Chapter 49—The Need of Christian Education
God requires the training of the mental faculties. He designs that
His servants shall possess more intelligence and clearer discernment
than the worldling, and He is displeased with those who are too careless
or too indolent to become efficient, well-informed workers. The Lord
bids us love Him with all the heart, and with all the soul, and with all
the strength, and with all the mind. This lays upon us the obligation of
developing the intellect to its fullest capacity, that with all the mind
we may know and love our Creator.
If placed under the control of His Spirit, the more thoroughly the
intellect is cultivated the more effectively it can be used in the service
of God. The uneducated man who is consecrated to God and who
longs to bless others can be, and is, used by the Lord in His service.
But those who, with the same spirit of consecration, have had the
benefit of a thorough education, can do a much more extensive work
for Christ. They stand on vantage ground.
Training for Higher Service
The Lord desires us to obtain all the education possible, with the
object in view of imparting our knowledge to others. None can know
where or how they may be called to labor or to speak for God. Our
Heavenly Father alone sees what He can make of men. There are
before us possibilities which our feeble faith does not discern. Our
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minds should be so trained that if necessary we can present the truths
of His word before the highest earthly authorities in such a way as
to glorify His name. We should not let slip even one opportunity of
qualifying ourselves intellectually to work for God.
An All-Round Education
Let the youth who need an education set to work with a determina-
tion to obtain it. Do not wait for an opening; make one for yourselves.
Take hold in any small way that presents itself. Practice economy. Do
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