A Young Man Who Rejected Christ’s Call to Service

Similar to the call that came to Elisha was the answer Christ gave to the young ruler who asked Him, “What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” “If you want to be perfect,” Christ replied, “go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” Matthew 19:16, 21.RR 80.4

Elisha accepted the call, casting no backward glance at the pleasures and comforts he was leaving. In contrast, the young ruler “went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” Verse 22. His love for his possessions was greater than his love for God. He proved himself unworthy of a place in the Master’s service.RR 80.5

Not all of us are asked to serve as Elisha served, nor to sell everything we have; but God asks us to give His service first place in our lives, to allow no day to pass without doing something to advance His work. One person may be called to a foreign land, another to give money to support gospel work. God accepts the offering of each. What is necessary is to consecrate the life and all its interests.RR 80.6

To everyone who experiences His grace, the Lord appoints a work for others. We are to say, “Here am I! Send me.” See Isaiah 6:8. Whether we serve as ministers of the Word, as physicians, merchants, farmers, professional people, or mechanics, it is our work to reveal the gospel to others.RR 80.7

No great work was required of Elisha at first. He is spoken of as pouring water on the hands of Elijah. He was willing to do anything the Lord directed, and at every step he continued to prove faithful in little things. With a dedication that grew stronger every day, he devoted himself to the mission God had appointed him.RR 81.1

After uniting with Elijah, Elisha was tempted to think of the home he had left. But he had resolved not to turn back, and through test and trial he proved true to his trust.RR 81.2

Ministry involves far more than preaching. It means training young people as Elijah trained Elisha, giving them responsibilities in God’s work—small at first, larger as they gain strength and experience. Ministers of faith and prayer can say, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life ... we declare to you.” 1 John 1:1-3. Young, inexperienced workers should be trained in connection with experienced servants of God.RR 81.3

God has honored young people by choosing them for His service, and they should be faithful, obedient, and willing to sacrifice. If they submit to God’s discipline, choosing His servants as their counselors, they will develop into high-principled, steadfast workers whom God can trust with responsibilities.RR 81.4