0077. Purpose in Soul-Winning

Purpose in Soul-Winning

"So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work" (Neh_4:6).

The enemy had broken down the wall, and Nehemiah had undertaken to rebuild it. He called upon his own people, the Jews, to help him in this mighty task, and the people "all had a mind to work". So if we are to win souls for Christ we must have a strong purpose, a determination that cannot be set aside.

This illustration may be helpful. A certain sea captain was making his first, and record trip with a newly launched steamer. He had been crossing the Atlantic with splendid speed and everything bid fair for a splendid finish. Then as he sped along he heard the cannon sounding its call for help from some sinking ship. The captain gave no heed, but kept his own ship in high speed, straight on its course. But he was destined to pass very near the sinking ship which lay near his course, farther ahead. As he passed within sight of the steamer he could hear the cries of "Help!" but he kept on his way. He entered New York harbor in splendid time, making a wonderful record for his ship. The steamer officials warmly congratulated his success–but alas, as he left them, their praise seemed to chafe him, for he could not rid himself of the vision of the sinking ship. Their cries of Help! Help! grew louder and louder in his ears. Finally his reason reeled and he became a mad-man crying ever and anon, "Can’t you see the sinking ship, hear their cries, oh, stop the engines, and save those drowning folk."

Is it not true that many of us are so deeply engrossed in earthly pursuits, that we have no ear for the cries of dying men and women? We need to fall on our faces and consecrate ourselves to God for the work of soul-winning. Who has a mind for the work?

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR