Some of the Lord's dear people have greatly injured their influence in the Truth by display of too large a degree of self-confidence, self-assurance, in speaking of the Divine Plan to others especially to the learned. Meekness is a jewel wherever found, and is especially desirable as an adjunct and sling for the Truth. Let the Truth be shot forth with all the force it can carry, but always with meekness and humility; and the question form of suggesting Truth will often be found the most forceful.
The qualities enumerated in this text are such as will enable the servant of the Truth to realize the object of his office: efficiency for the Lord and His cause and His people. The lack of these qualities unfits one for the service of the Truth, and makes one an injurer of the brethren and others instead of a helper, however great his natural talents may be. Well-balanced people resent in a religious teacher the marks of priestcraft but readily respond to the spirit of the Master, whose manner and spirit of teaching are well expressed in the Apostle's words in this text.
REPRINTS
Gen. 13:8; Prov. 15:2; 16:13; Jude 3; Titus 3:2; 1 Tim. 3:2, 3; 6:11; Rom. 12:18; 14:19; 1 Cor. 4:21; 10:31, 32; Phil. 2:3, 14; Col. 3:12; Jas. 1:19; 2 Thes. 3:15; 2 Tim. 2:25.
