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Speedy Preparation for Work
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to secure more knowledge than is essential to do the work of the
Lord. The pursuit of knowledge merely for its own sake diverts the
mind from devotion to God, and checks advance along the path of
practical holiness.... The Lord Jesus imparted only such a measure
of instruction as could be utilized. ... The minds of the disciples
were often excited by curiosity; but instead of gratifying their desire
to know things which were not necessary for the proper conduct of
their work, He opened new channels of thought to their minds. He
gave them much needed instruction upon practical godliness....
Intemperance in Study
Intemperance in study is a species of intoxication, and those
who indulge in it, like the drunkard, wander from safe paths and
stumble and fall in the darkness. The Lord would have every student
bear in mind that the eye must be kept single to the glory of God.
He is not to exhaust and waste his physical and mental powers in
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seeking to acquire all possible knowledge of the sciences, but is
to preserve the freshness and vigor of all his powers to engage in
the work which the Lord has appointed him in helping souls to find
the path of righteousness.... The command of heaven is to do, to
work,—to do something that will reflect glory to God by being a
benefit to our fellow men....
The Lord does not choose or accept laborers according to the
advantages they have enjoyed, or according to the superior education
they have received. The value of the human agent is estimated
according to the capacity of the heart to know and understand God....
The highest possible good is obtained through a knowledge of God.
“This is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God,
and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.”
John 17:3
. This knowledge
is the secret spring from which flows all power....
The Education of Moses
The education received by Moses, as the king’s grandson, was
very thorough. Nothing was neglected that would make him a wise
man, as the Egyptians understood wisdom. But the most valuable
part of Moses’ fitting for his lifework was that which he received as