On October 24, John Wesley Taylor V was inaugurated as president of Andrews University. During that ceremony, Dwight Nelson spoke for sixteen minutes, and what he had to say was amazing. Here is a summation of Dwight’s remarks to Taylor,
“You have to decide which way we (AU) are going to go.
Jeremiah 6: Ask for the ancient paths. Ask where the good way is, and walk In it.
He tells a story about people wandering in the forest and eventually one climbs a tall tree and looks. He says “We are on the wrong road.”
Quotes EGW : There is a danger that our college will be turned away from its original design. You can study books at any college in the land, but AU is supposed to be different. The Lord requires us to be distinct.
Why do we seek to imitate the culture around us. Why do we have to be like everyone else? Why would we want to? Stand, look, and ask. Where are those ancient paths? Get back on track.
Full Ellen White quote:
“There is danger that our college will be turned away from its original design. God's purpose has been made known, that our people should have an opportunity to study the sciences and at the same time to learn the requirements of His word. Biblical lectures should be given; the study of the Scriptures should have the first place in our system of education. Students are sent from a great distance to attend the college at Battle Creek for the very purpose of receiving instruction from the lectures on Bible subjects. But for one or two years past there has been an effort to mold our school after other colleges. When this is done, we can give no encouragement to parents to send their children to Battle Creek College. . . . No other study will so ennoble every thought, feeling, and aspiration as the study of the Scriptures. This Sacred Word is the will of God revealed to men. Here we may learn what God expects of the beings formed in His image. . . . In God's word alone we find an authentic account of creation. Here we behold the power that laid the foundation of the earth and that stretched out the heavens. Here only can we find a history of our race, unsullied by human prejudice or human pride. . . . Some may urge that if religious teaching is to be made prominent our school will become unpopular; that those who are not of our faith will not patronize the college. Very well, then, let them go to other colleges, where they will find a system of education that suits their taste. Our school was established, not merely to teach the sciences, but for the purpose of giving instruction in the great principles of God's word and in the practical duties of everyday life. . . . This is the education so much needed at the present time. If a worldly influence is to bear sway in our school, then sell it out to worldlings and let them take the entire control; and those who have invested their means in that institution will establish another school, to be conducted, not upon the plan of popular schools, nor according to the desires of principal and teachers, but upon the plan which God has specified. . . . Our college stands today in a position that God does not approve” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 21-27).
I’m concerned. I’ve served this community for 40 years. I love this place. I fear there are forces in the culture that that have subtly moved this school off her God-given mission. Off the ancient path. Onto to a road that is popular, but a road in the wrong direction. That’s why you’re here. We are a church first institution as many other American colleges once were and no longer are. We cannot go the way of the others. The way of the future is back (to the ancient paths).
The secret to your leadership is right here,
“This is what the Lord says.
Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16)
There isn’t a university president alive who doesn’t wish to be popular with his students. Jesus’ narrow road metaphor means there will be times when a university president must wave off the desire to be popular in exchange for the responsibility to be narrowly faithful. That’s your calling, its called spiritual leadership.
The moral vision of Scripture resists the clamor of culture. Sometimes the clamor is students. Sometimes the clamor of faculty and staff and your administrative team. With all due respect Mr President, you haven’t been called to follow them. They are called to follow you.
God has a vision for this school, but He needs somebody to lead the charge. And you’re it.
“When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die” (Dietriech Bonhoffer).
Courage. The best is yet to come.”
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“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls”