Chapter 48—Business and Religion
Those employed in our various institutions—our publishing houses,
our schools, and our health institutions—should have a living connec-
tion with God. Especially is it very important that those who have the
management of these great branches of the work be men who make the
kingdom of God and His righteousness the first consideration. They
are not fit for their positions of trust unless they take counsel of God
and bear fruit to His glory. They should pursue a course of life that
[423]
will honor their Creator, ennoble themselves, and bless their fellow
men. All have natural traits which must be cultivated or repressed, as
they shall help or hinder in obtaining a growth in grace, a depth of
religious experience.
Those engaged in the work of God cannot serve His cause accept-
ably unless they make the best use possible of the religious privileges
they enjoy. We are as trees planted in the garden of the Lord; and
He comes to us seeking the fruit He has a right to expect. His eye is
upon each of us; He reads our hearts and understands our lives. This
is a solemn search, for it has reference to duty and to destiny; and
with what interest is it prosecuted. Let each of those to whom are
committed sacred trusts inquire: “How do I meet the inspecting eye
of God? Is my heart cleansed from its defilement? or have its temple
courts become so desecrated, so occupied with buyers and sellers,
that Christ finds no room?” The bustle of business, if continuous, will
dry up spirituality and leave the soul Christless. Although they may
profess the truth, yet if men pass along day by day with no living
connection with God, they will be led to do strange things; decisions
will be made not in accordance with the will of God. There is no safety
for our leading brethren while they shall go forward according to their
own impulses. They will not be yoked up with Christ, and so will not
move in harmony with Him. They will be unable to see and realize the
wants of the cause, and Satan will move upon them to take positions
that will embarrass and hinder.
380