Guiding Principles in Administration
99
missionaries for God. They should learn to tax their minds to the
utmost, that they may acquire a better knowledge of Bible truth. The
teachers in the Sabbath school should pray daily for the enlightenment
of heaven, that they may be able to open to the minds of the youth the
treasures of the Sacred Word. Why not humble yourselves before the
Lord, and let the impression of the Holy Spirit be manifested upon your
[156]
character and work? There is far too much self-complacency among
those who engage in Sabbath school work, too much machinery and
routine, and all this tends to lead the soul away from the Fountain of
living water.—
Testimonies on Sabbath-School Work, 73, 74
.
Training for Sabbath School Work
There is a dearth of educated ability among us, and we have not
men who are sufficiently trained to do justice to the work of managing
our Sabbath schools and churches. Many who know the truth, still do
not understand it in such a way that they could hold their own in its
presentation. They are not prepared to present it in such a way that its
sacred, majestic character will be clear to the people. Instead of less
discipline, they need more thorough training. It is impossible for any
one to foresee to what he may be called. He may be placed in situations
where he will need quick discernment and well-balanced arguments,
and therefore it is for the honor of Christ that well-educated workers
should be multiplied among us; they will be better able to communicate
the truth in a clear, intelligent way, and the truth should be presented
in a way that will be as free as possible from defects.—
Fundamentals
of Christian Education, 256, 257
.
Dependence on God
Our Sabbath schools are not what the Lord would have them to
be, for there is altogether too much dependence placed upon form and
[157]
machinery, while the life-giving power of God is not manifested for the
conversion of souls, for whom Christ died. This order of things must
be changed if our Sabbath schools meet the purpose for which they
exist.... When superintendents and teachers give themselves without
reserve to God, they will not only resolve, but put their resolutions into
effect. As soon as the workers in Sabbath and day schools enter upon