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Counsels on Sabbath School Work
The teacher should closely examine his own heart, in the light of
eternity, that he may represent before his pupils that which he desires
them to be. He should be a daily learner in the school of Christ, abiding
in Christ as the branch abides in the vine, that he may impart to others
that which he has received from Christ.
Self-discipline
The teacher who would bring his students under discipline must
himself first come under the control of Christ. Jesus has said, “He that
followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of
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life.” With divine enlightenment you can work as Christ worked; for
His light may shine through you upon the pathway of every impenitent
transgressor with whom you are associated. Are you indeed an instruc-
tor in the ways of God? If you are a converted teacher, you will be able
to win, not drive, to attract, not repulse, the souls for whom Christ has
died. You will guard and care for the sheep and lambs of Christ’s fold.
If they stray, you will not leave them to perish, but will go forth to
seek and to save that which is lost. All heaven will be ready to aid you
in this good work. The angels will aid you in your effort to find the
key to the heart of the most incorrigible and unruly. You will receive
special grace and strength through Christ, who is able to supply you
from His immeasurable fullness. You will then be qualified to be a
laborer together with God, one with Christ in your effort to save the
lost, and the result of your labor of love will be seen not only in time,
but through all eternity.—
Testimonies on Sabbath-School Work, 80-82
.
Remembering Our Own Childhood Experience
Some parents—and some teachers, as well—seem to forget that
they themselves were once children. They are dignified, cold, and
unsympathetic. Wherever they are brought in contact with the young,—
at home, in the day school, the Sabbath school, or the church,—they
maintain the same air of authority, and their faces habitually wear a
solemn, reproving expression. Childish mirth or waywardness, the
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restless activity of the young life, finds no excuse in their eyes. Tri-
fling misdemeanors are treated as grave sins. Such discipline is not
Christlike. Children thus trained fear their parents or teachers, but do
not love them; they do not confide to them their childish experiences.