Qualifications Essential for the Work of God . In His word the Lord enumerates the gifts and graces that are indispensable for all who connect with His work. He does not teach us to ignore learning or despise education; for when controlled by the love and fear of God, intellectual culture is a blessing; yet this is not presented as the most important qualification for the service of God. Jesus passed by the wise men of His time, the men of education and position, because they were so proud and self-sufficient in their boasted superiority that they could not sympathize with suffering humanity and become colaborers with the Man of Nazareth. In their bigotry they scorned to be taught by Christ. The Lord Jesus would have men connected with His work who appreciate that work as sacred; then they can cooperate with God. They will be unobstructed channels through which His grace can flow. The attributes of the character of Christ can be imparted to those only who distrust themselves. The highest scientific education cannot in itself develop a Christlike character. The fruits of true wisdom come from Christ alone. {TM 259.1}

Forudsætninger er af stor betydning i Guds arbejde
I hans ord opregner Herren de gaver og begunstigelser der er uundværlige for alle der er tilknyttet hans arbejde. Han lærer os ikke at overse lærdom eller foragte uddannelse; for ved Guds kærligheds og frygts ledelse, er åndelig opdyrkelse en velsignelse; og alligevel er det ikke fremstillet som den vigtigste forudsætning for Guds tjeneste. Jesus gik uden om de kloge folk for hans tid, mennesker af uddannelse og stilling, fordi de var så stolte og indbildske i deres pralene overlegenhed at de ikke kunne sympatisere med den lidende menneskehed og blive virksomme med Manden fra Nazareth. I deres blinde tro afviste de med foragt at blive lært af Jesus. Herren Jesus vil have mennesker i forbindelse med hans arbejde der vurderede arbejdet som indviet; så kan de samarbejde med Gud. De vil være uhindrede kanaler hvor igennem hans nåde kan flyde. Kristi karakters egenskaber kan kun blive tildelt dem der ikke tror på sig selv. Den højeste videnskabelige uddannelse kan ikke i sig selv udvikle en Kristi lig karakter. Den sande klogskabs frugter kommer alene fra Kristus.