Dependence on God
The first lesson to be taught the workers in our institutions is the
lesson of dependence upon God. Before they can attain success in
any line, they must, each for himself, accept the truth contained in the
words of Christ: “Without Me ye can do nothing.”
Righteousness has its root in godliness. No human being is righ-
teous any longer than he has faith in God and maintains a vital con-
nection with Him. As a flower of the field has its root in the soil; as
it must receive air, dew, showers, and sunshine, so must we receive
from God that which ministers to the life of the soul. It is only through
becoming partakers of His nature that we receive power to obey His
commandments. No man, high or low, experienced or inexperienced,
can steadily maintain before his fellowmen a pure, forceful life unless
his life is hid with Christ in God. The greater the activity among men,
the closer should be the communion of the heart with God.
The Lord has given instruction that the employees in the publishing
houses are to be educated in religious lines. This work is of infinitely
more consequence than financial gain. The spiritual health of the
workers is to be the first consideration. Every morning take time to
begin your work with prayer. Do not think this wasted time; it is time
that will live through eternal ages. By this means success and spiritual
victory will be brought in. The machinery will respond to the touch
of the Master’s hand. God’s blessing is certainly worth asking for,
and the work cannot be done aright unless the beginning is right. The
hands of every worker must be strengthened, his heart must be purified,
before the Lord can use him effectively.
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If we would live a true Christian life, the conscience must be
quickened by constant contact with the word of God. All the precious
things which at infinite cost God has provided for us will do us no
good; they cannot strengthen us and produce spiritual growth unless
we appropriate them. We must eat the word of God—make it a part of
ourselves.
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