Chapter 4 - The Leader God Seeks

Born again

[Jesus said to Nicodemus,] “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” . . . You [Elder O. A. Olsen] must have a new heart, or you cannot discern the kingdom of heaven. It is not greater evidence that will bring you into a right position, but new purposes, new springs of action; you must be born again. Until this change takes place, making all things new, the strongest evidence that could be presented would be useless. The want is in your own heart; everything must be changed, or you cannot see the kingdom of God. . . .PCL 61.1

This lesson to Nicodemus I present as highly applicable to those who are today in responsible positions as rulers in Israel, and whose voices are often heard in council giving evidence of the same spirit that Nicodemus possessed. Will the lesson given to the chief ruler have the same influence upon their heart and life? Nicodemus was converted as the result of this interview. The words of Christ are spoken just as verily to presidents of conferences, elders of churches, and those occupying official positions in our institutions, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” . . .PCL 61.2

If you have the Holy Spirit molding and fashioning your heart daily, then you will have the divine insight to perceive the character of the kingdom of God. . . .PCL 61.3

Especially to every man who accepts responsibilities as a counselor, everyone who is dealing with human souls, is this grand, beautiful truth to be a bright and shining light. It is no credit to one who has the Word of God in his possession to say, I have no experience. I do not understand these things. He will never be wiser until he becomes of much less consequence in his own estimation. He must learn his lesson as a little child. He must make it his first duty to understand the work of God in the regeneration of the soul. This change should take place in every man before he accepts a position as leader or ruler in connection with the sacred work of God. If one has not a vital connection with God, his own spirit and sentiments will prevail.—Letter 54, 1895 (September 19)PCL 62.1