THE PURPOSE OF EDUCATION. 085

One sabbath, after I preached a sermon, as was the custom I stood at the back to shake the hands of those in the pews. One woman stayed and spoke with me about how blessed she was and about her thoughts on God's calling on my life. She had heard that I was in university and assumed that I was studying theology. To her surprise, I wasn't. She stood there with a look of confusion almost saying to me with her eyes that I was in the wrong field.

Though she was very nice and meant no harm she still carried a deadly and deceptive idea that pervades in the minds of many church members. This idea is that you need to go to the seminary or study theology to labour earnestly for God.

God is calling all.

God is calling all, nurses, doctors, engineers, plumbers, electricians, janitors, physicists, baristas, cashiers, customer service reps, managers, general labourers, those in HR, those in PR, the businesswoman and the businessman, whatever the trade God is calling.

You may study anything you want, under one condition.

It is right for the youth to feel that they must reach the highest development of their mental powers. We would not restrict the education to which God has set no limit. But our attainments will avail nothing if not put to use for the honor of God and the good of humanity. Unless our knowledge is a steppingstone to the accomplishment of the highest purposes, it is worthless. {8T 311.1}

We may climb to intellectual and educational heights, for but one purpose, to use whatever wisdom to invest in the cause and work of God.

Do not just be a teacher to work for some secular institution and not feel that God is not pleading with you to spread the gospel. [A lot of negatives in that sentence]. If you are a teacher, start a school, work in a christian school, work in a secular school as a missionary and change the lives of those you teach, as well as your colleagues.

The tradesman is invited into the on of the most intimate parts of a person's life; the home. I used to do renovations with my family and I can assure you that renovations can be the Lord's work, or it could very easily not be.

Mindset is everything.

God employs you, not man.

We travel and relocate for new jobs and opportunities, would we do the same for Jesus?

Will we ever go home to heaven while earthly minded?

What we need is knowledge that will strengthen mind and soul, that will make us better men and women. Heart education is of more importance than the education gained from books. It is well, even essential, to obtain a knowledge of the world in which we live; but if we leave eternity out of our reckoning, we shall make a failure from which we can never recover. {8T 311.3}

Some times it's not that easy. I understand, maybe you have to work with your mouth closed then use to the pay check to work for God, but something has to give.

How can your field of interest or the field you currently work in be your mission field?

Study.

Work.

For now, but especially for eternity.

In secular lines, but especially for the higher purpose to which God has called you.

Godspeed

Dear Father,

light the flame,

You have our permission,

[if you agree say]

IJN,

amen

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