God’s Call to Service
29
have been warned; and then shall the end come.—
Testimonies for the
Church 9:96
.
God can and will use those who have not had a thorough education
in the schools of men. A doubt of His power to do this, is manifest
unbelief; it is limiting the omnipotent power of the One with whom
nothing is impossible. O for less of this uncalled-for, distrustful cau-
tion! It leaves so many forces of the church unused; it closes up the
way, so that the Holy Spirit cannot use men; it keeps in idleness those
who are willing and anxious to labor in Christ’s lines; it discourages
from entering the work many who would become efficient laborers
together with God, if they were given a fair chance.—
Gospel Workers,
488, 489
.
[25]
It is the privilege of every soul to make advancement. Those who
are connected with Christ will grow in grace and in the knowledge
of the Son of God, to the full stature of men and women. If all who
claim to believe the truth had made the most of their ability and oppor-
tunities to learn and to do, they would have become strong in Christ.
Whatever their occupation,—whether they were farmers, mechan-
ics, teachers, or pastors,—if they had wholly consecrated themselves
to God, they would have become efficient workers for the heavenly
Master.—
Testimonies for the Church 6:423
.
Those in the church who have sufficient talent to engage in any of
the various vocations of life, such as teaching, building, manufacturing,
and farming, generally should be prepared to labor for the upbuilding
of the church by serving on committees or as teachers in Sabbath
schools, engaging in missionary labor, or filling the different offices
connected with the church.—
The Review and Herald, February 15,
1887
.
For the carrying on of His work, Christ did not choose the learning
or eloquence of the Jewish Sanhedrin or the power of Rome. Passing
by the self-righteous Jewish teachers, the Master Worker chose humble,
unlearned men to proclaim the truths that were to move the world.
These men He purposed to train and educate as the leaders of His
church. They in turn were to educate others, and send them out with
the gospel message. That they might have success in their work, they
were to be given the power of the Holy Spirit. Not by human might or
human wisdom was the gospel to be proclaimed, but by the power of
God.—
The Acts of the Apostles, 17
.