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Lifework
171
Even in seeking a preparation for God’s service, many are turned
aside by wrong methods of education. Life is too generally regarded
as made up of distinct periods—the period of learning and the period
of doing, of preparation and of achievement. In preparation for a life
of service, young people are sent to school to acquire knowledge by
the study of books. Cut off from the responsibilities of everyday life,
they become absorbed in study and often lose sight of its purpose.
The ardor of their early consecration dies out, and too many take up
with some personal, selfish ambition.
Upon graduation, thousands find themselves out of touch with
life. They have so long dealt with the abstract and theoretical that
when the whole being must be roused to meet the sharp contests
of real life, they are unprepared. Instead of the noble work they
had purposed, their energies are engrossed in a struggle for mere
subsistence. After repeated disappointments, in despair even of
earning an honest livelihood, many drift into questionable or criminal
practices. The world is robbed of the service it might have received,
and God is robbed of the souls He longed to uplift, ennoble, and
honor as representatives of Himself.
Human Judgment Faulty
Many parents err in discriminating between their children in the
matter of education. They make almost any sacrifice to secure the
best advantages for one that is bright and apt. But these opportuni-
ties are not considered necessary for those who are less promising.
Little education is considered essential for the performance of life’s
ordinary duties.
But who is capable of selecting from a family of children the ones
upon whom will rest the most important responsibilities? Remember
the experience of Samuel when sent to anoint from the sons of Jesse
one to be king over Israel. Seven noble-looking young men passed
before him. As he looked at the first, in features handsome, in form
well-developed, and in bearing princely, the prophet exclaimed,
“Surely the Lord’s anointed is now before the Lord.” But God said,
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“Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature,
because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals
see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on