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Counsels on Sabbath School Work
to represent Christian character, to be laborers together with God,
winning those who have not given themselves to God....
Zeal Proportionate to Privilege
In our efforts to help the youth we are woefully behind our duty.
We have had great light, but we lack in zeal and earnestness, and have
not fervency of spirit proportionate to the privileges we enjoy. We
must rise above the chilling atmosphere of unbelief with which we are
surrounded, and draw nigh to God, that He may draw nigh to us.
We must educate the youth, that they may learn how to work for
the salvation of souls; and in educating the youth for this work, we
shall also learn how to labor more successfully, becoming efficient
agents in the hands of God for the conversion of our scholars. We
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must become imbued with the spirit of earnest labor, and lay hold
upon Christ, claiming Him as our only efficiency. Our minds must be
enlarged, that we may have a proper realization of the things pertaining
to eternal life. Our hearts must be softened and subdued by the grace
of Christ, that we may become true educators.
Let superintendents and teachers inquire, Do I believe the word
of God? Am I giving myself to Him who hath given Himself for me,
suffering a cruel death upon the cross, that I might not perish, but
have everlasting life? Do we believe that Jesus is drawing the souls
of those around us, even those who are living in impenitence and do
not respond to His drawing power? Then, in contrition of soul, say:
“Master, I will draw with all my powers of influence, I will draw unto
Thee. I trust in Thee and in Thee alone to touch and subdue the heart
by the power of the Holy Spirit.”—
Testimonies on Sabbath-School
Work, 47-50
.
The All-important Lesson
If the young who are strong will put to the stretch their powers in
searching the Bible, they will have minds stored with valuable knowl-
edge that will shine as a light upon those with whom they associate.
The Sabbath school should be a place where those who have made
advancement in divine knowledge should be able to inculcate fresh
ideas in regard to the faith of God’s people.
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