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upon every teacher. There must not be any haphazard work in this
matter, for even the work of educating the children in the day schools
requires very much of the grace of Christ and the subduing of self.
Those who naturally are fretful, easily provoked, and have cherished
the habit of criticism, of thinking evil, should find some other kind of
work, that will not reproduce any of their unlovely traits of character
in the children and youth, for they have cost too much. Heaven sees
in the child the undeveloped man or woman, with capabilities and
powers that, if correctly guided and developed, with heavenly wisdom,
will become the human agencies through whom the divine influences
can cooperate, to be laborers together with God. Sharp words and
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continual censure bewilder the child, but never reform him. Keep back
that pettish word; keep your own spirit under discipline to Jesus Christ;
then you will learn how to pity and sympathize with those brought
under your influence.—
Testimonies on Sabbath-School Work, 87, 88
.
Whole Classes to Be Converted
As workers for God we want more of Jesus and less of self. We
should have more of a burden for souls, and should pray daily that
strength and wisdom may be given us for the Sabbath. Teachers, meet
with your classes. Pray with them, and teach them how to pray. Let
the heart be softened, and the petitions short and simple, but earnest.
Let your words be few and well chosen; and let them learn from your
lips and your example that the truth of God must be rooted in their
hearts or they cannot stand the test of temptation. We want to see
whole classes of young people being converted to God, and growing
up useful members of the church.—
Testimonies on Sabbath-School
Work, 19, 20
.
Do not allow all your strength and energy to be given to worldly,
temporal things during the week, and so have no energy and moral
strength to give to the service of Christ on the Sabbath. There is
earnest work to be done just now. We have not a moment’s time to
use selfishly. Let all we do be done with an eye single to the glory of
God. Never rest till every child in your class is brought to the saving
knowledge of Christ.—
Testimonies on Sabbath-School Work, 14
.
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