Any craftsman or tradesman treasures his tools for they are indispensable, or at least helpful, in his work. He carefully acquires those that are useful, maintains their usefulness, and learns to use them skillfully. The evangelist's most useful tools are those already discussed in earlier articles of the series: his skillful use of the Scriptures as his sword, preaching according to God's instructions, his own influence with others, his love for souls, and his humble efforts to correct and instruct people. These are most useful and irreplaceable because teaching others cannot proceed apart from his spiritual influence and the message of faith found in the gospel (Mt. 10:7,16).

Other, physical tools that a preacher might find useful are not essential. Just as a skilled carpenter can use an old, poorly balanced hammer or even a somewhat dull saw, so a knowledgeable teacher can spread the Word using tools that are not the best. He might find his automobile, computer, typewriter, overhead projector, and extensive personal library quite useful, but in some ways he might come to view them as a crutch. Thousands preached the Word before any of them ever existed. Many currently preach without the aid of some of them. Some of the best gospel work is being done by men who have never seen an LCD Projector or a Power Point Presentation System, and this is not to discourage their use.

It might be tempting, however, for some to depend upon such physical tools too much. The man who relaxes his study of the Bible, loosens his thinking/practice of the Lord's will, or flaunts his tools is depending on them too much. In any such case, the tool has become a master, not a tool. Attitude is the key in maintaining a proper balance in the evangelist's thinking and action. It is just as wrong for him to think more highly of himself than he ought to think as it is for any other person, regardless of which tools he might have, his expertise in their use, or the acclaim of others based on such use (Rom. 12:3). Of course, an improper attitude might also develop because of his knowledge of the Scriptures or some other supposed advantage (tool) he might have. It is hoped that merely pointing out this possibility will be sufficient to alert soul-seeking evangelists to be vigilant for such attitude problems.