Teacher and His Work
59
not heavenward, and will be detrimental, wherever they are, and in
whatever they may engage.
We are in great need of men and women who sense sin and hate
iniquity; who have spiritual eyesight to discern the wants of the cause
of God, and to work with a devoted, unselfish interest, keeping self
ever hid in Jesus. We want young men of whom God can approve,
who have practical godliness, who have consciences quick to feel and
sense danger; men and women who will not exalt themselves, and will
not seek to hide the deformity of the soul under a cloak of godliness;
those who feel their weakness and imperfections of character, and
who will hang their helpless souls upon Jesus Christ. Those who are
[91]
self-confident, and think their way is above criticism, will show very
imperfect work. Said the apostle, “When I am weak, then am I strong.”
While sensing his weakness, he by faith laid hold of Jesus Christ and
His grace....
Every Sabbath school worker who has passed from death unto
life through the transforming grace of Christ, will reveal the deep
moving of the Spirit of God upon his own heart. Those who attempt
to direct others, who make a pretension of guiding souls to the path
of holiness, while their own life is marked with pleasure loving, with
pride, and with love of display, are unfaithful servants. Their life is
not in accordance with their profession; their influence is an offense to
God. They need a thorough conversion. Their hearts are so filled up
with rubbish that there is no room for ennobling, elevated truth. The
soul temple needs to be refined, purified, cleansed; for Satan rather
than God is abiding in the heart.
It is essential that care should be taken when placing men and
women in positions of trust. You should know something in regard to
their past life, and the character that has been developed. You would
better double your classes under God-fearing workers than to multiply
teachers whose influence is not in accordance with the holy character
of truth which we profess, for their influence will be demoralizing.—
Testimonies on Sabbath-School Work, 22-26
.
[92]
Essential Qualifications
Those whose duty it is to select teachers should be guarded, and not
urge those into the school who are not fitted to exert a good influence.