Page 12 - Living Epistles

our own preference. Through living by faith, Watchman Nee was preserved
from being distracted by the outward appearance of the work. What he cared
for was the Lord's will, not a booming work. His desire was to live by a faith
that God would honor. He knew that if he performed any work which was not
done in life and according to God's will, God would never respond to his faith.
For this reason, both his personal life and his work were continually under
restriction.

Down through the years, he continually exercised himself to live such a life of
faith. In China he pioneered such a life. He became a strong example for all his
close associates who had been called by the Lord to live and work for Him by
faith...

WATCHMAN NEE'S PERSONAL TESTIMONY GIVEN AT KULANGSU,
FUKIEN,
OCTOBER 20, 1936

Matters concerning Money

The matter of money can be either a small or a big problem. When I began to
serve the Lord, I was somewhat anxious about the question of my livelihood.
Had I been a preacher in a denomination, I would have been on a large
monthly salary. But since I was to walk in the Lord's way, I would only rely
upon Him to support me; I could not depend upon a monthly salary. In the
years 1921 and 1922, very few preachers in China lived in sole reliance on the
Lord. It was difficult to find even two or three; the great majority lived on
salary. At that time many preachers were not bold enough to devote their
entire time to serving the Lord; they felt that if they were not receiving a
regular salary, they would not know how to face a situation in which they had
nothing to live on. I also had such thoughts. In China today [1936] there are
approximately fifty brothers and sisters in fellowship with us who live by
relying solely on the Lord. Such a situation is more common now than it was
in 1922. Brothers and sisters in various places today also care for the workers
more than before. I think that after ten years or so, brothers and sisters will
show even greater concern for the need of the servants of the Lord. But it was
not very common ten years ago.

Declaring to My Parents My Desire to Live by Faith

I have pointed out in a previous testimony that after I was saved I continued