Chapter 50—What Comprises True Education?
The Breadth of True Education—True education means more
than taking a certain course of study. It is broad. It includes the
harmonious development of all the physical powers and the mental
faculties. It teaches the love and fear of God and is a preparation for
the faithful discharge of life’s duties
Proper education includes not only mental discipline, but that
training which will secure sound morals and correct deportment
The first great lesson in all education is to know and understand
the will of God. We should bring into every day of life the effort to
gain this knowledge. To learn science through human interpretation
alone is to obtain a false education, but to learn of God and Christ is
to learn the science of heaven. The confusion in education has come
because the wisdom and knowledge of God have not been exalted
Influence Counter to Selfish Rivalry and Greed—At such a
time as this, what is the trend of the education given? To what motive is
appeal most often made? To self-seeking. Much of the education given
is a perversion of the name. In true education the selfish ambition, the
greed for power, the disregard for the rights and needs of humanity,
that are the curse of our world, find a counterinfluence. God’s plan of
life has a place for every human being. Each is to improve his talents
to the utmost; and faithfulness in doing this, be the gifts few or many,
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entitles one to honor.
In God’s plan there is no place for selfish rivalry. Those who
measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves among
themselves, are not wise. (
2 Corinthians 10:12
.) Whatever we do is
to be done “as of the ability which God giveth.”
1 Peter 4:11
. It is to
be done “heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of
the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve
the Lord Christ.”
Colossians 3:23, 24
. Precious the service done and
1
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 64
.
2
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 331
.
3
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 447
.
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