You may not have any special talents. Compared to those before the Flood, all fall far below average. My talents are very average. But those are the kind of people God wants to use. “In the last solemn work few great men will be engaged. They are self- sufficient, independent of God, and He cannot use them. The Lord has faithful servants, who in the shaking, testing time will be disclosed to view. . . . It may be under a rough and uninviting exterior the pure brightness of a genuine Christian character will be revealed. In the daytime we look toward heaven but do not see the stars. They are there, fixed in the firmament, but the eye cannot distinguish them. In the night we behold their genuine luster” ST 80,, 81. It will be in the midnight of this earth's history, and the history of the church, that God's faithful people and those who have prepared for humble leadership will be disclosed to view.

Humility, Faith and Endurance

What it takes to be a leader is not great talents, but three things: humility, faith and endurance. God cannot use anyone who becomes proud. But those who remain humble, have faith in God's ability to use them, and who endure the education that God has in store for them in order to develop them — which education always requires a period of time of self- discipline — can be used by God far beyond their imagination. God wants to see and develop in you a genuine desire to be a servant of God, a humbleness of spirit, a willingness to pay the price required and to endure the test, and absolute trustworthiness (in the Lord — like Peter, none of us can even trust ourselves without His special mercies). There is a test for each one to endure, there is a price to pay — but with the trial of endurance comes peace, joy and the presence of the Lord's spirit that surpasses any experience one might have. Moreover, this life is very, very short (like a vapor of air, James 4: 14 says) — but even this short life is going to be shorter yet, for the end of all things is very near — what we do for the next few months or very few years will have effects for the next billion years. Those who are training for the Olympics start years before the Olympics, and undergo tremendous privations of life in order to compete in one event. They forego many, many enjoyments, realizing that when it is over they will inherit fame and fortune, and will be able to marry whom they want and enjoy the things of life — and yet after years of strenuous training, only one wins the prize, and their future, they find out to their disappointment, is not the happy lot they imagined fame would bring to it. — But, if people are willing to deny socialization, idleness, gluttony and ease in order to prepare for a perishable crown, how much more should we be willing who are striving for an imperishable? A verse that means very, very much to me, which I have thought about many times, is: “He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 10: 39). That, by God's grace, is the theme of my life.

“Few know by experience what it is to suffer for Christ's sake. They desire to be like Christ, but wish to avoid poverty and crucifixion. They would gladly be with Him in glory, but do not love to come to Him through much self- denial and tribulation” 2T 650. Notice, it does not say through self- denial and tribulation, but (quoting from Acts 14: 22), through much self- denial and tribulation. We have grown up in a very, very easy and self- pleasing society. We do not know what it means to really deny self for the Master. In days gone by when men gave themselves for a period of time to their country, they denied the pleasures of life for the service of the king. Witness Uriah the Hittite, who would not even go home to enjoy his wife while the army was at battle. They put king and country first. If this is the case with natural man in the service of earthly kings, how much more should it be with us who serve the heavenly King. Yet, none of us sacrifice one one- hundredth of what Jesus sacrificed for us. Moreover, as we sacrifice all for Him, He gives all for us.

Here is a passage that would be well to meditate on: “In order to prosper, every church must have men upon whom it can rely in times of peril, men who are as true as steel, unselfish men, who have the interest of God's cause lying nearer their hearts than anything which concerns their own opinions or their worldly interests” 2T 637. Every one must be so solid that they would be true if every other were false. Even if your closest friends all proved false — you could prove true. I think of William Miller, of whom Ellen White says the angels guard his dust — nevertheless, because of all he had gone through. because Josiah Litch. his best friend and ardent supporter through his years of conflict and trial, did not accept the S. D. A. movement, William Miller didn’t't either. He will be gloriously saved, but we must go beyond. Your feet must be planted on the solid Rock. We are not to despise the human help God sends us, but that help is to direct our feet to the heavenly Father and away from self.

Gideon had 32,000 who came at his call. Many others stayed at home — those who came were only those few, out of the several hundred thousand eligible young men, who were willing to count for the Lord. But God said that only those who were not fearful could stay, which weeded out two- thirds, leaving only 300 — less than one out of 100 of those who were already a remnant!

And yet, even of these three- hundred, Gideon later made an ephod out of the spoils of the enemy which became a snare to the children of Israel.

God said to Jeremiah, “Run to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem; see now and know; and seek in her open places if you can find a man, if there is anyone who executes judgment, who seeks the truth” (Jeremiah 5: 1). God Himself has conducted the search, and declared that such a man is rare, more rare than the golden wedge of Ophir. “And it shall come to pass at that time that I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and punish the men who are settled in complacency” (Zephaniah 1: 12). Throughout history, there have been very, very few great men or women. Few have been willing to pay the price. Most, like Esau, have sold eternal riches for the temporal, passing pleasures of ease and self- indulgence. And even those who remained true to the Lord, have by and large come far short of their calling. But in the last days there will be a few who “follow the lamb whithersoever He goeth,” (Revelation 14: 4) and among these few, there will be some leaders. God has always led through leaders. Yet, the only true leaders are those who are not seeking leadership, but to be true followers of the Lord. I doubt that God has any who will be first, but several who will be leaders.

Dedicated to Leadership

Nevertheless, while none should seek leadership, yet there are those who are dedicated to just such a mission. Some, like John Knox, were dedicated to just such a mission by their mother or father. Others, like John the Baptist, were chosen by the Holy Spirit even before birth. Some, like Saul and David, were chosen by human instrumentalities whom God directed to dedicate them for just such a work. Of Jeremiah, the Lord said: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; and I ordained you a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1: 5). In each case, God revealed His calling to them so that they could prepare their lives and prepare for the fearful attacks of the devil upon each one whom the Lord has chosen.

Jesus was specifically set apart at His baptism, and He heard the voice of the Holy Spirit saying to Him, “This is my beloved Son” (Matthew 3: 17). From there He went to be tempted for forty days. Never again, during His time of trial, did He hear such a voice or receive a single shred of encouragement. He had to rely on what He had heard. The same could come for you. If you never received another shred of encouragement, treasure what you have received. Know that God has called you to a mission.

There are four things that could prevent us from accomplishing God's purpose and calling for us. If we should fail, it would not be us who would lose, but the Lord's work. Again, we could go on and be saved without accomplishing our mission in life. God will love us, but history will be changed. We could go out and fulfill some important ministry, but miss our calling. Perhaps you, like me, know you are too weak to fulfill the Lord's mission for your life, yet you are willing. And that is all that the Lord needs. So let me outline four areas that could prevent us from fulfilling our mission for the Lord: 1) lack of dedication, 2) foolish decisions, 3) fanaticism and 4) pride.

Lack of Dedication

Those who make up the 144,000 are all said to have “the patience (or endurance, in Greek) of the saints” (Revelation 14: 12). None but those who have total dedication, which leads to daily endurance, will be among this number.

When a person becomes dedicated to a mission, it must totally consume them. Every waking moment is paramount in their thinking. While pride will always prevent anyone from being great, there is one absolute requirement for true greatness in God's sight — and that is the proper use of time. If a person is going to be a medical doctor, he or she must dedicate his time to that endeavor. If a person is going to be a great artist or musician, his time must be dedicated to that endeavor. If a person is going to be a great athlete, his time must be dedicated to that endeavor. Just so it is with our calling. “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier” (2 Timothy 2: 3,4). “And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable. . . . Therefore I run. . . Thus I fight. . . I discipline my body and bring it into subjection” (1 Corinthians 9: 25- 27).

The difference between greatness and mediocrities often simply the use of time. Ellen White says that we should keep a book handy at all times so that we do not waste time. When I am flying commercially, as soon as I am buckled in, I begin to study or work. I may look out at the scenery, but I do not have any time to waste doing nothing. When we come into land, I do not start putting my things away, for it will still be six or seven minutes before it is time to disembark, and those are six or seven minutes that can never been had again throughout eternity. I study or continue my work until the doors are opened. Many years ago, when I was in the army, I quit eating my third meal for the day — not so much for health as for time. That third meal took a minimum of forty- five minutes extra time from beginning to end, plus made me more sluggish in my studies. Forty- five minutes a day is over 2,700 hours in ten years — enough to do an awful lot of study and witnessing for the Lord. Of course, I still believe in being sociable, as Jesus was, and of trying to have a well- rounded character. I eat suppers whenever I am with people, but never when alone, unless I haven't eaten lunch.

It was for this very reason that Ellen White talks against dating in school — the time is too important, and the affairs of this earth should not interfere with a preparation for working for the Master. Marriage is good and proper in its place, but Paul said: “He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord — how he may please the Lord. But he who is married cares about the things of the world — how he may please his wife” (1 Corinthians 7: 32, 33). If that is true for a man, it is much more true for a woman. Generally, more of a woman's time is spent in pleasing her husband than the other way around. Paul said it is better to get married than to bum with lust, but if a person can control themselves, there is a time to wait. That was Ellen White's counsel, which is so far beyond most people's understanding today that they simply can't believe it. That kind of dedication for the Lord is unheard of today. People may have that kind of dedication in order to prepare for the Olympics or the Miss America Pageant or other things, but not for the Lord.

We need to spend every moment we can in preparing to be the most useful servant of the Lord possible. It is not an all- out exertion for one day, or one week, or even a month, but a life- long endeavor. Character and knowledge are not gained in a few days or even a few weeks — but it is the process of years. This is what makes up the “patience of the saints” that will characterize the 144,000.

You will remember the experience of Gideon that I mentioned a few paragraphs previously. The numbers of the remnant went from 32,000 to one- third, to less than one one- hundredth, and not all of them remained faithful. But how did God choose those one out of 100? It was by their readiness. While others were drinking water, which was not wrong in and of itself, three hundred were (without a command from the Lord) looking for the enemy, and lapping up the water as they went. While it is not wrong to do many things, those who will make up the 144,000 will be those who, like Jesus, have put God's work before family, friends, or personal convenience. This is hard to understand, but it is what makes up this remnant group. This text must be accepted by faith, even when our feelings dictate otherwise: “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate (love me much more than) his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14: 26, 27). I have often had to say: “Lord, I don't feel like it, but Thy will be done. By faith I accept your way,” and then step out on the Word of God.

Foolish Decisions

A foolish decision will not generally, in and of itself, cause one to be lost, but it often permanently hinders our effectiveness as workers for the Lord. These decisions can never be undone. Satan is on our track every day, laying plans to see if he can cause us to stumble or fall, even once. He has held counsels in our behalf. When we wake up in the morning, we should realize that we are not going to get by that day without the possibility of falling into a land- mine, as they would say in the army, at some unexpected moment during the day. There is no way that we can out- general the devil without the special help of the Lord. He will first come with reverse psychology, if he knows we are stubborn. Then he will come with emotional appeal, if he knows we are weak emotionally. He will then come with persistence, if he knows we lack endurance. He will then come with a great need, if he knows we are tenderhearted. He will then come with security, if he knows we are insecure. He will then come with love and affection, if he knows we are lonely. He will then play upon our emotions until we have no human power to withstand his attacks. We must constantly realize that we are in a very real warfare — especially if you have been called and chosen by the Lord.

“But few will follow His example in earnest, frequent prayer to God for strength to endure the trials of this life and perform its daily duties. Christ is the Captain of our salvation, and by His own sufferings and sacrifice He has given an example to all His followers that watchfulness and prayer, and persevering effort, were necessary on their part if they would rightly represent the love which dwelt in His bosom for the fallen race. . . . [But, instead of watchfulness and prayer, and persevering effort,] a flattering prospect may be presented.., around which Satan throws a bewitching enchantment. . . . They were deceived. Satan outgeneraled them. He was more shrewd than they” 2T 664, 665. One misstep can change one's life. But you need not make such a misstep if you take Christ with you every morning, and are willing to pay the price that Christ paid, in order to be faithful to your calling.

Fanaticism

The Lord lived a balanced life. No one ever lived who was more dedicated or committed, yet He fellowshipped with the rich and the poor. Jesus was able to hold a job and do good work. He stayed healthy. Pride leads us to make a specialty of sacrifice until we become proud of our sacrificing for the Lord. We don't really sacrifice anything. The Lord sacrificed everything, and we gain everything through Him. He has promised to be nearer to us than the closest friend and to give us eternal life, and joys evermore. But if the devil cannot sidetrack us with the lack of dedication, his next endeavor is to bring imbalance into one's life.

We need to develop every aspect of ourselves' — physical, emotional, spiritual, social — but especially the spiritual. Whenever I exercise, I memorize. I have always liked exercising alone, because then I can memorize, and lam never lonely because my mind is occupied with a goal and a purpose, and I have the companionship of angels, which I would not trade.

Pride

Pride is the ruin of success. Those who are truly successful generally go throughout three stages of trials in order to completely conquer pride.

1) They start out poor, or in some way disadvantaged or disliked, and must overcome obstacles. Jesus was born of poverty and said to be the son of adultery. He was called a bastard. He had no formal education or recognition. But He endured those years of “nothingness,” knowing that He was called of God. Therefore, though it was impossible from outward appearances that He could accomplish very much in life, He nevertheless prepared diligently. He studied the Scriptures daily. He exercised His power of thought. He developed a healthy body and a strong voice. He kept Himself from becoming entangled with the cares and attractions of this life. He did not get involved with a female relationship, knowing that His ministry would be hindered thereby. He put away savings to take care of His mother while He should be away at His ministry. He worked unceasingly, with a will and a purpose, to prepare Himself for His ministry, year after year, in spite of the apparent circumstances.

2) The next phase of temptation comes from being exalted. After the test of “nothingness” comes the test of “acceptance” or “popularity.” After Jesus had prepared Himself and withstood the test of “nothingness,” He next had great popularity, so that they wanted to make Him king. All the world went out to see Him, as the Sanhedrin lamented. But Jesus overcame this temptation also.

It is the man with power who is tempted with cruelty. It is the woman with beauty and the knowledge of sensuality that is tempted with flirtation. It is the person with athletic ability that is tempted with sports.

3) The next great test is that of becoming not just nothing, but less than nothing, where one is unappreciated and hated, AFTER the experience of being exalted. After Jesus' great popularity came hatred and crucifixion. He withstood this test also, knowing that His goodness and worth did not come from the praise and flattery or recognition of men, but from His relationship with the Father.

This test is especially hard, because the person knows that they could have had power, fame, or fortune if they had not been following the Lord — but this is the result of their fidelity. They are not exalted to David's throne, but to Joseph's dungeon.

We may each one go through all three of these trials. We probably won't remember this booklet when we are going through them, but if your character is developed, we will succeed in the same way Christ did. The Lord can make our weak points our strongest points.

Though some may never have been to college, each one called to be a leader must be willing to go through the discipline of a college. People who have been to college usually succeed much more than those who haven't, because they have learned to discipline themselves. However, the greatest people of all times are those who never went to college and yet disciplined themselves anyway, just as if they had been in college. Studies show that modern education warps the mind. Studies show that freshmen in college have nearly twice the ability to rationally think through a problem than seniors when they graduate. Seniors have learned more facts, but are less keen intellectually to really think. However, they succeed simply because they have learned to discipline themselves, and because they believe that they are qualified to do something, so they try what others will not try.

Jesus and John the Baptist chose a higher course of work, study, and self- discipline than college. Abraham Lincoln did the same. So did Walt Disney (who only had an eighth- grade education), and many others. And we know for a fact, that those who choose a higher course of study, in a special sense, are going to be the “those” who make up the leaders of God's people at the end. “God will work a work in our day that but few anticipate. He will raise up and exalt among us those who are taught rather by the unction of His Spirit than by the outward training of scientific institutions. These facilities are not to be despised or condemned; they are ordained of God, but they can furnish only the exterior qualifications. God will manifest that He is not dependent on learned, self- important mortals. There are few really consecrated men among us, few who have fought and conquered in the battle with self' 5T 82.

Women in the Work

God is going to use humble women who have prepared themselves for service in a special sense in the last days. As with Ellen White, so God is going to choose the weak things of this world to confound the strong and mighty. “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. . . . That, as it is written, ‘He who glories, let him glory in the Lord' (1 Corinthians 1: 27- 31).

“The Lord will work in this last work in a manner very much out of the common order of things, and in a way that will be contrary to any human planning. . . . God will use ways and means by which it will be seen that He is taking the reins in His own hands. The workers will be surprised by the simple means that He will use to bring about and perfect His work of righteousness” TM 300.

Just at the time they think they have some of us silenced, there will come a power through some that will surpass, by the power of the Holy Spirit, anything they have seen yet. There will be a clearness of argument, a power of voice and speech, and a commanding ability to see the work succeed, through human instrumentalities. These instruments will have to stand in the breach (Psalm 106: 23) of the Lord's work. If these do not do the work, someone will, the same as when king Saul failed, and God raised up David. But why should these let someone else take their crown and their mission?

The only way you can stand in the breach tomorrow, is to earnestly prepare today. Walk like a king or queen and a child of God, in all humility. Walk with grace, freedom and erectness. Learn to make your voice carry, with softness and yet with preciseness, clearness and power. Learn never to be lonely. Learn to control your thoughts and emotions. Learn to be sociable. But most of all, learn the Scriptures and be filled with the Holy Spirit. “In the past God has raised up men, and He still has men of opportunity waiting, prepared to do His bidding — men who will go through restrictions which are only as walls daubed with untempered mortar. When God puts His Spirit upon men, they will work.

The truth will not be diminished or lose its power in their hands. .. . The conflict is to wax fiercer and fiercer” TM 411. Thus, when we are put in jail, “the truth will not be diminished or lose its power” because God has those waiting who have prepared themselves for just such an emergency.

How to Prepare

Now, how do you prepare? God will send you every experience you need. Accept each experience. God will send you every trial you need. Accept each one with rejoicing. Never allow circumstances to move you from where God wants you to be, as Jesus demonstrated in the wilderness. “Dark hours of trial are to come to every one as a part of his education for higher work, for more devoted, consecrated effort. The storm was not sent upon the disciples to shipwreck them, but to test and prove them individually. . . . Let none in his pride of self opinion shirk one hard lesson or lose the blessing of one hard discipline. . . . [Yet] whatever be our condition, . . . He is our Counselor. Whatever be our loneliness, He is our Friend in Whom we can trust. When voices on every hand are heard to lead us to wander away into false paths there is a voice that is true that is heard, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life' “1888 Materials 1002, 1003.

Along with learning the experiences that Christ, our Teacher, sends, diligently study the Spirit of Prophecy and learn Scripture. Don't spend your study- time memorizing, as you can memorize when you cannot study. Memorize when you are driving, exercising, preparing meals, etc. When I went into the army I set a goal for the first year to memorize the book of Revelation. I took a pocket Bible with me everywhere, and during every ten- minute break I memorized. While mopping floors I memorized. I had a goal and the Lord blessed. I have memorized very few books. I should have easily had the New Testament memorized. I have only memorized Malachi, Matthew, James and Revelation, plus half of John and a few other chapters.

Study the Bible on your knees. And then read everything, carefully and prayerfully, in the Spirit of Prophecy. Anyone preparing for ministry should try to spend two hours a day in the study of the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy (with a break in- between. The mind cannot usually concentrate well for two hours, although I have trained my mind to do so. Even if your mind can take it, your eyes cannot). In my early ministry, for years I spent three to four hours a day in study. I don't have time to do that now, nor did Jesus, it appears, after His baptism, yet I always spend at least an hour.

Other things that are necessary for development are that you must be willing to risk something — even your life. Never risk temptation, as Eve did, but be willing to risk all for the Lord. Know that He is by your side. Be a person of courage. Never take an unnecessary chance, but be willing to be thrown to the lions for the Lord Jesus Christ. Man's extremity is God's opportunity.

To be educated for the Lord, you must endure loneliness. When a husband is gone to war, the wife must endure loneliness or be unfaithful. The Lord is our best Friend, and we must not fill that void with any earthly friendship. Usually, those we can see on a daily bases are the ones we fall in love with. Our eyesight is often very narrow. But remember, Jesus is our best and closest Friend. On this earth we are often going to experience loneliness, just as Jesus did, while we are waiting for our best Friend to return.

Beyond that, loneliness develops endurance, patience and character more than almost any other thing. John the Baptist went out to the wilderness to prepare for his mission. John the Revelator to the Isle of Patmos to write the Revelation. Jesus experienced loneliness His whole life. Moses was banished from his family, and even after he married, his natural family never accepted his wife. Paul was blind and friendless in the wilderness when the prophecies were made plain to him. Joseph was a slave in a foreign land for his character development. Daniel was a captive slave who was made a bachelor for life.

God wants everyone to have a family, but that cannot always be. But there is one that sticketh closer than a brother, and is closer than a husband. His Father is your Father. That experience must become ever more real.

And finally, never become discouraged be- cause of failure. Don't fail. . . don't make a foolish mistake that will tarnish your future. . . but if you should ever do so, simply get up with determination, assess the damage, and don't get stuck in your mistake. A mistake can never be made as good as if you hadn’t made the mistake, but you can turn every mistake into a blessing.

David made a mistake with Bathsheba, which mistake had lasting consequences, even to the dividing of his kingdom and the loss of four children — but he did not grow discouraged nor give up, and eventually Christ came through the line of Bathsheba. The mercies of God are very great. Yet, somehow, the 144,000 must learn to quit making those mistakes.

By God's grace, I never became discouraged, but I have come very, very close at times in years gone by. I did quit once. I was running in a race when a senior in academy. I was on the last lap and was gaining on the leader and would have probably won, but I got too tired and dropped out. I never forgot that, and determined never to quit again. A couple years later I was running and determined not to quit, and pulled all the ligaments in my feet and lower calf. That bothered me for four years, but I persisted, until I was running eight miles a day with army boots on. There was no one, even the trained runners, who could keep up with me in a race in the army where I was stationed. I didn’t't generally enter races, but they had a general endurance test for all of our unit once. I learned that there are limitations to the body. But there are no limitations to the Christian soul in resisting temptation or accomplishing what God has called him to do if he stays close to Jesus every moment.

From that one experience of quitting, I laid a foundation principle to never quit again, unless lam in danger of physically hurting my body. In college, I was not the kind that liked to study. I was often so tired of study that I thought I couldn’t continue. But I did. I was lonely at times. But I survived. I have learned never, never to quit, unless you are going the wrong direction. There must be a “stick- to- itiveness,” not from pride and stubbornness, but from sacred resolve and character strength. Eleazar, one of King David's three “mighty men,” once defied the Philistines who had come to battle after the whole army of Israel had fled. But, while everyone else was retreating, Eleazar advanced and walked right into the battle all by himself. It is easy to read about, but imagine spears and swords and godless, hateful men on every side who were possessed by Satan and determined to run you through with a spear. He knew he was dead, but he would rather die than retreat. But the Bible says: “He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 10: 39,). And thus it was with Eleazar. He was able to catch each flying arrow with his shield, just in the nick of time. He put forth all of his efforts and energy. The Bible says “his hand was weary,” but he fought on until “his hand stuck to the sword” (2 Samuel 23: 10). After the battle he could not loosen his hand, his muscles had locked down. Eleazar had prepared himself, and when the time came he was willing to surrender his life for the nation. And then, at the crucial moment he put forth all his efforts and refused to quit, and the Lord wrought a great victory for Israel through a previously unknown man.

The Bible says, “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come” (1 Corinthians 10: 11). You may become one of the great people for God. But the most important thing is that we are filled with the Holy Spirit and adorned with the character of Jesus.