Ministers and Business Matters
217
Educate Men in Business Lines
Those who think that a man’s fitness for a certain position qualifies
him to fill several other positions are liable to make mistakes when
planning for the advancement of the work. They are liable to place
upon one the cares and burdens that should be divided among several.
Experience is of great value. The Lord desires to have men of intel-
ligence connected with His work, men qualified for various positions
of trust in our conferences and institutions. Especially are consecrated
businessmen needed, men who will carry the principles of truth into
every business transaction. Those placed in charge of financial affairs
should not assume other burdens, burdens that they are incapable of
bearing; nor is the business management to be entrusted to incompetent
men. Those in charge of the work have erred sometimes in permitting
the appointment of men devoid of tact and ability to manage important
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financial interests.
Men of promise in business lines should develop and perfect their
talents by most thorough study and training. They should be encour-
aged to place themselves where, as students, they can rapidly gain a
knowledge of right business principles and methods. Not one business
man now connected with the cause needs to be a novice. If men in any
line of work ought to improve their opportunities to become wise and
efficient, it is those who are using their ability in the work of building
up the kingdom of God in our world. In view of the fact that we are
living so near the close of this earth’s history, there should be greater
thoroughness in labor, more vigilant waiting, watching, praying, and
working. The human agent should strive to attain perfection, that he
may be an ideal Christian, complete in Christ Jesus.
Right Principles Essential
Those who labor in business lines should take every precaution
against falling into error through wrong principles or methods. Their
record may be like that of Daniel in the courts of Babylon. When all
his business transactions were subjected to the closest scrutiny, not one
faulty item could be found. The record of his business life, incomplete
though it is, contains lessons worthy of study. It reveals the fact that a
businessman is not necessarily a scheming, policy man. He may be a