career

Education and Career Choices

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For us to find direction in education and career choices in today’s world, we must first understand the intrinsic nature of the Christian religion. The Christian religion is, in a superlative sense, both a spiritual and an intellectual religion.

Concerning the spiritual nature of Christianity, Ellen White wrote, “We need spiritual eyesight now as never before, that we may see afar off, and that we may discern the snares and designs of the enemy, and as faithful watchmen proclaim the danger. We need spiritual power that we may take in, as far as the human mind can, the great subjects of Christianity, and how far-reaching are its principles.” The Home Missionary, November 1, 1893.

“All professions of Christianity are but lifeless expressions of faith until Jesus imbues the believer with his spiritual life, which is the Holy Ghost.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 3, 242.

“Unless the mind is constantly exercised in obtaining spiritual knowledge and in seeking to understand the mystery of godliness, it is incapable of appreciating eternal things, because it has no experience in that direction. This is the reason why religion, by nearly all is considered up-hill business.” Pamphlet 098, 11, 12. [Emphasis added.]

Intellectual Christianity

Concerning the intellectual nature of Christianity, Mrs. White wrote, “The truths of the divine word can be best appreciated by an intellectual Christian. Christ can be best glorified by those who serve Him intelligently.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 160.

Although comparatively few people become intellectual Christians, it is God’s will for all to become intellectual Christians and for this to occur during childhood and youth: “It is the precious privilege of children and youth to yield their minds to the control of the Spirit of God and become intellectual Christians.” Lift Him Up, 91.

“All whom God has endowed with reasoning powers may become intellectual Christians.” The Medical Missionary, May 1, 1892. A similar statement was published in an article that Mrs. White wrote for the March 8, 1887, issue of Review and Herald.

“Jesus would have us learn in his school that we may become intellectual Christians.” The Signs of the Times, February 14, 1878.

“The greatest work of the teacher is to lead those under his charge to be intellectual Christians.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 1, 322.

Especially are the above facts true for any young person who wishes to prepare for full-time service in any branch of God’s closing work on earth, whether it be the gospel ministry, medical missionary work, literature work, Christian education, or work in one of the Lord’s institutions or a local church.

Spiritual Power Also

The minister, for example is constantly to increase in spiritual power. (See Review and Herald, January 21, 1902.) Not only this, but the minister is constantly to increase in intellectual power: “Nearly every minister in the field, had he exerted his God-given energies, might not only be proficient in reading, writing, and grammar, but even in languages. It is essential for them to set their aim high. But there has been but little ambition to put their powers to the test to reach an elevated standard in knowledge and in religious intelligence.

“Our ministers will have to render to God an account for the rusting of the talents He has given to improve by exercise. They might have done tenfold more work intelligently had they cared to become intellectual giants. Their whole experience in their high calling is cheapened because they are content to remain where they are. Their efforts to acquire knowledge will not in the least hinder their spiritual growth if they will study with right motives and proper aims.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 194.

Because of the nature of the Christian religion, we find that wherever Christianity developed in the world, in that place there were also developed schools for educational training. A Christian school was developed in Antioch, and schools were established in India, Africa, and Europe.

So, the first thing to understand about education and career choices is that God wants us to become strong both spiritually and intellectually. This will require us to obtain the educational training that the providence of God makes it possible for us to acquire. In my own family, when my grandparents became Seventh-day Adventists, the result was that even though they were not highly educated, all their children did become highly educated. This is also why Seventh-day Adventists, in general, are more highly educated than the average population. This is as it should be.

The problem comes, however, when we obtain the wrong kind of education, which eventually results in the children of Adventist parents, in the third or fourth or fifth generation, going right back into the worldly life from which their grandparents or great-grandparents came to become Seventh-day Adventists. Both Adventist and non-Adventist authors have amply documented this fact. (See, for example, The Fat Lady and the Kingdom: Confronting the Challenge of Change and Secularization, by George R. Knight, Adventist Book Center New Jersey, 1995, or Seeking a Sanctuary: Seventh-day Adventism and the American Dream, by Malcolm Bull and Keith Lockhart, Indiana University Press, 2006.) This fact also, in a great measure, explains the fact that every heaven inspired revival and reformation movement for the past 2,000 years has been dominated mainly by the common people, and relatively few highly educated people became part of it.

Common People

In Jesus’ day, it was the common people: “The common people heard him gladly.” Mark 12:37. In the days of the apostle Paul, it was the same. (See 1 Corinthians 1.)

In the time of the sixteenth century reformation, it was the same. The papal system for education made the following demand in Holland during the time of the reformation: “We forbid all lay persons to converse or dispute concerning the Holy Scriptures, openly or secretly, especially on any doubtful or difficult matters, or to read, teach, or expound the Scriptures, unless they have duly studied theology and have been approved by some renowned university.” E. A. Sutherland, Studies in Christian Education, The Rural Press, Madison, Tennessee, 1915, 97.

The historian also relates what happened: “To the ineffable disgust of the conservatives in church and state here were men with little education, utterly devoid of Hebrew, of lowly station—hatters, curriers, tanners, dyers and the like—who began to preach, remembering unreasonably, perhaps, that the early disciples selected by the Founder of Christianity had not all been doctors of theology with diplomas from renowned universities.” Ibid.

It was the same in the second advent movement during the nineteenth century. Most of the converts were from the common people, because the educational systems were so corrupted with false philosophy (see Colossians 2) that by the time people became highly educated, they, first of all, were not of a mind-set to accept unpopular Bible truth, and, secondly, they were often mentally and spiritually incapable of doing so. A person who is not spiritual cannot understand spiritual things. (See 1 Corinthians 2.)

This also explains why, today, the vast majority in the revival and reformation movement in the second advent movement are from the common people; only a very few highly educated people are involved. The entire tenor and philosophy and training of the educational experience of many has prepared them to stay with well-established and highly developed organizations or philosophical groups, and when God leads His people farther out of and away from either Egypt or Babylon, they are unprepared, unwilling, and even unable to walk into new territory where their fathers have not been.

The Relationship

Ellen White explains the relationship between education, the inability to be part of a revival and reformation movement—when God is leading His people into new territory—and the failure to be able to distinguish between truth and error as follows:

“For ages education has had to do chiefly with the memory. This faculty has been taxed to the utmost, while the other mental powers have not been correspondingly developed. Students have spent their time in laboriously crowding the mind with knowledge, very little of which could be utilized. The mind thus burdened with that which it cannot digest and assimilate is weakened; it becomes incapable of vigorous, self-reliant effort, and is content to depend on the judgment and perception of others. . . .

“The education that consists in the training of the memory, tending to discourage independent thought, has a moral bearing which is too little appreciated. As the student sacrifices the power to reason and judge for himself, he becomes incapable of discriminating between truth and error, and falls an easy prey to deception. He is easily led to follow tradition and custom.” Education, 230.

Anyone who has, for example, studied the history of Nazi Germany should know that the Nazis were very successful in getting highly educated people to follow their agenda. The above statement from the book Education explains why that was so.

This fact will be with us until the end of time, and it will help us to understand what will happen in the very last days:

“The days are fast approaching when there will be great perplexity and confusion. Satan, clothed in angel robes, will deceive, if possible, the very elect. There will be gods many and lords many. Every wind of doctrine will be blowing. Those who have rendered supreme homage to ‘science falsely so called’ will not be the leaders then. Those who have trusted to intellect, genius, or talent will not then stand at the head of rank and file. They did not keep pace with the light. Those who have proved themselves unfaithful will not then be entrusted with the flock. 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. There are precious ones now hidden who have not bowed the knee to Baal. They have not had the light which has been shining in a concentrated blaze upon you. But 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.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 80, 81.

“As the time comes for it [the third angel’s message] to be given with greatest power, the Lord will work through humble instruments, leading the minds of those who consecrate themselves to His service. The laborers will be qualified rather by the unction of His Spirit than by the training of literary institutions.” The Great Controversy, 606.

A Dilemma

So, we are faced with a dilemma, and it is this: Education is highly desirable. God wants all of us to become intellectual Christians, and we should be seeking to become intellectual giants, gaining the greatest amount of education which the providence of God guides us to obtain. But, obtaining an education in educational institutions is very dangerous for the following reasons: (1) At the vast majority of educational institutions you will be taught worldly philosophy which is directly contrary and opposed to the Word of God. It will be impossible for you to sit in classes day after day and listen to this philosophy without it having a permanent effect on your mind, your thinking, and your life. (2) Many educational institutions focus on educating the memory to the exclusion of the other faculties of the mind, producing the result cited previously in the book, Education, page 230. (3) Unfortunately, those educational institutions that do not teach worldly philosophy often have one of the following problems: (A) Its educational classes are corrupted with fanaticism. That is, information is being taught that cannot be backed up by good scientific research or biblical research. (B) There may be just a plain lack of sufficient ability to help you actually become highly educated. Obviously, an educator cannot educate you to a level higher than that which he or she has attained. Many educators today actually are not intellectual giants themselves; consequently, they cannot help you to become one. A teacher who is not spiritual cannot help you to become a spiritual person. (C) Some institutions lack the ability to prepare you to support yourself in this world.

Support

This last statement, about being prepared to support one’s self in this world, must never be forgotten. A student who graduates from school—not primary school or high school, but a school of higher education—should never have to work as an unskilled occupational worker. Ellen White wrote: “True education is that which will train children and youth for the life that now is, and in reference to that which is to come; for an inheritance in that better country, even in an heavenly.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 328.

“The custom of supporting men and women in idleness by private gifts or church money encourages them in sinful habits, and this course should be conscientiously avoided. Every man, woman, and child should be educated to do practical, useful work. All should learn some trade. It may be tentmaking, or it may be business in other lines; but all should be educated to use the members of their body to some purpose, and God is ready and willing to increase the adaptability of all who will educate themselves to industrious habits.

“If a man in good physical health has property, and has no need of entering into employment for his own support, he should labor to acquire means that he may advance the cause and work of God. He is to be ‘not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.’ [Romans 12:11.] God will bless all who will guard their influence in regard to others in this respect.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 912.

“Every youth, on leaving school, should have acquired a knowledge of some trade or occupation by which, if need be, he may earn a livelihood.” Education, 218.

Because of the apostasy—the falling away or departing from the truth God has revealed to his people—in the educational institutions of all protestant churches of which the author is aware, Seventh-day Adventist young people today are faced with a greater dilemma than any Adventist generation since the beginning of the second advent movement.

Waldensian Example

It has often become necessary for Adventist young people who need and want education, and who are seeking education, to do what the Waldenses had to do during the dark ages: “While the Waldenses regarded the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom, they were not blind to the importance of a contact with the world, a knowledge of men and of active life, in expanding the mind and quickening the perceptions. From their schools in the mountains some of the youth were sent to institutions of learning in the cities of France or Italy, where was a more extended field for study, thought, and observation than in their native Alps. The youth thus sent forth were exposed to temptation, they witnessed vice, they encountered Satan’s wily agents, who urged upon them the most subtle heresies and the most dangerous deceptions. But their education from childhood had been of a character to prepare them for all this.

“In the schools whither they went, they were not to make confidants of any. Their garments were so prepared as to conceal their greatest treasure—the precious manuscripts of the Scriptures. These, the fruit of months and years of toil, they carried with them, and whenever they could do so without exciting suspicion, they cautiously placed some portion in the way of those whose hearts seemed open to receive the truth. From their mother’s knee the Waldensian youth had been trained with this purpose in view; they understood their work and faithfully performed it. Converts to the true faith were won in these institutions of learning, and frequently its principles were found to be permeating the entire school; yet the papal leaders could not, by the closest inquiry, trace the so-called corrupting heresy to its source.” The Great Controversy, 69, 70.

Dilemma Faced

If you or one of your loved ones is facing this dilemma and need to obtain an education at a state university or technical school, following are a few things to remember:

  1. The Word of God—the Bible—is the basis of true education in this world, so if you want to be truly educated, as a historian of Oberlin College wrote of that institution, “The Scriptures, both in the English version and in the original tongues, were considered to possess the highest educational value; and as such they should be studied first, last, and everywhere between.” Sutherland, 20. Whether God is calling you to be a physician, a lawyer, a scientist, a business person, or a technical worker, the Bible is the basis of true education, and it must be studied diligently every day if you want to receive a true education, even if you are attending a state university.
  2. It is dangerous to attend a state university for any reason unless you are thoroughly rooted and grounded in Bible religion first. (Notice the Waldensian practice as given above from The Great Controversy.) It would be better to forfeit getting an education rather than lose eternal life, as has happened to countless millions of people in the educational institutions of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
  3. Obtain counsel concerning your plans from godly parents and/or ministers or gospel workers. Do those who know you best and love you believe that you could be successful in resisting the temptations that would certainly come to you in an institution of learning in this world?
  4. Listening to error is never harmless, even in a “Christian” university or a self-supporting Seventh-day Adventist school. There are some courses of study that would, much more than others, expose you to worldly philosophy and error of all kinds. It is beyond the scope of this article to explain this, but you would want to obtain counsel from godly educators about this before making a decision.
  5. If you are in a program of learning at a university or other school that is so rigorous that you do not take time to pray and study God’s Word every day and attend religious services (Hebrews 10:23–25), you are in grave danger of losing your way spiritually. No educational advantages in this world are worth your losing eternal life.
  6. Be sure that you become fully educated. It is beyond the scope of this article to explain what it means to be fully educated, but the book Education, by Ellen White, explores the major areas of mental, physical, and spiritual development that you need if you are going to be fully educated. Be sure that you do not miss out by being only partially educated in some school in this world while some vital, essential part of your education is missing because the educational institution you attend does not teach it.

Lord, What Do You Want Me To Do?

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“To His servants Christ commits ‘His goods’—something to be put to use for Him. He gives ‘to every man his work.’ Each has his place in the eternal plan of heaven. Each is to work in co-operation with Christ for the salvation of souls. Not more surely is the place prepared for us in the heavenly mansions than is the special place designated on earth where we are to work for God.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 326.

“Lord, what do you want me to do?” Today, more than ever, choosing, preparing for, and practicing our occupations have become fraught with a bewildering array of difficult decisions and obstacles. Yet an attempt to address some of these without recognizing the recourse we have to practical solutions when serving Christ would be to express a lack of faith. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5, 6. These words are not just a trite familiar phrase, but are part of our living faith. This powerful promise is prefaced with an all-encompassing condition: the complete surrender of our lives, our affections, and ambitions to the Lord.

Preparation is not an event, but a continuous exercise of our time. Our personal diligence and time management to exercise our minds through study, prayer and cultural development and our bodies through temperance, manual labor, and exercise are the foundation of preparation. Do not simply wait for a teacher, friend, pastor, or parent to direct you in specific lines of preparation. The guidance they offer may be extremely important, but the preparation constitutes, with or without the counsel of others, what we make of our time. Ellen White often uses the phrases “usefulness in this world” or “usefulness in this life” to describe the product of this general preparation. “The strength or the weakness of the mind has very much to do with our usefulness in this world and with our final salvation.” The Review and Herald, September 8, 1874.

Inspiration further guides us with specific branches of education that should be taught to all persons as part of preparation for life’s work. Foremost is the study of the Bible, which in addition to the overarching education of salvation it gives, integrates the teaching of important lessons of history, prophecy, health, poetry, composition, public speaking, etc. General preparatory studies should include: human nutrition and physiology, agriculture, home-making skills, voice culture in speech and song, and financial stewardship. (See the book Education by Ellen G. White.)

Choosing a specific life work and the requisite education is certainly one of the most difficult topics to address. If the extraordinary cost of most kinds of education were the biggest concern, our situation would be greatly improved. Ellen White told us that our delay to prepare the way for Christ’s second coming would make our work harder. It certainly has in this aspect.

There are many questions one would do well to consider when prayerfully planning a career:

Have I really surrendered all of my plans to God, and am I regularly praying for His leading?

This, by all useful measures, is the foundation of a successful career in this world, and of readiness for the life to come.

Is financial wealth the goal of my career plans?

If so, the answer to the first question is no, and there is an idol in your heart that can be cast out only by conversion. The apostle Paul tells us that “the love of money is the root of all evil: …” I Timothy 6:10. Additionally, it should be noted that the drive to get wealth does not well correlate with personal and career satisfaction.

What kinds of activities do I enjoy, and what are my aptitudes?

When dedicated to God, our aptitudes and interests can be key indicators of God’s plan for our life’s work. The evaluation of aptitudes is just one reason why the general preparatory education is so important. The exposure to a variety of tasks gives one a chance to evaluate aptitudes.

On a more specific note, Ellen White advises that all should have the capability to make their living at some trade. For some, this may be a backup vocation; nonetheless, an aptitude and enjoyment toward at least one trade should be developed.

Additionally, there are varieties of aptitude tests that can be taken independently, or through a career counselor. These tests can prove beneficial in that they may reveal aptitudes that one may not have realized before.

How can I use my aptitudes, with my training and career, to glorify God and to witness to others?

Remember that every person is called to a ministry, no matter what the occupation. Then this question should be one of the most important to answer when preparing for and practicing our vocations. Any vocation can and should be used directly and indirectly to help further the gospel.

How would my calling be a blessing to society?

The work of Jesus, while here on this earth, was continually a blessing to society. From carpentry to preaching and healing he lived constantly to be a blessing. As we follow Christ’s example we will also find that this is one of the keys to personal and career satisfaction.

What advice or comments do the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy have to say about my intended vocation, and the requisite education?

The list of occupations that are dealt with in some way by the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy is long. Have you studied the subject matter out? The Bible and Spirit of Prophecy also have much to say regarding education. Anyone preparing for a career, or planning to switch careers, should include a prayerful study of inspired writings. In particular, the books Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, I and II Timothy and Education should be carefully investigated.

How will my job choice and location affect my Sabbath keeping?

Certainly there are a number of job types that are not suitable to consider when factoring in Sabbath keeping. And one’s latitudinal location affects the clock time during which the Sabbath is kept, and needs to be considered.

Among jobs that are profitable to consider, jobs in the medical field have a special relation to the Sabbath. Anyone considering a career in one of the medical professions should carefully examine what the Spirit of Prophecy says about Sabbath keeping and the medical professions. A balanced summary of that counsel is beyond the scope of this article. But I will leave the reader with an additional question to ponder if considering a job in a hospital setting: Is the Sabbath respected in the institutions at which I seek employment?

But this is actually a broader question than it may at first appear. There are potential jobs that require an investment of time that would lead many people to make the job and/or requisite education the number one focus of their life. This, then, effectively enshrines the career as an idol, diminishing Sabbath keeping. Great care must then be exercised when considering especially time-intensive career choices.

In my chosen career, will I be directly supporting the advancement of sin?

Certainly the answer should be, No. At first thought, this may seem to be either an obvious or strange question. But it is worth a second thought. Of course, as a Christian you would easily eliminate jobs directly tied to the production of alcohol or tobacco, for example. But it is worth considering the many ways that our economy is integrated, and estimating how closely an industry or particular job may be tied to the overt degradation of society.

An example question could be: As a financial advisor, would I ever be directed to recommend investments in companies in the entertainment, alcohol, or tobacco industries because my recommendations must be based solely on their financial prospects? If so, how could I retain my independence as an advisor?

Are potential social benefits the prime goal of my educational endeavors?

The desire to be with friends of like age and educational goals, and to find a husband or wife, are the prime focus of many who are preparing for careers in college. While the desire for the wholesome social benefits of an education has a place, that place must be subservient to the preparation of life’s work; otherwise that proper preparation is in jeopardy.

Traditionally, for Seventh-day Adventists, this desire has been assumed to be met at a Seventh-day Adventist college or university. The disastrous position of these institutions with respect to God’s plan of education laid out in the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy has been well chronicled. As such, they are generally bereft of this benefit.

How may my chosen vocation interact with labor or trade unions?

Ellen White specifically says that God’s people are not to be members of unions. Many trades are tightly connected with unions. The relationship between a chosen trade and unions should be examined carefully. Also, the apprentice should be aware of whether or not he has a legal right to work without belonging to a union. This is the case in some states (“right-to-work” states). Finally, it should be noted that unions have been making in-roads into professions. Notably, this is true of the teaching and nursing professions. Additionally, this author is aware of cases involving the unionization of physicians and engineers.

Can I obtain the education I need with a prudent investment of money and time?

Like a number of these questions, the details of the answers are large, and vary from case to case. But, in general, let the student consider that today, many professionals leave school with more than $100,000 of debt, and no prospects of paying this off quickly. While we do not flatly take the position that to incur debt for any amount, time or reason is wrong or unwise, we should remember the truth that “the borrower is servant to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7. Inspired counsel on investment in time and debt should be studied.

What kind of education do I need, and can I obtain it without being warped?

In today’s world, it is not possible to obtain a college or graduate education in many areas of study and in many circumstances from any institution, and not be warped—if we are acting presumptuously. Presumption would include choosing a career and educational path that would require direct, regular, active study of (or participation in, as the case may be) things such as: evolution, spiritualism, materialism, paganism, skepticism, competitive sports, fiction, and drama. This is because we already have specific counsel from inspired writings not to engage in these activities.

If the student is not truly converted—has not committed all of his aspirations to Christ—the unconverted desires may be interpreted directly as God’s will, and the student will find himself acting presumptuously as he chooses an education and career. It is then that he is most vulnerable, and most unaware of his vulnerability!

If you are paying attention to what has been happening in education, you surely realize that there is no field of study that is not at minimum tainted in some way (directly or indirectly) with one or more of these listed problems. If there were no other reasons (but there are), this is sufficient to bar any and all from making sweeping specific recommendations regarding any area of study. We should keep in mind that God would have us all be intellectual Christians (Testimonies, vol. 3, 160), but that in seeking intellectual excellence through education, many have unwittingly allowed worldly philosophy to make them skeptical of the power of the gospel. Remember, in Christ’s time, it was the common people who heard Him gladly. And this is still often true.

Regarding educational preparation, much prayer, and individual counsel from godly advisors, is needed for each individual case.

“A knowledge of science of all kinds is power, and it is in the purpose of God that advanced science shall be taught in our schools as a preparation for the work that is to precede the closing scenes of earth’s history.” Christian Education, 83.

How transportable and flexible is the career of my choice?

This has to do directly with the potential demand for your services in domestic and foreign labor markets, your employability (including self-employability), and what living location options are reasonable for you to expect. Even within a category (such as physician, attorney, or engineer, for example), the answers to these questions can vary greatly depending on the specialty.

How will my career choice fit with a family and church?

Since career choices, at least for the young, often come at a time when they are also thinking of marriage and family aspirations, each should prayerfully consider these subjects together and the mutual impact they have on each other. Counsel from godly parents and friends is of special value here.

Have I done some research to find out what options are really out there?

Actuary, stevedore, apiarist, pattern maker, industrial hygienist: it is advisable that one become familiar with a wide variety of occupations. If you are not familiar with a wide variety of occupations, you may be missing details, or even broad categories of labor, that would well suit you.

If it is a career that you are already familiar with in name, such as a nurse, teacher, mechanic, or accountant—how well do you really know what the job entails? In-depth research would include finding people who are in the field, and interviewing or shadowing them.

Evaluating mid-career options:

If you are in mid-career, you may have occasion to ask: “Where do I go from here?” If you are simply working to survive, your general career preparation was deficient, or your career does not suit you well.

It is true that we cannot perfectly redeem the past, but with God’s help we may make greater strides in our work, both for this life and in preparation for the next, than we can easily imagine. Remember that one of Satan’s traps is to keep people so caught-up in the business of life and earning a living that Christ loses His place at the center of affection. (Matthew 13:7, 22.)

Certainly the Lord can help you optimize a job situation that may not seem to suit your life plan best if you are willing to diligently apply yourself. It is possible that you should seriously consider your options to change employment, but not without carefully considering a potential new career from all angles. Otherwise, you may find yourself jumping from one poor-fitting job to another, and falling farther behind financially for doing so.

There are many tools for examining mid-career improvement and change potential. As always, at the top of the list are the Bible and prayer. Godly, wise friends and family may also be an important resource, (See Testimonies, vol. 1, 224, 225 on the use of counsel.) Other potential tools may include (depending on the occupation involved) community college, distance education, gospel ministries, agricultural extension agents, books, SCORE (non-profit organization of counselors to small entrepreneurial businesses), licensing organizations, etc.

The biggest challenge and obstacle to development that any mid-career person is likely to find is the need most of us have to improve our mental discipline and time management. Without this discipline, success in any line will prove elusive.

Secular vs. gospel employment:

But wait, you say, “Your specific occupational examples focused a lot on secular employment, and obtaining the requisite education for secular employment. That is not what is most important about career planning. What about preparing for employment as direct, full-time gospel workers: missionaries, pastors, evangelists, Bible-workers, Christian educators, and medical workers?”

What of gospel employment?

Some questions one should ask before choosing an education and career. But nothing was said about employment directly in God’s work. That certainly is a most important employment option for one to consider. The relation of secular lines of employment to the work of the ministry in various lines is a very important discussion.

There is an enormous dearth of Historic Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) churches and institutions—and the pastors, Bible workers, teachers, and medical professionals that should be employed by them to lead out in the spreading of the three angels’ messages. There is a lack of people willing to take the large risk of committing to these fields, but there is also a critical lack of a support base for these people. This is a large-scale problem. But, as we will find out, large-scale solutions to problems of this type must start with individuals and families. That is where you and your occupation fit into this problem, reader, and that is what I want to discuss with you.

Isaiah, through inspiration, tells us: “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save …” Isaiah 59:1. We need to first remind ourselves that God has not made His ability to complete His work on earth completely dependent on man! What hopelessness would be our case if it were so? If needed, God can turn to the rocks. But, amazingly, He has made His work partially dependent on us! Paul says, “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?” Romans 10: 13–15.

God has promised that there will be people who choose to cooperate with Him in finishing His work (see, for example, Isaiah 55:5–11 and Malachi 3:16–18), but this power of choice means that Seventh-day Adventists collectively and individually may or may not be part of that work. The fact that the SDA denomination has strayed significantly from God’s plan for finishing His work is well documented elsewhere. The denomination has been actively opposing those who are preaching and teaching present truth for a number of years now. And the tightly centralized organization of the denomination makes it difficult at best to associate with it regularly without being indirectly involved in their work that often ultimately impedes the gospel. We need to examine for ourselves the implications of this for our occupations.

The reality of our current situation as Historic Seventh-day Adventists is that we could not have a more scattered approach to this problem. There are a number of independent, congregational-style churches (with different names due to past lawsuits and ongoing threats of lawsuits) which have organized in a number of places around the world. A few of them are organized to evangelize and fend off fanaticism. A few of them are capable of hiring pastors and/or Bible workers.

But many Historic Seventh-day Adventists are ambivalent about supporting these churches regularly; and this ambivalence breeds weakness. They may have found a conference church nearby with a good pastor, or another one with a good Sabbath school teacher. Perhaps they worship at home, or just put up with some error, some immodest dress, some poor music, etc. Only when some special weekend revival meeting by one of a select number of ministers is held in their area do they congregate together. This sporadic, halting congregating has in part led to a loss of vision for what the business of God’s church really is. Weekend revivals are a wonderful blessing, but that is not the mission of the church. We, as Historic Seventh-day Adventists, are not in a position to evangelize in any major way—either to invite the world into General Conference-sponsored SDA churches because of apostasy, or to invite them into Historic SDA churches because we have not taken the collective action to ensure that they exist and function robustly!

The organization of the church mutually obligates secular employed and gospel employed workers:

At the outset of the Christian church, Christ placed the physical welfare of the gospel laborers largely in the hands of those employed in secular labor, (See, for example, Matthew 10:1–15 and I Corinthians 9: 1–14.) He placed the organization of the churches for: 1) missionary work (Titus 1:9) and 2) prevention of heresy and fanaticism (Titus 1:10, 11) largely in the hands of apostles and elders (see Titus 1:5–11, I Timothy 3:1–7, I Thessalonians 5:12–15 and The Acts of the Apostles, 262), and the ongoing welfare of the church largely in the hands of elders, deacons, and deaconesses. (See I Timothy 3:8–13, Acts 6, The Acts of the Apostles, 89, 90, and The Review and Herald, July 9, 1895.) Thus those with secular occupations and those employed in the gospel work have mutual obligations to each other through the church body. (See I Corinthians 12:18–25.) If you have a secular job, you have a duty to consider what responsibility you have in helping God’s people collectively work toward making the work of pastors, evangelists and teachers viable! This includes financial support, but, as we will see, goes well beyond it.

Collective intelligence and our collective will to action:

God has appointed both individual and collective will to humans. As Historic SDAs, we have long exercised our muscle of individual will and action, while our muscle of collective will, intelligence, and action has nigh atrophied. In Heaven, the collective will to action is critical to success in the Great Controversy! What about our collective action?

Let us illustrate the importance of collective intelligence and action for God’s remnant by comparing our needs to evangelize and educate with large-scale projects in the secular world. There are millions of very talented, intelligent and industrious people in our world, but not a single one of them knows in full how to create and manage a major infrastructure project, build a jet plane or computer, or manage a monetary system. Nor can one person simply assign a specified amount of physical and mental energy to be expended by a group of people working separately and accomplish any of these projects. All of these projects require collective intelligence. If the secular world we live in was managed like our gospel work, we would all be tool-poor, barterers, and hunter-gatherers the world over! (Luke 16:8.) It is a key responsibility of each person in the church with secular employment to be a part of the collective intelligence and will to action that is needed so that gospel workers can be trained and hired!

God, in His infinite wisdom, has given to His church collective tasks in evangelism and education that simply cannot be met exclusively by exercising our talents individually! There are parts of our individual characters that simply cannot be properly developed unless we are at least attempting to work collectively. Unfortunately, many of us have been assuming otherwise.

The need for gospel workers and teachers today cannot be satisfied exclusively with some portion of the General Conference of SDAs that is doing a good work—however good that work may be! For example, the Michigan Conference and Amazing Facts are not in a position to hire all of the gospel workers that are needed, nor are they in a position to exercise collective action with the General Conference on all fronts. However large this problem may seem, we must at minimum not ignore it, or pretend that because it takes the action of many, we are in no position to make an attempt to rectify it. You can see that this is about much more than pooling our money.

Difficult Questions and Risk:

It is time to consider more than theoretical future solutions; it’s time to consider pragmatic ones. It is past time to ask some very difficult questions, questions such as: “If someone felt called to the gospel ministry (the gospel ministry as defined in Testimonies to Ministers), what real employment options do they have? Would you want to be in their shoes? Are you in their shoes? (Remember, God will call 11th hour workers from secular employment to gospel employment.) What would it take to train and hire workers? Would the Historic SDA church nearest me need to be better organized? Could I help? Would it take more than one local church to get the job done? Would I be prepared to recognize and act collectively with 11th hour workers from other churches? Would it take things like an identity, plans, goals, boards, and bank accounts? Am I an amicable enough person so that others could get along with me well enough to prosecute a plan of action?

The preceding paragraph may sound like heresy to some. But we are halfway there, and that half-way position will not long be stable. There exist historic SDA churches. There are groups of Historic SDA churches working together in various places in the world. There are Historic SDA teachers and medical professionals. And all of these exist because people believe that the gospel message drives and defines the identity of the remnant, and not the other way around! (Revelation 14:12.) Today we are either half wrong, and need to close shop on these activities, or we are half right, and need to “strengthen the weak hands and confirm the feeble knees.” [Isaiah 35:3.]

You may be tempted to say that the thought of working on a large scale is preposterous, given our current situation and the shortness of time. You may ask, “Do you really expect to launch some large, potentially bureaucratic edifice for training and employing workers when God has said that He will complete His work through surprisingly simple means?” These are fair questions, and they are best viewed through the following statement and a question. First, a statement: A large organization does indeed have the potential to be corrupted by politics, but when we realize the difficulty we have in organizing even two small churches to work together, this problem finds its place lower down on the list of current problems. Second, a question: Even though God has said that He will finish His work in simple ways that will astound us, do you think that He will sanction our part in that work if we simply excuse ourselves from attempting to act collectively, because it is hard to do and takes time?

Finally, let us speak about risk. The good news for us is that Christ has already guaranteed the outcome of the war; there is zero risk that He will lose the great controversy. But there is very real risk in each battle of the great controversy, risk that souls will be lost. When you undertake a project by yourself, you are individually, to a large degree, in control of the risk of failure. When you engage in collective intelligence and action, you as an individual are in a much smaller way in control of the risk of failure. Act collectively with others only in prayer, and with the knowledge that you are collectively putting your efforts at the risk of each other’s good will. There is no way to make money through investment without putting money at risk of loss—at least temporary loss. And when we invest our talents for Christ, we may indeed realize temporary loss and may not in this life realize the gain of our investment. But our risk in these endeavors pales to the very real risk that God made to save you and me, the risk of the loss of His own Son! May God bless you as you prayerfully consider these words.

John T. Grosboll, PE is a mechanical engineer living near Vancouver, Washington. His secular employment includes several years of experience in primary metals and transportation-related industries. He, along with his wife, is actively involved in the work of the Historic Message Church in Portland, Oregon. He may be reached at Grosbolls@yahoo.com.

Commitment to Your Lifework

by

Week of Prayer for Monday

One of the first questions many of us ask, when meeting someone new, is, “What do you do?” The response often details the job where the person is working or a career path he or she is pursuing. As small talk, this is simply a time filler, yet the question begs a more comprehensive, in-depth answer. The larger answer includes what we do and who we are before God, ourselves, and others. These are listed in order of priority and importance. When they are shifted out of order, they tend to cause confusion and problems in the life. For a term to describe this, we will use the word lifework. This word quite readily brings to mind a great work, accomplishment, fame, or fortune that many may not ever experience in their lifetimes. However, let us look at what it is from God’s perspective and what we are called to as a lifework.

God’s Purpose

“Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called [thee] by thy name; thou [art] mine.” “[Even] every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.” Isaiah 43:1, 7. These verses remind us that we are precious; we are called by God. He knows our names and uses them, and He has a purpose for each one of us for His glory.

God’s call on the life includes the entrusting of abilities, aptitudes, capabilities, gifts, and talents. “The specific place appointed us in life is determined by our capabilities. Not all reach the same development or do with equal efficiency the same work. God does not expect the hyssop to attain the proportions of the cedar, or the olive the height of the stately palm. But each should aim just as high as the union of human with divine power makes it possible for him to reach.” Education, 267.

God gives as He requires. He does not ask us to do something for which He has not fitted us or given us the opportunity to learn or to become. However, to follow Him requires the sacrifice of our wills, our plans, and our desires for His glory and, ultimately, for our good. “Many do not become what they might, because they do not put forth the power that is in them. They do not, as they might, lay hold on divine strength. Many are diverted from the line in which they might reach the truest success. Seeking greater honor or a more pleasing task, they attempt something for which they are not fitted. Many a man whose talents are adapted for some other calling, is ambitious to enter a profession; and he who might have been successful as a farmer, an artisan, or a nurse, fills inadequately the position of a minister, a lawyer, or a physician. There are others, again, who might have filled a responsible calling, but who, for want of energy, application, or perseverance, content themselves with an easier place.” Ibid.

Deciding on a lifework may be easy for some and more challenging for others. I have met many people who will quickly say, “I do not have any talents, not like someone else has.” The greatest obstacle in putting to use the special gifts God has given is not accepting them as the blessings they are and not using them as He has planned for our lives. Each and every one of us has received at least one gift, as shown in the parable of the talents. The one who had the least of all still had a talent that he was expected to use. (Matthew 25:14–29.)

The Bible says that each man is given a measure of faith and grace. “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” Romans 12:3. “But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” Ephesians 4:7. These two gifts will help you on your way to accepting the fact that God has given you talents and has a plan for how you may use them. So recognize, be grateful, and give thanks to the Giver of the finest gifts. Above all, use them for His glory.

When choosing a career or direction for lifework, Ellen White gives four simple directions to follow: “We need to follow more closely God’s plan of life. To do our best in the work that lies nearest, to commit our ways to God, and to watch for the indications of His providence—these are rules that ensure safe guidance in the choice of an occupation.” Ibid. [Emphasis supplied.] As we follow, God, who has led His people in the past, will continue to lead His people today.

Remain Focused

The second part of our original answer pertains to what we do and who we are before ourselves. The qualifier here is that “in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 11 Corinthians 5:17. The old man wants to use the abilities, aptitudes, capabilities, gifts, and talents for his own use, honor, and glory. Truly this means the old man must die and the new man, under the authority and leadership of God, uses each of these things for God’s glory. When this occurs, the life is radically refocused, but the abilities, aptitudes, capabilities, gifts, and talents do not change.

Before his conversion, Paul, as Saul of Tarsus, was zealous for God’s glory in his preaching and teaching. He was very persuasive, as he was able to obtain letters to search out and destroy the sect called the Way. (See Acts 9.) After meeting Christ on the road to Damascus, he was still zealous for God’s glory, teaching and preaching—although the heresy he began to try to destroy was pulling down the strongholds so men and women could be free to follow the Christ that he knew. He refocused his abilities and God-given talents.

Paul was an example of being true to self both before and after his conversion by following his convictions. We must do the same before God and ourselves, to know and to follow our own personal convictions. If we do not, confusion will darken our paths and our ways will be difficult. Being true to one’s self in Christ helps us to remain focused and able to perform that to which He calls us.

Hired Servants

Today, we serve not as slaves but as hired servants. We study and learn in a variety of settings—at home, school, college, and university—and then enter the world of work. As hired servants, we serve for financial remuneration and gain. “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” 11 Thessalonians 3:10. Paul encouraged people to be financially responsible for themselves and then to set aside extra to help those who could not do for themselves: “Upon the first [day] of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as [God] hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by [your] letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.” 1 Corinthians 16:2, 3. He also spoke to employees about how to serve: “Servants, obey in all things [your] masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:22–24.

In Ministry

Another place we are to serve is in the area of ministry, using our special gifts. Sometimes God has a wonderful sense of humor, as He places us in connection with those who may give us of their gifts and bring out our unique gifts.

Several years ago, I was involved in a health class ministry with three women who had very different gifts and abilities. One had taught home economics, enjoyed quilting, and was a secretary. Another, also a secretary, was very skilled in organization. The third woman had worked with her husband as a fence builder but was retired and liked to quilt. I also had studied home economics but had finished my degree in nursing and was working as a surgical nurse. Each of us had a common desire to share information about the gift of health with others, yet, as you may imagine, we approached our mutual goal in a variety of ways.

My organized friend regularly requested that the recipes to be presented be tried and tested before each class. She also wanted the written recipes in plenty of time to have them typed and neatly arranged. This was a challenge for me, because I would get too busy and then forget what I had promised to have ready for her. The other two ladies always took care of things on time. Who needed to change? When I realized that my organized friend was only trying to make this experience easier on all of us by being prepared and having handouts and talks ready for our programs, I became a better part of the team. It worked like a charm! It required discipline to do it, but I was able to grow and then work on my organizational skills in other areas, because of her example and friendship.

We all enjoyed many years of friendship and growing in grace as we ministered together. Each of us remained true to our own purposes and passions, yet we had the opportunity to try out and practice new skills. Both my organized friend and fence builder friend learned to present information and give talks before the class attendees, instead of staying behind the scenes. My other friend encouraged us to upgrade our presentations with the purchase of a demonstration mirror, which the fence builder friend mounted to a cabinet on wheels. The two friends who quilted also encouraged me to try my hand at quilting. God certainly blessed our friendships and expanded our talents in ways I had not expected.

Relationships

The third part of the question about what we do and who we are is addressed by our relationships to others. We enter this world as a son or a daughter, as a brother or a sister, grow, have friends, attend school, get a job, and perhaps marry. Each of our lives continually interacts with others. Some interactions may be positive and encouraging; others may be negative and discouraging, but when we keep in mind our call to God and stay true to self, we can seek help and healing when we need it.

Gifts and talents given by God are often recognized early in life and hopefully encouraged. If encouraged, the child and the gift will grow strong and courageous, exercising and stretching so the gift becomes a blessing to the child and to others. When discouragement is given, the gift may be hidden behind a curtain of pain, and it may take years, if ever, to resurface. Sadly, when the call of God or lifework is put on hold, the individual is not the only one who loses out on God’s blessing. Jesus was ever the encourager of children, saying, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14. The gifts He gives to His children, both young and old, He desires to see grow and flourish.

First Home

Our first home is the earliest place in which we have opportunity to grow in grace and advance our gifts. God thought of this when He gave us His Law. The first commandment with promise is the fifth commandment: “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” Exodus 20:12. In our first home, we learn responsibility and service under the teaching and watchful eyes of our parents.

“Honor, the foundation from which all other elements of Christian character arise, refers primarily to a condition of the heart and mind, an inner attitude that inevitably manifests itself in outer words, action and demeanor. Honor expresses the genuine and deep veneration within the child’s heart (or anyone’s heart) toward those to whom honor is due. It recognizes our indebtedness, our obligation, to those whom we honor. It expresses the value we place upon them, since if we value them, we will pay attention to them and spend time for them.” Blair Adams, Building Christian Character, Truth Forum, Austin, Texas, 1988, 13. Parents who train children to be upright are blessed and bless others.

Variety of Gifts

As we grow up and mature, we should recognize more ways to serve others as we see a wider variety of gifts. Many and varied are the gifts that He gives. We are to recognize each one and be thankful for it. These include the gifts of the Holy Spirit: “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, [let us wait] on [our] ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:6–8. “For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” 1 Corinthians 12:8–11. “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11, 12.

In her book, Christ’s Object Lessons, 325–365, Ellen White lists these gifts and more, which include mental faculties, speech, influence, time, health, strength, money, kindly impulses, and affections. Have we not all been given some portion of each of these gifts? We are responsible before God as to how we use, share, increase, or abuse these talents that He has given.

“The special gifts of the Spirit are not the only talents represented in the parable [of the talents]. It includes all gifts and endowments, whether original or acquired, natural or spiritual. All are to be employed in Christ’s service. In becoming His disciples, we surrender ourselves to Him with all that we are and have. These gifts He returns to us purified and ennobled, to be used for His glory in blessing our fellow men.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 328.

Paul, writing to a young man named Timothy, said, “Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.” [1 Timothy 4:14.] In other words, “I remind you to stir up—rekindle, as a fire—the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands.” In the home, a most wonderful opportunity is available to parents in the practice of praying for, laying hands on, and blessing the children. (See Genesis 49.)

Recognize the Giver

Service to our fellowman by using our abilities, aptitudes, capabilities, gifts, and talents is harmonized with a desire to share with others the recognition of the Giver of the gifts. “Love and loyalty to Christ are the spring of all true service. In the heart touched by His love, there is begotten a desire to work for Him. Let this desire be encouraged and rightly guided. Whether in the home, the neighborhood, or the school, the presence of the poor, the afflicted, the ignorant, or the unfortunate should be regarded, not as a misfortune, but as affording precious opportunity for service.

“In this work, as in every other, skill is gained in the work itself. It is by training in the common duties of life and in ministry to the needy and suffering, that efficiency is assured.” Education, 268.

“In this closing work of the gospel there is a vast field to be occupied; and, more than ever before, the work is to enlist helpers from the common people. Both the youth and those older in years will be called from the field, from the vineyard, and from the workshop, and sent forth by the Master to give His message. Many of these have had little opportunity for education; but Christ sees in them qualifications that will enable them to fulfill His purpose. If they put their hearts into the work, and continue to be learners, He will fit them to labor for Him.” Ibid., 269, 270.

Full Circle

As men and women labor for the Master, they will seek souls for the kingdom of God. “By living to minister for others, man is brought into connection with Christ. The law of service becomes the connecting link which binds us to God and to our fellow men.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 326.

This brings us full circle. The lifework for which we are responsible is to live for God, to be true to ourselves, and to live in service for others, pointing the way to salvation and heaven. Lifework is more than what we do; it is truly who we are and the legacy we leave behind for Christ. It includes our careers, abilities, aptitudes, capabilities, gifts, and talents, and how we use each of these in developing a Christlike character.

Listen for the voice that calls your name and bids, “Come up higher, and follow Me.” Follow on to the place of peace with Him, and you will find quietness in being true to yourself and the most exciting adventure in serving others and seeking to bring them to the kingdom.

Paula Currey is a surgical nurse, working in a Wichita, Kansas, hospital.