222
Christ’s Object Lessons
the tribe of Judah; and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in
wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner
of workmanship.... And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the
son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the hearts of all that are
wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have
commanded thee.”
Exodus 31:2-6
.
God desires that His workers in every line shall look to Him as
the Giver of all they possess. All right inventions and improvements
have their source in Him who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in
working. The skillful touch of the physician’s hand, his power over
nerve and muscle, his knowledge of the delicate organism of the body,
is the wisdom of divine power, to be used in behalf of the suffering.
The skill with which the carpenter uses the hammer, the strength with
which the blacksmith makes the anvil ring, comes from God. He has
entrusted men with talents, and He expects them to look to Him for
counsel. Whatever we do, in whatever department of the work we are
placed, He desires to control our minds that we may do perfect work.
Religion and business are not two separate things; they are one.
Bible religion is to be interwoven with all we do or say. Divine and
human agencies are to combine in temporal as well as in spiritual
[350]
achievements. They are to be united in all human pursuits, in mechan-
ical and agricultural labors, in mercantile and scientific enterprises.
There must be co-operation in everything embraced in Christian activ-
ity.
God has proclaimed the principles on which alone this co-operation
is possible. His glory must be the motive of all who are laborers
together with Him. All our work is to be done from love of God and
in accordance with His will.
It is just as essential to do the will of God when erecting a building
as when taking part in a religious service. And if the workers have
brought the right principles into their own character making, then in
the erection of every building they will grow in grace and knowledge.
But God will not accept the greatest talents or the most splendid
service unless self is laid upon the altar, a living, consuming sacrifice.
The root must be holy, else there can be no fruit acceptable to God.
The Lord made Daniel and Joseph shrewd managers. He could
work through them because they did not live to please their own incli-
nation but to please God.