Its Importance
13
Understanding Minds and Human Nature Aids in Work of
Salvation—Be determined to become as useful and efficient as God
calls you to be. Be thorough and faithful in whatever you undertake.
Procure ever advantage within your reach for strengthening the intel-
lect. Let the study of books be combined with useful manual labor, and
by faithful endeavor, watchfulness, and prayer secure the wisdom that
is from above. This will give you an all-round education. Thus you
may rise in character, and gain an influence over other minds, enabling
you to lead them in the path of uprightness and holiness.—
Christ’s
Object Lessons, 334
(1900).
Mechanics, lawyers, merchants, men of all trades and professions,
educate themselves that they may become masters of their business.
Should the followers of Christ be less intelligent, and while profess-
edly engaged in His service be ignorant of the ways and means to be
employed? The enterprise of gaining everlasting life is above every
earthly consideration. In order to lead souls to Jesus there must be a
knowledge of human nature and a study of the human mind. Much
careful thought and fervent prayer are required to know how to ap-
proach men and women upon the great subject of truth.—
Testimonies
for the Church 4:67
(1876).
Cultivated Powers Increase Demand for Our Services—
Through lack of determination to take themselves in hand and reform,
persons can become stereo-typed in a wrong course of action; or by
cultivating their powers they may acquire ability to do the very best
[9]
of service. Then they will find themselves in demand anywhere and
everywhere. They will be appreciated for all that they are worth.—
Christ’s Object Lessons, 344
(1900).
We May Attain Almost the Excellence of Angels—The Lord
has given man capacity for continual improvement, and has granted
him all possible aid in the work. Through the provisions of divine
grace we may attain almost to the excellence of the angels.—
The
Review and Herald, June 20, 1882
. (HC 218.)
[10]