“MANUAL LABOUR”

J. G. Chalmers

What is precious in Scripture and in the rich, spiritual ministry that the Lord has given, and continues to give, in the present recovery lies beneath the surface, and to get this wealth requires “manual labour”, Proverbs 13: 11. This means that we follow up what we read in the Scriptures, or what we listen to or read in the ministry, with deep and diligent exercise in secret with God, so as to be formed thereby and to increase in spiritual wealth. If the word of God does not affect us morally, then what we gather is mere mental knowledge which puffs up, and is like what is spoken of in the first part of the verse—wealth gotten by vanity, which diminishes. The ever-present tendency to ease, self-indulgence, and lethargy, needs to be overcome in the power of the Holy Spirit, who also helps us to search out spiritual riches, for “the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God”, 1 Corinthians 2: 10. The description of mining in Job 28 shows us that the great spiritual riches suggested in the valuable metals and precious stones mentioned are only secured by manual labour and going deep, even to the utmost limit.

Spiritual wealth thus acquired is true and durable and serves to enrich the assembly now; it will remain to shine in its lustre eternally for the glory of God.

Lossiemouth