It is virtually impossible for exceptionally talented people to be saved and transformed, to partake of divine nature. In actual fact, though, it is definitely possible for everyone. However, it is evident that in reality it almost never happens. It is not difficult to explain this. It is so easy to fall in the temptation to use your talents to seek your own: your honor, your personal gain, to impress and to fool people, exalting yourself in all possible ways, all of which is the direct opposite of the Spirit, the mind, and the nature of Christ. In addition, one is strongly tempted, and usually falls in this temptation, to believe that one is sufficiently wise to permit oneself to make objections to God’s Word and laws concerning godliness in practice. Because of one’s intelligence one finds it justifiable to break God’s Word and commandments. An intelligent person is very likely to become a fellow-traveler of the Pharisees and the scribes of Jesus’ time. They discovered that it was wisest to crucify and do away with the Lord of glory, Jesus Christ. In all truth, I cannot say that I am impressed by their intelligence, etc. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible for preachers to be transformed according to the mind and being of Christ. They are usually quite talented people, and almost without fail they fall in the temptation of pleasing the masses and impressing people, and to this end they use all their talents to succeed as much as possible. The goal with all this is to be a great, renowned preacher. Thus they inevitably come into conflict with the doctrine and life of Christ. Indeed, one after the other they become opponents of the way that Jesus went and of those who faithfully walk on that same way. Pure, noble, faithful godliness is rejected virtually everywhere. Preachers and leaders are chiefly responsible now as they were when they crucified Christ. Of course things have to be great and impressive; that is the main point! That is what matters! The majority of the religious masses are also impressed and fooled by this spectacle. We can rightly say that almost all preachers and other talented people suffer from extreme megalomania in blatant contrast to the life and doctrine and mind and being of Christ. This megalomania is systematically executed in all areas according to the pattern that is in the world, in full harmony with the spirit of the times. People are usually in such darkness that they believe that God’s kingdom will become great in this way. However, the truth is that all this, both in spirit and according to the letter, is the opposite of God’s kingdom. It is in conflict with the Spirit and with the Word. Led by the Holy Spirit, we proceed in the exact opposite manner by standing before God’s face, pleasing Him, obeying Him, loving Him, and keeping His commandments, proclaiming all the laws of the Spirit of life, and keeping the commandment pure. Walk with a good conscience and let there be as few people or as many as there will be. Our aim is not first of all many people, but pure people, holy and blameless, those who do not honor and admire natural talents and gifts, but rather godliness, purity, and faithfulness. Not up, up, but down, down! Not great and refined but rather lowly in the eyes of men. Not titles and uniforms, but instead, Spirit and life and virtue. Not the work of man, but rather God’s building. This is how God’s kingdom is furthered! Then it will be great in God’s eyes and in the eyes of God-fearing people. May more people find grace to discover this way of life, and to walk on it.Elias Aslaksen