Missionary work is a fundamental aspect of Christian ministry, rooted in the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ to His disciples. Ministers engaged in missionary work are called to spread the Gospel, make disciples of all nations, and teach them to observe all that Christ has commanded (Matthew 28:19-20). This sacred task requires a combination of wisdom and meekness, as these virtues enable ministers to effectively communicate the message of salvation and navigate the diverse cultural landscapes they encounter.

Wisdom in Missionary Work

Wisdom is essential for ministers as they engage in missionary work. The Apostle Paul, a model missionary, exemplified the use of wisdom in his approach to spreading the Gospel. In Colossians 4:5-6 , Paul advises, "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of every opportunity. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." This counsel underscores the importance of being discerning and strategic in interactions with those unfamiliar with the Christian faith.

Proverbs 2:6 states, "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." Ministers are encouraged to seek divine wisdom through prayer and study of the Scriptures, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide their words and actions. James 1:5 further assures, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." This promise highlights the availability of God's wisdom to those who earnestly seek it.

Meekness in Missionary Work

Meekness, often misunderstood as weakness, is a vital attribute for ministers in missionary work. It involves humility, gentleness, and a willingness to submit to God's will. Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of meekness, as described in Matthew 11:29 : "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

The Apostle Peter emphasizes the importance of meekness in 1 Peter 3:15 , where he instructs believers to "sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect." This approach fosters an environment of respect and openness, allowing the message of the Gospel to be received more readily.

Paul also highlights the role of meekness in 2 Timothy 2:24-25 : "And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth." This passage underscores the necessity of a gentle spirit in correcting and instructing others, trusting in God's power to transform hearts.

The Interplay of Wisdom and Meekness

The combination of wisdom and meekness is crucial for effective missionary work. Wisdom allows ministers to discern the appropriate methods and timing for sharing the Gospel, while meekness ensures that their approach is characterized by humility and respect. Together, these virtues enable ministers to build bridges across cultural and religious divides, presenting the message of Christ in a manner that is both compelling and compassionate.

In summary, missionary work by ministers is a divine calling that demands the exercise of both wisdom and meekness. By embodying these virtues, ministers can faithfully fulfill their mission, bringing the light of the Gospel to a world in need of hope and redemption.Matthew 10:16
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the middle of wolves: be you therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The General Conference of 1828
... now devote themselves wholly to the work, and are ... and greatest usefulness of our
extended missionary system. ... of things would be to bring ministers of religion ...
/.../chapter 9 the general conference.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ...
... inquired whether there were any young ministers who were ... to devote themselves to
this work " to brave ... privations and sacrifices of a missionary among those ...
/.../chapter 12 from the close.htm

Carey as an Educator --The First Christian College in the East
... are now in England very few ministers with whom I ... of Serampore combined to make the
missionary patriarch the ... and Leechman from Glasgow rejoiced to work out his ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xiv carey as an.htm

From the Death of Bishop Asbury to the Close of the General ...
... A letter was accordingly addressed to the missionary committee of ... by civil law for
the support of the ministers of the ... a dead letter in many parts of our work. ...
/.../chapter 3 from the death.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ...
... become, to some extent, itinerant ministers to foreign ... the connecting links between
the several missionary stations in ... Though young in the work of the ministry ...
/.../chapter 10 from the close.htm

Conflicts of the Church with Public Wrongs.
... a different matter when the churches and ministers of Christ ... Neither was the work
of the young men ... Eli Smith, afterward illustrious as a missionary, [177] and ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xvi conflicts of the.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ...
... honored and beloved in their life as ministers of Christ ... Here, then, is a missionary
bishop worthy of the name ... imitation of all who engage in this sacred work. ...
/.../chapter 2 from the close.htm

Papal Infallibility Explained, and Tested by Tradition and ...
... The chief work on the Papal side, clothed with a ... the Church preached the first
missionary sermon, and ... in his Epistles, warns all ministers against hierarchical ...
/.../ 34 papal infallibility explained.htm

The Evangelical Revival.
... benevolence; there was hardly a single missionary or philanthropic ... His work in America
seemed likely to come to a deadlock for want of ordained ministers. ...
/.../chapter ix the evangelical revival.htm

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