The Law of Efficiency by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Jun 18, 1914

The Law of Efficiency

By F. M. W.

An earnest effort is being made today to apply the law of efficiency to every department of human experience and progress. As never before, the man of business is studying to improve his methods and to bring in greater economy in the employment of time, material, etc.

Gospel workers as well as business men must recognize this law of efficiency in their labors. The apostle Paul recognized it. His exhortation to Timothy was: “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Tim. 2:15.

These times demand men of ability,—earnest, thoughtful, studious men, who will recognize the need of the improvement of every ability to the utmost in the furtherance of the work of God.

But let the gospel worker remember that there is another equipment above and beyond any acquired ability, which he must possess if his labors shall become really efficient in the Lord. That equipment is the equipment of wisdom from above, the power of the Holy Spirit in the life. Without this the man of learning and human resource in the gospel ministry will be able to accomplish but little; with it his labors will be increased in infinite proportion. With this equipment the humble, unlettered fishermen became the mighty apostles of the Christian church. With it humble men and women today may do great things for God.

The divine endowment greatly transcends in value and importance any human equipment, but Heaven does not place a premium upon ignorance. The Holy Spirit adapts itself to the human agency through which it works. It can use an unlettered, consecrated man with far greater power than it can use a learned, unconsecrated one. But the educated, consecrated worker can be used to the greatest advantage in the work of the Master.

Let us seek for greater efficiency in all our labors, for broader knowledge, for improved methods, for wiser employment of time. But above all, let us seek for the heavenly endowment, the life-giving and wisdom-giving spirit of the Master. F. M. W.