Mastering the Spiritual Secret
Author: Dave ArnoldHudson Taylor, missionary to China in the 19th century, wrote the following challenge for missionaries (and all ministers):
“A life yielded to God controlled by His Spirit
A restful trust in God for the supply of all needs
A sympathetic spirit and a willingness to take a lowly place
Tact in dwelling with men and adaptability toward circumstance
Zeal in service and steadfastness in discouragement
Love for communion with God and for the study of His Word
Some experience and blessing in the Lord’s work at home
A healthy body and a vigorous mind.”1
“I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (complete adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me,” (Galatians 2:20, Amplified Bible, Classic Edition).
Robert Murray McCheyne wrote, “Men return again and again to the few who have mastered the spiritual secret, whose life has been hid with Christ in God. These are of the old-time religion, hung to the nails of the cross.”2
1. Knight’s Master Book of New Illustrations, by Walter B. Knight, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, Copyright 1956, p. 410
2. Why Not Just Be Christians? by Vance Havner, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, N J, Copyright 1964, p. 62