Preachers - "Just Unconstructive Men"
Robert E. Amerson
Athens, Alabama
Many think of preachers as "just unconstructive men." "Men who cannot do anything else ought to become preachers." Would you believe this statement was made by a member of the church? Well it was, my friend! In a discussion about preachers not long ago, a young member of the church made the above quoted statement. Hence, I think it is in order to note a few of God's "unconstructive" men.
NOAH--A PREACHER OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
"Noah was a just man and perfect in his generation, and Noah walked with God" (Gen. 6:9). I believe Noah was righteous because Peter said that he was. Hence, Noah was a "constructive" man (2 Pet. 2:5).
JOB---A MAN OF PATIENCE
"In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly" (Job. 1: 22). After reading the account of Job in the first chapter, I believe to call him a man of patience would certainly be in order. A number of good lessons can be learned from this unconstructive man of God.
SAUL--THE APOSTLE PAUL
"And Saul was consenting unto his (Stephen's) death" (Acts 8:1}. "But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me" (Acts 9:15). Although Paul persecuted the early church, he expressed sorrow and repentance throughout the remainder of his life. Paul worked untiringly to express his regret for his earlier life in persecuting the church. He sought to win a "crown of righteousness" (2 Tim.4:8). This leads me to believe that he was a constructive man.
So I encourage all of you who sometimes are called "unconstructive men" to "preach the word; be instant in season and out of season..." (2 Tim. 4: 2), and to be "steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord" (1 Cor. 15: 58) My prayers are with you.
TRUTH MAGAZINE XIV: 23, pp. 13-14
April 16, 1970
