June 30, 1898

God's Word Our Study-Book

EGW

God calls for whole-souled consecration to his ways. Our highest powers are to be carefully cultivated. Our talents are lent us by God for use, not to be perverted or abused. They are to be improved by use, that they may do the work of God. Our time belongs to God. The moments are freighted with eternal consequences, and we have no right to squander them. When we use these gifts to the glory of God, he will increase them, that they may operate in a wider sphere. When the student fully realizes that it is Christ whom he is to honor; that Christ is to be his Guide, his Counselor, in everything he undertakes; that Christ alone can give fitness for work in any position; that it is Christ who restores the image of God in man,—when he understands that the very image, the character, of Christ is to be reflected in man, he will make every talent a power for good.YI June 30, 1898, par. 1

How much the student of nature can learn of God if, at the same time, he will become a student of the word! If, with the word of God in your heart, you go forth to break up and cultivate the soil, you will find your hearts softened and subdued by the Holy Spirit of God. The mind will be opened to the teachings of God in the natural world.YI June 30, 1898, par. 2

But the Bible is not studied as it should be; therefore the youth do not become wise in the Scriptures, and thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Light reading fascinates the mind, and makes the reading of God's word uninteresting. The Bible requires thought and prayerful research. It is not enough to skim over the surface. While some passages are too plain to be misunderstood, others demand careful and patient study. Like the precious metal concealed in the hills and mountains, its gems of truth are to be searched out, and stored in the mind for future use.YI June 30, 1898, par. 3

And when you search the Scriptures with an earnest desire to know the truth, God will breathe his Spirit into your heart, and impress your mind with the light of his word. The Bible is its own interpreter, one passage explaining another. By comparing scriptures referring to the same subject, you will see harmony and beauty of which you have never dreamed. There is no other book whose perusal strengthens and enlarges, elevates and ennobles, the mind as does the perusal of this Book of books.YI June 30, 1898, par. 4

The injunction of the word of God is, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” God and the human being are to co-operate. Man is to work out that which God works in. The student of the word of God is to use the knowledge he has gained. He is to improve the opportunities that are thrown in his way. With a settled conviction of duty, he is to use his knowledge and influence in any channel, to the end that he may gain more by their use. He who would become an all-round man will find openings everywhere, and the privilege of being a learner will be his throughout his life.YI June 30, 1898, par. 5

It is not for you, students, to follow your own inclinations and pleasures and tastes. Study the life of Christ in this respect. Follow him from the manger to Calvary, and act as he acted. The great principles which he maintained, you are to maintain. Your standard is to be the character of him who was pure, holy, and undefiled. God would have you show respect for the principles of your teachers. He has made them his instruments, and you are to remember that the Lord is sending light to you through them. There is but little reverence in our world; and you, as students, are to act up to the highest standard of duty, in the fear and love of God.YI June 30, 1898, par. 6

It is a most difficult task to get away from old customs and established ideas, but the Lord would have everything that is false cut away from the life. The philosophy of common sense is of far more importance to the youth than the study of Greek and Latin. Too often the brain is used like the much-abused stomach; it receives a great amount of food which it can not take care of. The students think long periods of study to be all-sufficient for them, and after a few years are sent from school with their diplomas, as thoroughly educated men. But this is a farce. In these years of continued study a loss is sustained which but few realize. That which is crowded into the mind is of no advantage to the students. As a result, Satan comes in, and causes ideas of infidelity that they have received during their school education, to become a matter of great interest. A bewitching power holds the intellect and works it, until it becomes a curse instead of a blessing.YI June 30, 1898, par. 7

Mrs. E. G. White