We consider it a very good sign indeed to see young men self-effacing and retiring. It is well for all, but especially for the young, to be “swift to hear, slow to speak.” We rejoice in every manifestation of spiritual gift, whether it be that of an evangelist, a teacher or a pastor. But the really spiritual person is always slow to push himself forward, while, on the other hand, men possessing no power whatever are the most forward to exhibit themselves. It took eighty years’ training to fit Moses for the ministry, and even after that, how slow he was to enter upon the work. Even the Master Himself, though surely needing no training, yet as an example for us, spent thirty years in retirement before He came forth to work in public. There must be the secret training by God’s own hand in order to fit a man for public service. If we go forth without this, we shall very speedily break down and make shipwreck. We will always find that, when God is about to use anyone in His service, He fits him for the work, He calls him to the work, and He gives him the work to do.
C. H. Mackintosh (adapted)