Musick-al Note # 294
Many articles have been written concerning the above heading that ought to bring our minds constantly to this truth. In every field of endeavor, this truth is known. In music, the master must constantly use his abilities and continually practice every piece or he will lose his abilities to perform as he ought. In the field of science, the teacher or researcher must use his knowledge and continually refresh his mind in the basic principles of science or the ability to teach is impaired and the researcher will be unable to develop new frontiers. In the field of language, the linguist who does not us every language at his command will find that he cannot express his thought adequately to people in their native tongue because he has forgotten those phrases or words that he needs.
This same thing is true in the church, the individual who does not use his abilities, knowledge and skills will find that he gradually loses them. The person who memorizes Scripture and ceases to use those Scriptures for a time cannot quote them as he once was able to do. The person who ceases to teach or pray or sing or any other thing will lose those abilities with the passing of time. We find another truth connected with this teaching. Those who are not used in the work of Christ are soon lost to Christ! Be it a convert of mature age or a child reared in a Christian home. If they are not used or will not accept the responsibilities given to them, they will soon be lost again. Many guess-timations (statistics without proven facts) have come across my desk that we lose as much as 80 % of our own children and 70% of all converts to Christ. I ask the question “Why”? Isn’t it because of lack of nurture and lack of use? People just will not stay with a cause which has no use for them. They must work for it or be lost from it. The Lord’s church is large enough and varied enough in its work to accommodate every person on earth. Their talents, abilities, time and influence can be used. We need only to have enough vision, wisdom and patience to be able to use them in the work. If these are used, we will not lose them.
Gordon Musick
Musick-al Notes 