Those who labor in business lines should
take every precaution against falling into error through wrong
principles or methods. Their record may be like that of Daniel
in the courts of Babylon. When all his business transactions
were subjected to the closest scrutiny, not one faulty item could
be found. The record of his business life, incomplete though
it is, contains lessons worthy of study. It reveals the fact
that a businessman is not necessarily a scheming, policy man.
He may be a man instructed of God at every step. Daniel, while
prime minister of the kingdom of Babylon, was a prophet of God,
receiving the light of heavenly inspiration. His life is an illustration
of what every Christian businessman may be.
God does not accept the most splendid service
unless self is laid upon the altar,
a living, consuming sacrifice. The root must be holy, else there
can be no sound, healthy fruit, which alone is acceptable to
God. The heart must be converted and consecrated. The motives
must be right. The inner lamp must be supplied with the oil that
flows from the messengers of heaven through the golden tubes
into the golden bowl. The Lord's communication never comes to
man in vain.
Truths, precious, vital truths, are bound
up with man's eternal well-being both in this life and in the
eternity that is opening before us. "Sanctify them through
Thy truth: Thy word is truth." John 17:17. The word of God
is to be practiced. It will live and endure forever. While worldly
ambitions, worldly projects, and the greatest plans and purposes
of men will perish like the grass, they that be wise shall shine
as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to
righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." Daniel 12:3.
At this time God's cause is in need of
men and women who possess rare qualifications and good administrative
powers; men and women who will make patient, thorough investigation
of the needs of the work in various fields; those who have a
large capacity for work; those who possess warm, kind hearts,
cool heads, sound sense, and unbiased judgment; those who are
sanctified by the Spirit of God and can fearlessly say, No, or
Yea and Amen, to propositions; those who have strong convictions,
clear understanding, and pure, sympathetic hearts; those who
practice the words, "All ye are brethren;" those who
strive to uplift and restore fallen humanity.