Character and Work of Teachers
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institutions to excel those of the world; for they are His representatives.
Men truly connected with God will show to the world that a more than
human agent is standing at the helm.
Our teachers need to be constant learners. The reformers need
to be themselves reformed, not only in their methods of labor, but in
their own hearts. They need to be transformed by the grace of God.
When Nicodemus, a great teacher in Israel, came to Jesus, the Master
laid before him the conditions of divine life, teaching him the very
alphabet of conversion. Nicodemus asked: “How can these things
be?” “Art thou a master of Israel,” Christ answered, “and knowest not
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these things?” This question might be addressed to many who are now
holding positions as teachers, but who have neglected the preparation
essential to qualify them for this work. If Christ’s words were received
into the soul there would be a much higher intelligence and a much
deeper spiritual knowledge of what constitutes a disciple, a sincere
follower of Christ, and an educator whom He can approve.
Deficiencies of Teachers
Many of our teachers have much to unlearn and much of a different
character to learn. Unless they are willing to do this,—unless they
become thoroughly familiar with the word of God and their minds are
absorbed in studying the glorious truths concerning the life of the Great
Teacher,—they will encourage the very errors the Lord is seeking to
correct. Plans and opinions that should not be entertained will imprint
themselves on the mind, and in all honesty they will come to wrong
and dangerous conclusions. Thus seed will be sown that is not true
grain. Many customs and practices common in school work, and
which may be regarded as little things, cannot now be brought into our
schools. It may be difficult for teachers to give up long-cherished ideas
and methods; but if they will honestly and humbly inquire at every
step, “Is this the way of the Lord?” and will yield to His guidance, He
will lead them in safe paths, and their views will change by experience.
The teachers in our schools need to search the Scriptures until they
understand them for their individual selves, opening their hearts to
the precious rays of light which God has given, and walking therein.
They will then be taught of God and will labor in entirely different
lines, bringing into their instruction less of the theories and sentiments
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