p. 8 | Educated Ability by W. A. Gosmer

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 14, 1916

Educated Ability

By W. A. Gosmer

W. A. GOSMER

That education alone will not qualify one to do the work of God, must be apparent to all who have a knowledge of the workings of Christianity. That God is not dependent upon the learning and the wisdom of men to carry forward his work, has been demonstrated through all past time; but that he has employed men of liberal education and mental discipline far more effectually than those of meager qualifications, has likewise been demonstrated. As it is true that God can use only the qualifications and endowments which men possess, so it must be equally true that he cannot use what men do not possess. A lack of proper qualification, therefore, limits one's usefulness in proportion to the lack of development and training of one's faculties. We conclude, then, that education and mental culture united with the power of the Holy Spirit place men on vantage ground, and according to their attainments, make them efficient in the work of God.

In proof of this, we cite the labors and the experiences of the apostle Paul. After his conversion, his former training, received from the greatest educators in his nation, was turned to splendid account. We follow him to Athens, one of the great citadels of learning at that time. His heart filled with the love of Christ, he makes his way to the court of the Areopagus, well knowing that there he must meet a concourse of men of high intellectuality and culture. He is not ignorant of the religion of Greece, of its literature, its art, or its wisdom; therefore he is able to meet on their own grounds the sages and philosophers of Mars Hill.

Paul stands up to speak for Christ. His heart's desire is that these refined idol worshipers shall receive a knowledge of the true and living God, and of Jesus Christ, whom he has sent. The Holy Spirit indites the word spoken. As Paul “matches logic with logic, philosophy with philosophy, science with science,” showing unmistakably that the Ruler of the universe is a God not made with hands, the scholars before him realize that in learning he is far from being a novice. His philosophy is profound; his arguments are unanswerable.

Strong in his knowledge of revelation and of science, Paul stands unawed and confident before that assembly of the worldly wise. With sanctified ability and judgment he adapts his teaching to the character of his hearers,—a thing impossible but for his learning. The shafts of divine truth are being driven home by the Holy Spirit. In some hearts the darkness of heathenism gives way before the light of the gospel;

the hitherto unknown God is making himself known through his servant. As a result, “Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them,” are converted and believe the gospel.

Thus the training which qualified Paul to stand before men of great mental attainments was the means, under God, of obtaining for him a hearing before the supreme court of Athens. Had he not so skilfully adapted his teaching to the occasion, it is very doubtful whether the Athenians would have given him audience to the conclusion of his discourse. He was “all things to all men.” To kings and to slaves, to aristocrats and to the common people, to learned philosophers and to ignorant men, he made known “the unsearchable riches of Christ,” He went forth boldly, knowing that he was master of the situation among any people and in any place. Consequently he could say, “In labors more abundant,” for doors were open to him that would have been closed to men less qualified. The education which enabled him to labor acceptably for the higher classes of society, was certainly no hindrance to him in his endeavors to reach the people in the common walks of life. Thus he was enabled to approach all classes of men; and because of this, his life work stands forth as a marvel of Christian activity and achievement, unparalleled in the history of the church.

It may be argued by some that Christ chose unlearned fishermen to be his disciples. This is true, but it arose from the very necessities of the situation, since the learned Pharisees and scribes, incased in an armor of self-righteousness and independence of God, could not be successfully approached with the gospel. Resting wholly in their position as teachers in Israel, in their attainments, and in their self-sufficiency, they were far from God, and farther still from being enlisted in his service. To such an extent was this true that the question was asked, “Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?” This obduracy on the part of the educated men of that time is well illustrated in the case of Paul. He had to be stricken to the earth with the light from heaven; and smitten with blindness, before he could be brought to acknowledge Jesus to be the Messiah. But once having surrendered himself to God, he became, as we have seen, the mightiest of the apostles, and the most able defender and propagator of the faith in his day.

The question involved in the choosing of the disciples was not one of capability, but of necessity, for God cannot coerce the human will. The choosing of unlearned fishermen was only an illustration of the principle that God will use humble instruments in his service, to the exclusion of those who might do a greater work, but who cannot be used because they will not.

The lesson applies not only to the days of Christ and the apostles, but in a special sense to our own time, when education and educational facilities occupy so large a place in the affairs of men. This is pre-eminently an age of mental culture. Scattered over all the land are men and women of trained minds and cultured intellects. Especially in the large cities are there many brilliant clergymen, physicians, lawyers, statesmen. There we find the wealthy, the educated, the exclusive. Among these are aching hearts, hearts unsatisfied with the glamour and the tinsel of earth. To these the tidings of the last great message would be welcome. There is no doubt that if rightly approached, some would accept the message, and, in turn, be the means of reaching still others.

But “how shall they hear without a preacher?” It is to be earnestly hoped that this question will weigh heavily upon the hearts of our young people everywhere. What a great work might now be accomplished among the higher classes of society by consecrated hearts and trained intellects! May the Lord of the harvest raise up many from among our young people who will become spiritually and mentally qualified to labor with patience, faith, and courage for the salvation of men and women in the higher walks of life.

Denver, Colo.