A LONG time ago many boys and girls grew up unable to read or write, our history readers tell us. After the colonists became settled in their new land, whither they had come with purpose of heart to worship God as they believed right, it was decided that the children must all learn to read God’s Word. Schools were formed; and they have continued, serving a very useful purpose to this day.
Yet Satan, our terrible foe, has been busy here as in all other places: for now the schools seem a hindrance rather than a help to reading the Word of God. If you ask many of us who are in school if we are going to the week night meeting, we shall probably say we have homework to do. A few even think they have no time for Sunday school.
We must make the best use of the abilities God has given us, and therefore we must learn our lessons well. On the other hand, we must give God’s things first place.
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matt. 6:33.
“Them that honor Me I will honor, and they that despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.” 1 Sam. 2:30.
“Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is.” Heb. 10:25.
God knew the difficulties of our time when He wrote these instructions for us, as well as He knew the trial of Daniel’s faith. Was it any easier for Daniel to go, through the experiences which led him into the lion’s den, than it is for us to put God’s things first now? Is God less able to help us than He was to deliver Daniel?
From some who have neglected to serve the Lord who bought them, and who prides all things necessary for this life, the benefits of an education have been taken away through loss of health, of mind, or body. May this never happen to you.
God is able to give time for the meetings and also the ability to gain the knowledge necessary for a livelihood.
Let us think of Daniel, and seek grace from God that we may also serve Him with purpose of heart.
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Cor. 10:13.
ML-07/21/1935