Warren Wiersbe (1929–2019)

Justin Taylor has noted the death of Warren Wiersbe. I never met the man personally but have used and benefited from his many books. While his commentaries were usually more devotional than exegetical, I often appreciated Wiersbe's clarity, pastoral insights, and ability to turn a phrase.

The Importance of Reading

Warren Wiersbe notes the following concerning the importance of reading for the servant of God.

"Your heart grows by giving out, but your mind grows by taking in; and both are necessary to a happy and balanced life of service. Christian workers who don't read aren't taking in fuel for the mind and food for the soul, and they end up trying to spin out their ministry like a spider’s web. Bees have a much better approach. They gather pollen from many sources but manufacture their own honey. Most people prefer honey to spider’s webs."

Warren W. Wiersbe, On Being a Servant of God (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1993), 86.

How Do You Measure Up?

"We're always being measured: God is measuring us, and people are measuring us. When it comes to measuring Christian service and servants, other people can make mistakes, and we can make mistakes. Most Christian workers are prone to think either more highly of themselves than they should (Rom 12:3) or less highly. If we think too highly of outselves, we'll get proud and start pushing our way into what we think is a more important place. If we think less highly, we'll get discouraged and want to quit. Both attitudes are wrong."

Warren W. Wiersbe, On Being a Servant of God (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1993), 59.

A Holy Life

"A holy life isn’t the automatic consequence of reading the right books, listening to the right tapes, or attending the right meetings. It’s the result of a living, loving union with Jesus Christ and a life marked by godly discipline. It means setting the alarm clock so we can begin the day with God and pray and meditate on the Word. It means following Paul’s example of consecration and concentration and saying with him, ‘One thing I do’ (Phil. 3:12–14)."

Warren W. Wiersbe, On Being a Servant of God (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1993), 44.

Quote of the Day

“Do not look for big opportunities, “worthy” of your abilities. Those will come in due time. The great saints of the Bible started as servants, not rulers: and they were faithful over a few things before God made them kings. Moses tended sheep; Joseph was a steward; David was a shepherd; even Jesus was a carpenter. Live with the eye of God upon you, and forger the praise of men. Serve faithfully in the hidden place, and in due time, God will life you up. Every opportunity for service is an opportunity to exercise sovereignty in Christ. We reign in life by living to serve, to the glory of God.”

Warren Wiersbe, Live Like Kings: Living the Beatitudes Today (Chicago: Moody, 1976), 42.