaden and deepen his sermons usually lengthens them. If we are too busy to listen to God, He takes us into
difficult situations so we are compelled to slow down. Prophet Jonah learnt more at the bottom of the sea than some preachers learn at
a theological seminary. Example: "Salvation is of the Lord" (Jon 2:9c).

40 years

There is no one who does not like promotion. Because preachers are mostly self-employed, they can do whatever they want to be
exalted and become popular. Waiting for God’s time has become a forgotten habit. About Moses God testified that there was never a
prophet like him before or after him (Dt 34:10-12). It took years for him to come to this place of honour. He died at 120. The first 40
years he learnt that he was somebody. The next 40 years convinced him that he was nobody. During the last 40 years he understood
that God was everything. Jesus resisted the temptation for quick promotion whether it came from Satan or his relatives (Mt 4:8-10; Jn
7:2-6).

Elisha Vs. Gehazi

Promotion comes from God. We are exhorted to humble ourselves under His mighty hand that He might exalt us in due time (1 Pet
5:6). Elisha waited patiently, and the mantle of Elijah fell on him. But Elisha’s servant Gehazi was too anxious. He was after
ministerial promotion and material prosperity. He spoke the language of his master Elisha and even used his staff. But he could not
revive the dead child. He went after money stealthily and bought only leprosy (2 Ki 4 & 5). Ministries will be ruined if tricky and
manipulative Gehazis come to leadership positions.

Ignoring so many senior associates and mature believers in their own congregations, several pastors make their sons as next leaders.
These youngsters may have talents and an overseas degree. But what is essential for leadership is an experience of walking patiently
with God. That’s why Paul admonished Timothy, "Do not lay hands on any one hastily" (1 Tim 5:22a). No wonder glory departs
congregations and organisations after the days of the founders. Preachers must keep Jeremiah 45:5 always before them: "Are you
seeking great things for yourself? Don’t do it!"

Power & Patience

Patience is also necessary in the operation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and manifestation of His power. When we talk about the
marks of an apostle, we immediately think of signs, wonders and miracles. This is right, but we forget the setting for these which is
patience. See the testimony of Paul, an apostle par excellence: "Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you WITH
ALL PATIENCE, in signs and wonders and miracles" (2 Cor 12:12). Moses in impatience smote the rock the second time. Of course
waters did gush out! The miracle did happen! People were abundantly blessed. But God was totally displeased. He viewed the
impatience of Moses so seriously that he was denied entry into the Promised Land! (Num 20:7-12).

As Elisha did?

The descent of the Dove-like Spirit on Jesus at the riverbank and His forty day fasting in the desert charged Him with God’s power
beyond measure. But when the devil prompted Him to try it out by turning stones into bread, Jesus refused (Mt 3:16-4:4). This is
patience that’s perfect. In contrast, prophet Elisha, who was patient before getting the mantle, started acting in haste once he received
it. He struck Jordon immediately with the mantle (2 Ki 2:13,14). In his impatience he cursed fortytwo youths who mocked at him.
They were instantly devoured by wild bears (vv 23-25). What did Elisha gain by the death of so many youngsters? God forbid that we
in impatience do any destructive thing "as Elisha did!" Gifts of the Spirit and His fruit are two different things. Charisma is not the
same as character. It is possible to excel in prophesying, exhibit mountain-moving faith and even embrace martyrdom without love
which is perfected by patience (1 Cor 13:1-4a; Js 1:4). Emerson commented, "A man is a hero, not because he is braver than anyone
else, but because he is brave for ten minutes longer!"

With God for God!

God endows us with gifts of power. In order that they may be operated for the glory of God, we must wait patiently before Him. Jesus
had already given His disciples power over unclean spirits (Mt 10:1). But when they could not cast out a demon from a young boy, the
explanation of Jesus was that they should spend enough time unhurriedly with God in fasting and prayer. Faith and power alone won’t
do (Mt 17:19-21). Why did Jesus delay His visit to Lazarus when he was dying? He took time to receive specific instructions from His
Father about the situation.

A.W. Tozer (1871-1963) observed, "We hear a great deal about GO YE, but not much about TARRY YE!" This was the worry of the
18th century Scottish preacher, Andrew Bonar (1810-1892), who warned ministers of his day, "One of the gravest perils which besets
the ministry is a restless scattering of energies over an amazing multiplicity of interests which leaves no margin of time and of strength
for receptive and absorbing communion with God." A prepared messenger is more important than a prepared message. We cannot
cultivate a spirit of prayer unless we acquaint ourselves with divine patience. We should begin to pray before we kneel down, and we
should not cease when we rise up!

My own vineyard

When we become over occupied with the work of God and neglect personal devotions, our spiritual growth will be stunted. Then we
will have to lament like the Shulamite in the Song of Solomon, "They made me the keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I
have not kept" (ss 1:6b). Jesus was always watchful to avoid this pitfall. When the work increased, He increased His quiet time with
His Father. Historian Luke gives a firsthand report: "Despite Jesus’ instructions, the report of His power spread even faster, and vast
crowds came to hear Him preach and to be healed of their diseases. But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer" (Lk
5:15,16).

Attention-getters

The saintly Robert Murray M’Cheyne said, "Every wise workman takes his tools away from the work from time to time that they may
be ground and sharpened; so does the only-wise Jehovah take His ministers oftentimes away into darkness and loneliness and trouble
that He may sharpen and prepare them for harder work in His service." Blessed thought! God allows crises in our lives to slow us
down in the rat race. We should not be discouraged, but at the same time we should not sail against God’s wind. Financial difficulties,
fruitlessness in work, material losses, failures in life, family problems, physical ailments, deaths of dear ones, and the like may be
God’s attention-getters. Stay sensitive.
Perhaps today!

Fulfillment of visions, accomplishment of goals, answers to prayers, solution of problems and several such things may be inordinately
delayed in our work for God. But he who waits on God loses no time. We will not be frustrated if what we primarily look forward to is
the Return of Christ rather than any of the above things. Horatius Bonar (1808-1889) was called the prince of Scottish hymn-writers.
He served God for over sixty years. When he gets up in the morning, he would say, "Perhaps today, Lord!" When he retires to bed,
"Perhaps tonight, Lord!" God knows that it is a struggle for us to be patient. That’s why Christ repeatedly says, "Behold, I come
quickly!"

An Open Letter to My Preacher Friends about Money

Dear fellow-labourers,

Warm greetings in the love of God who has graciously called us to proclaim His mercies! I write this letter to share a burden from my
heart that becomes heavier every day.

The Christian ministries in India and abroad suffer one scandal after the other year after year. The commonest one seems to be the
money scandal. It has been upon my mind to write to my fellow ministers of God in India some of the principles by which we can
escape the money trap. Honestly I do not assume a better-than-thou attitude while writing this letter. We are all organs of the same
Body and when one organ suffers, all the other organs suffer with it. Not to accuse anyone but to help God’s servants in India I submit
these lines.

People point out there are three most profitable businesses. They say, once it was cinema, then it was politics, and now it is religion.
The frontal attack is on Christian ministry. We cannot totally dismiss this accusation as unfounded. Money-for-ministry has become
ministry-for-money. Coin-consciousness robs us of all spiritual vitality. Messageless pulpits are the result of moneymindedness. It is
easy to excuse ourselves saying that after all we are raising money for the ministerial needs only. But if fund-raising is at the top of our
agenda, we have missed the spirit of the teaching of our Master (Mt 6:24-33). God’s work done by God’s men at God’s time in God’s
way will not lack God’s support. This is not an empty cliche but the consistent testimony of saintly ministers of God down through the
ages. It is said that George Muller (1805-1898) never once directly or indirectly appealed to people for money to run his orphanages.
Though this appears to be an extreme, it will do us enormous good if we read his biography because we tend to go to the other
extreme! Let’s decide to say as little as possible about our financial needs in pulpit or print. God honours faith because faith honours
Him.

Prosperity does not mean God’s approval, nor does poverty mean His displeasure. He takes us through times of plenty as well as
seasons of drought so we may learn with Apostle Paul "both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need" (Phil
4:12). Someone said, "When we have money, we pay; when we don’t have money, we pray!" If there’s no financial crisis in the
ministry it should only humble us. We must not feel puffed up that God has given a blanket endorsement for all that we do. We must
search our ways more when we have enough than when we are in want. Success can easily blind us. Difficult days naturally drive us
to our knees but we must not be discouraged. God simply deepens our roots and strengthens us. This may also be a signal from God to
reprioritize our life and ministry.

If God gives us much more than what we actually need for our ministry, there will usually come a temptation to enter new areas of
ministry for which we are not actually called. This subtle temptation has assaulted many independent and popular evangelists. When
they are left with enormous amounts of money after taking care of their crusades, printing and other media expenses, they invent huge
projects for their investment. This not only sidetracks these ministers but also leads them to malpractices. To keep their self-invented
projects going, they resort to unscriptural methods of fund-raising and justify their actions with a horrible lie: "God told me!" Friends,
beware! It will be difficult to do away with white elephants. Don’t stretch yourself beyond the "measure of faith" God has given you
and exceed the "limits" He has set for you (Rom 12:3; 2 Cor 10:13). Be gracious and generous enough to share excess offerings with
less popular ministers and ministries with pressing needs. This way we will help build the Kingdom of God rather than our own
empires.

Agur’s prayer concerning material needs is full of practical wisdom. He prayed, "Give me neither poverty nor riches—Feed me with
the food You prescribe for me; lest I be full and deny You, and say, who is the Lord? Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the Name
of my God" (Prov 30:8,9). When the funds position is deplorably low, ask yourself these questions: Did I thank God enough when His
supply was sufficient? Did I help the less affluent ministries and poorer preachers when I had excess income? Was I consciously
dependent on God my Source rather than on the steady supply? Did I become careless about my personal giving? As preachers we
don’t have a right to expect people to give until we ourselves have given all we can (1 Chron 29:3-5).

Thank God for Banks and other financial institutions which grant loans for capital expenditure. One inherent danger in borrowing
money for ministry is that we would not be able to ascertain whether what we undertake is in the perfect will of God. Zeal and
enthusiasm can mislead us. Though it may look like an immediate success, it will adversely affect the overall purposes of God (Mk
1:40-45). The right procedure would be to pray collectively with mature Christians, wait before the Lord for a season, discuss the
matter in the light of the Scriptures, confirm with a few witnesses, and then place it before the people of God for their prayers and
support. See how people respond and then launch the project. Don’t be overambitious but be practical. Differentiate between faith and
presumption. Don’t get into heavy debts and then go to people with sympathy appeals. It puts the Lord of the Harvest to public shame.

As a general rule, don’t sink too much money in brick and mortar. (As a building engineer myself I have to constantly resist the
temptation to go for big buildings.) We have come to the end of the age. If you are a pastor and your congregation is growing fast,
don’t go on extending your Church building. How much will be enough? Split the congregation into two or three and plant them in
different localities to function under the secondline leaders. Decentralisation promotes Church growth the Bible way and antidotes
many evils. Pastor Paul Yongi Cho of Korea is not an universal pattern to follow.

If you are in the healing ministry you must be extremely vigilant against any form of merchandising your anointing and
commercialising your acts. While commissioning the twelve Jesus specifically said, "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead,
cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give" (Mt 10:8). Look at the anger of the apostles when someone offered them
money to get a spiritual gift (Acts 8:17-23). There’s nothing wrong in accepting an offering in gratitude, but when the intention of the
giver is to earn the special favour of the preacher, it must be outrightly rejected. This is illustrated by how Daniel accepted gifts from
King Nebuchadnezzar but refused what King Belshazzar gave (Dan 2:47,48; 5:16,17). Beware of offering special seats to the rich in
your meetings, and visiting the homes of the affluent (Js 2:1-6). A poor widow may give you just 20 rupees whereas a rich
businessman 20,000 rupees. The human tendency is to profusely thank the rich fellow with swelling words of appreciation, and take
the poor for granted. But God measures one’s giving not by what is given but by what’s kept back. Percentagewise usually the poor
give much more than the rich (Mk 12:41-44). Those who go overseas obviously earn many times more than their counterparts in India.
Don’t go after them or allow yourself to be dictated by them. Never forget that you are a servant of the Most High! (Gen 14:22,23).

The temptation for Indian preachers to grab overseas ministerial opportunities is simply too strong because of our low economic
condition. No doubt "the field is the world," but we usually sacrifice our commitments and obligations in this vast land of India for
foreign programmes. Anyone would love to preach in Singapore, the Middle East, Europe and the West. But how about the thousands
and thousands of tribal and backward villages in India totally unreached where only Indian—not white—evangelists can go?
Organizers in the abovesaid countries are tired of Indian preachers, especially from Tamilnadu and Kerala, because they are literally
pressurised by many of these preachers to extend them invitations and arrange for visas. Wait for honourable invitations, and here
again make sure that your local work does not suffer. The Government of India in the present trend has begun to restrict the flow of
foreign funds into India. The Christian ministry is singularly targeted. However there’s sufficient money in India for our ministries if
only the Indian Christians would learn to give. This cannot happen overnight. Therefore spend sufficient time in India to motivate
Christians and mobilize inland support.

When you minister in the West or attend international conferences, don’t sell your vision for a bowl of broth. Don’t accept offers
instantly or invite unknown preachers to India straightaway. You are in for trouble. Too many have bowed down to the American
dollar or kissed the German Deutchmark and lost their precious calling and rich anointing.

Accountability is another very important thing I want to write about. We are accountable not only to God but also to men. While
handling large sums of money received as contributions for the poor saints, Apostle Paul testified, "No one should blame us in this
lavish gift which is administered by us—providing honourable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men" (2
Cor 8:20,21). According to the civil law, all monies received as gifts, contributions or offerings must be accounted for and audited
statements submitted to the Government. Any money that’s not accounted for is black money, and God does not accept it because He
is light and there’s no darkness in Him. Don’t evade tax where it’s due (Rom 13:7).

It’s advisable to have an internal audit system also for your organisation. Be accountable to your fellow-workers and assistant pastors.
Leave the responsibility of handling money with someone else who is not your relative. Though I was the founder-leader of the
Blessing Youth Mission I voluntarily surrendered my legal rights for money and property transactions. I became free with an open
Bible (Acts 6:1-4). Like any of the 300 missionaries in this organisation I just received my salary. We used our family funds for our
special needs. Unless you are strict with yourself in this matter, and if you are the top leader or the chief pastor, your children will be
spoilt. In the New Testament economy, a son or a daughter cannot simply inherit the ministry or the ministerial money or property of
the parents.

Let us not justify ourselves of luxurious lifestyle saying that we are the sons and daughters of the King of kings. Do you know our
King is radically different from other kings, and while on earth He rode lowly on a donkey? Only in future glory will He ride on
horses! (Mt 21:5; Rev 19:11,14). Simple living goes with high thinking. Let’s lower our standard of living to improve the standard of
life of people. The unfortunate situation today is overfed shepherds and underfed sheep. Let us live simply so millions can simply live.

Printers and broadcasters complain that several preachers don’t pay their bills promptly. One broadcaster showed me the nasty reply
he received from a radio evangelist for the reminder sent to him for the payment of airtime cost. We go to such a level because we
have ignored the Biblical principles of stewardship of money. When Elisha performed a material miracle for the widow of the prophet,
he told her to first pay her debt and use the balance for her livelihood (2 Ki 4:7). It was in the context of payment of taxes and
customs, Paul wrote to the Roman Christians to owe no one anything (Rom 13:7,8). Even when Jesus didn’t have enough money, He
was serious about paying taxes (Mt 17:24-27).

We go to people with a detailed presentation of our financial needs when we need their contributions. Is it not then obligatory on our
part to publish a report of income and expenditure at the end of each financial year? People may not demand it but they have a right to
know. Missionary organisations, Bible Societies and well-structured ministerial agencies faithfully publish their financial statements.
Why don’t independent evangelists and preachers do the same? Come out of your apprehensions. You will experience a new freedom.

Let me close this letter with a searching question that burst forth from the very lips of our Master: "If you are untrustworthy about
worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?" (Lk 16:11).

Your friend,
R. Stanley

Self-examination Questions for Missionaries

1. PERSONAL
Do I keep myself as a clean vessel to be used by God?
Do I live in any secret sin?
Do I wholeheartedly desire holiness?
Do I run away from all sources of temptation?
Is my conscience clear?
2. DEVOTIONAL HABITS
Do I keep my quiet time regularly for Bible meditation and prayer?
Do I delight in God’s Word?
Is my prayer life getting deepened?
Do I value praying with my coworkers?
Do I substitute work for worship?
3. RELATIONSHIPS
Am I an easy person to live with?
Am I a habitual fault-finder and an unloving critic?
Do I willingly accept corrections or justify myself always?
Do I find it difficult to appreciate others openly?
Am I dead to casteism and regionalism in order to maintain the oneness of the Spirit?
4. FAMILY LIFE
Am I faithful to my spouse?
Do I keep a distance with the opposite sex?
Do I endeavour to spend quality time with my spouse and help her/his growth?
Am I free and friendly with my children?
Do I motivate my children by word and deed to pursue a missionary career—
if I believe that serving the King of kings is the greatest of all professions and privileges?
5. GOD’S Work
Do I serve the Lord with the first love and maintain the initial enthusiasm?
Am I becoming lazy?
Am I easily discouraged by fruitlessness in the ministry or difficulties in the work?
Am I patient and kind towards people?
Am I a men-pleaser?
6. HONESTY IN DEALINGS
Am I honest in reporting or do I exaggerate?
Am I faithful in financial matters?
Are my words dependable?
Can my coworkers trust me that I will stand with them in any situation?
Is the reputation of others safe in my hands?
7. SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Do I periodically evaluate my spiritual life?
Do I give my fellow-workers, juniors or seniors, the liberty to correct, warn and develop me?
Do I obey the voice of the Lord as it comes through personal meditation, sermons and literature?
Am I too proud to confess my weaknesses and failures?
Am I ready to sacrifice my personal interests in order to edify and strengthen my coworkers?
8. ORGANISATIONAL LOYALTY
Am I loyal to my organisation?
Do I submit myself willingly to the leaders?
Do I backbite my leaders when their decisions do not please me?
Do I have a party spirit?
Am I grateful to God and the organisation for the blessings or do I murmur?
9. MISSIONARY VISION
Is my heart burdened with God for those who have not yet heard the Gospel?
Am I interested in updating informations about what God is doing all over the world?
Do I pray for the persecuted Church and those ill-treated unjustly?
Is my concern for the poor practical?
Do I appreciate the good work done by other organisations and cooperate with them wherever possible?
10. FUTURE HOPE
Do I trust God for my future or worry unduly?
Do I compare myself with the affluent and turn material-minded?
Do I hesitate to take up the cross of misunderstanding and loneliness?
Do I turn a deaf ear to the voices that call me to come down from my missionary vision and commitment?
Am I conscious of the welcome and the reward that await me in Heaven if I serve the Lord of the Harvest faithfully till the end?