A Special Training by L. L. Caviness

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 30, 1915

A Special Training

By L. L. Caviness

“STUDY to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed.” 2 Tim. 2:15. This passage is often quoted; yet few sense the responsibility which is placed upon each one to whom God has given a work to do, to prepare himself fully for that very work. All are exhorted to study. While Paul especially addresses his epistle to Timothy, a young worker, the advice given applies equally to the older members of God’s household. Neither youthful enthusiasm nor the general experience of mature age can take the place of definite training for work to be done. Even consecration cannot take the place of this training.

Our study should be along the line of the work God has given us to do. This is an age of specialization. The man in demand is the one who knows everything about something, not something about everything. We are past the time when a graduate from college was thought to be qualified to teach every subject in the curriculum. It is coming to be recognized that because a man is a successful minister is no proof that he will be a good teacher; or because one speaks a foreign language with fluency, he will necessarily make a successful teacher of that language.

With our many denominational academies and colleges, and with the correspondence school for those who cannot attend our institutional schools, there is no excuse for any one if he fails to get the necessary preparation for a definite work for God. Numerous reading courses are also being offered for various classes of workers. As more enroll in them each year, we may expect to see the efficiency of our denominational work increase.

“Study to show thyself approved.” The purpose of the study is that we may be approved workmen. We should master the details of the work intrusted to us. The minister should make no statement without Scriptural proof of his position. He should from his own personal study of the Bible gather the meat with which to feed the flock in due season. The teacher will master the subject which he is to teach, and will go farther in his study than he expects the student to go. While doing thorough work, he will strive to draw out and train the student, rather than merely drill on the lesson. The editor will strive to make all that he says accurate and clear. He will endeavor to yield himself so entirely to God that his readers may receive the very message that God would send to their hearts.

We must wait until we have received our message, and not run without our tidings, as did Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok. Ahimaaz was a young man, for Joab calls him “my son.” He was a man of personality, for David recognized his manner of running. He was known to King David as “a good man.” He was a strong man physically, for he outran Cushi, even though he started last. He knew that David’s army had won a victory; but he did not have the message. When King David asked Ahimaaz a definite question, he could only answer, “I saw a great tumult, but knew not what it was.” So at David’s command, he must stand aside while Cushi delivered the message which Joab had sent.

Doubtless Ahimaaz was ashamed when he was commanded to stand aside. If we do work which is not our best, we should be ashamed. The man who is not ashamed of poor work is failing to realize his God-given responsibilities. Let us, then, study to show ourselves approved unto God, workmen who need not be ashamed. L. L. CAVINESS.