Qualifications of managers

From time to time I have felt urged by the Spirit of the Lord to bear testimony in regard to the necessity of procuring the very best talent to work in the various institutions and other departments of the cause. Heretofore there has not been sufficient care to secure the best ability for all parts of our work. Those who bear responsibilities must be men trained for the work, men whom God can teach and whom He can honor with wisdom and understanding, as He did Daniel. They must be thinking men, men who bear God’s impress and who are steadily progressing in holiness, in moral dignity, and in an understanding of their work. They must be praying men, men who will come up into the mount and view the glory of God and the dignity of the heavenly beings whom He has ordained to have charge of His work. Then, like Moses, they will follow the pattern given them in the mount; and they will be on the alert to secure and bring into connection with the work the very best talent that can be obtained. If they are growing men, possessing sanctified intelligence; if they listen to the voice of God and seek to catch every ray of light from heaven, they will, like the sun, pursue an undeviating course, and they will grow in wisdom and in favor with God. —5T 549 (1889)PCL 209.1

Those controlling various lines of work in our institutions need to realize the truth of the words, “Without me ye can do nothing.” . . .PCL 209.2

If you educate the workers in every department to invite the presence of the Lord Jesus, and begin the work with softened and subdued hearts, no loud-voiced ordering or sharp words will be heard. No harsh spirit will be manifested by men and women who believe that Christ is in the room. This is the reformation needed. The workers in every room are to be transformed into a Christian endeavor company to help one another to please Christ by gentleness, good temper, and sunshine in the heart. . . .PCL 210.1

As you take time to pray with the workers, you can take half an hour to introduce the heavenly Guest, and then ask if there are [those] present who would have you pray especially for them. Do not consider this wasted time, for by this means success and spiritual victory will be brought in.—Letter 2, 1900 (January 3)PCL 210.2

Those who are called to be superintendents or managers in our institutions must, as soon as they come into office, lay aside all wrong practices, and, with a full realization of their high obligations, solemnly dedicate themselves to God, asking Him to preside over the sacred work which He has appointed them to manage. They should expel all selfishness, all desire for worldly gain, all crookedness and deception, all overreaching in business transactions. Never, never are they to stain their work with the sin of greed, or with corrupt, fraudulent actions as overreaching in trade. God will not bless any proceeding that is not carried on in accordance with holy, sanctified principles.—Letter 165, 1901 (November 6)PCL 210.3

Those who are chosen to connect with the Lord’s institutions are to be devoted, self-denying, self-sacrificing men, living not to please themselves, but to please the Master. These are the men who will do honor to the Lord’s institutions.—Letter 191, 1901 (May 16); TDG 135PCL 210.4

Men should be chosen to stand at the head of our institutions who have not only good, sound judgment, but who have a high moral tone; [men] who will be circumspect in their deportment, pure in speech, recommending their high and holy calling, and [who know] that there is a Watcher, a true Witness to every word and act. If men in our institutions exhibit a low grade of thought, if their conversation tends to corrupt rather than to elevate, let them be removed at once from any connection with the institution, for they will surely demoralize others.PCL 211.1

The well-being of the entire institution is at stake. Ever bear in mind that each of our health institutions is a missionary field. God’s eye is upon it day and night. No one should feel at liberty to allow even the appearance of evil in their associations with the nurses, patients, or helpers; for the Lord will certainly judge you [managers at Crystal Springs] for a wrong influence exerted over any of His instrumentalities.—Letter 6a, 1890 (April)PCL 211.2

Set right example—In our homes and institutions faith and works must be combined. God’s wisdom must permeate all lines of business. A great reformation must take place. God desires everything pertaining to His service to be conducted on right principles. There is not to be one standard for those bearing responsibilities and another for the workmen. It is thought that the workmen are under control, and will do just as they are told. But there must be no tampering with the conscience. Duty must be faithfully done by all. Those holding high positions must work with conscientiousness and fidelity. God expects them to set a right example, seeking to train others in right lines.—MS 11, 1889 (August 10)PCL 211.3

Discern between good and evil—The men in charge of God’s institutions are to pray as did Solomon for wisdom to discern between good and evil, deciding in behalf of the people between right and wrong. Their work ordained of God is as sacred now as in ancient times.PCL 211.4

Men who know God, and trust in Him, who are working for His name’s glory, are to have keen discernment to discover any influence which would demerit the work and hinder the advancement of God’s institution. Those who will be faithful guardians of the sacred work of God, who will keep all their powers in vital connection with Him, will discern between good and evil, and to those who have proved faithful and true and steadfast, connection with the King of righteousness will be their reward. They will be as gods, knowing good and evil.—Letter 39, 1898 (October 8, 1897)PCL 212.1

Move carefully—Mistakes will occur in every institution, but if the managers will learn the lesson all must learn—to move guardedly—these errors will not be repeated, and God will preside over the work. Every worker in our institutions needs to make the Word of God his rule of action. Then the blessing of God will rest on him.—Letter 81, 1896 (May 31); PM 155PCL 212.2