Deeper Life #284

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

—Matthew 10:16

WE CANNOT DEAL WITH AILMENTS of the spirit as we deal with ailments of the body. If we could, ministers would be trained to apply a few curative principles to our various spiritual problems.

But the ailments of the human soul cannot be healed according to any simple principle whatever. We cannot quote certain verses of Scripture and apply them to those who are seeking the new birth, and certain other verses to those who are seeking entire sanctification. That will lead to confusion, because God’s Spirit does not work in such a prescribed manner.

Anytime we try to take a shortcut in dealing with souls, God leaves us alone!

Prayer Thought: I know, Lord, that dealing with human souls is an important task. I need Your daily strength and guidance to do it.

SUGGESTED READING: Deuteronomy 1:9–18