120
Testimonies for the Church Volume 6
who can do excellent work in the meekness of Christ because self is
hid in Christ. Novices cannot acceptably do the work of unfolding
the hidden treasure to enrich souls in spiritual things. “Consider what
[134]
I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.” “Study to
show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:7, 15
. This
charge to Timothy is to be an educating power in every family and in
every school.
Earnest efforts are called for on the part of all connected with our
institutions, not only our schools, but our sanitariums and publishing
houses also, to qualify men, women, and youth to become colaborers
with God. Students are to be instructed to work intelligently in Christ’s
lines, to present a noble, elevated, Christian character to those with
whom they associate. Those who have charge of training the youth
connected with any line of our work should be men who have a deep
sense of the value of souls. Unless they drink deeply of the Holy Spirit,
there is an evil watcher who will create annoying circumstances. The
educator should be wise to discern that while faithfulness and kindness
will win souls, harshness never will. Arbitrary words and actions
stir up the worst passions of the human heart. If men and women
professing to be Christians have not learned to put away their own
evil and childish tempers, how can they expect to be honored and
respected?
Then what carefulness should be exercised in selecting proper
persons as instructors, that they may not only be faithful in their work,
but may manifest a right temper. If they are not trustworthy, they
should be discharged. God will hold every institution responsible for
any neglect to see that kindness and love are encouraged. It should
never be forgotten that Christ Himself has charge of our institutions.
The best ministerial talent should be employed in teaching the
Bible in our schools. Those selected for this work need to be thorough
[135]
Bible students and to have a deep Christian experience, and their salary
should be paid from the tithe. God designs that all our institutions
shall become instrumentalities for educating and developing workers
of whom He will not be ashamed, workers who can be sent out as
well-qualified missionaries to do service for the Master; but this object
has not been kept in view. In many respects we are far behind in this
work, and the Lord requires that a zeal be shown in it infinitely greater