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Right Methods, Principles, and Motives
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multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our
Lord.” These precious words are spoken to those who have obtained
like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and
our Saviour Jesus Christ. In order to realize the greatness of the
promise, we must know by experimental knowledge who is back of
the promise. “Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his
wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the
rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this,
that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord which
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exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth:
for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.”
Qualifications Essential for the Work of God
In His word the Lord enumerates the gifts and graces that are
indispensable for all who connect with His work. He does not teach
us to ignore learning or despise education; for when controlled
by the love and fear of God, intellectual culture is a blessing; yet
this is not presented as the most important qualification for the
service of God. Jesus passed by the wise men of His time, the men
of education and position, because they were so proud and self-
sufficient in their boasted superiority that they could not sympathize
with suffering humanity and become colaborers with the Man of
Nazareth. In their bigotry they scorned to be taught by Christ. The
Lord Jesus would have men connected with His work who appreciate
that work as sacred; then they can cooperate with God. They will
be unobstructed channels through which His grace can flow. The
attributes of the character of Christ can be imparted to those only
who distrust themselves. The highest scientific education cannot in
itself develop a Christlike character. The fruits of true wisdom come
from Christ alone.
Every worker should test his own qualifications by the word
of God. Have the men who are handling sacred things a clear
understanding, a right perception, of things of eternal interest? Will
they consent to yield to the working of the Holy Spirit? or do
they permit themselves to be controlled by their own hereditary and
cultivated tendencies? It becomes all to examine themselves whether
they be in the faith.
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