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The Retirement Years
some have had who are now raising the banner of truth. It is such men
who can stand in defense of the truth. If they continue to be learners,
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God can use them to vindicate His law.
Let not the aged workers think that they must carry all the respon-
sibilities, all the loads. New fields of labor are constantly opening
before us. Let the young men unite with experienced laborers who
understand the Scriptures, who have long been doers of the Word, who
have brought the truth into the practical life, relying upon Christ day
by day, who seek the Lord as Daniel did. Three times a day Daniel
offered his petitions to God. He knew that One mighty in counsel was
the source of wisdom and power. The truth as it is in Jesus—the sword
of the Spirit, which cuts both ways—was his weapon of warfare.
In word, in spirit, in principle, the men who have made God their
trust are an example to the youth connected with them. These faithful
servants of God are to link up with young men, drawing them with the
cords of love because they are themselves drawn to them by the cords
of Christ’s love.—
Selected Messages 2:227-229
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Older Workers Encourage the Younger Ones
The Lord desires His people to make constant advancement. He
rejoices when young men become imbued with His spirit, and gird on
the armor, to engage in aggressive warfare. Let us always encourage
young men and young women to make the most of their capabilities,
to improve their talents to the utmost, remembering the words, “Let
no man despise thy youth.” We do not expect that they will never err
in word or action, but if they will heed the reproofs of the Lord, and
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correct every mistake, they will make advancement.
As we see God raising up young men for His work, we rejoice
to see them increasing in the fear of the Lord in proportion as they
increase in the knowledge of the truth. Such ones will cultivate a
reverence for God and for His sacred service.
Let the older workers encourage the younger ones, never speaking
lightly or disparagingly of them.
Day by day the young student teacher is storing away a fresh supply
of knowledge. His understanding is enlightened. He can say, “God
has opened my eyes to behold wondrous things out of His Word.”