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Teachers and Teaching
True education means more than taking a certain course of study.
It is broad. It includes the harmonious development of all the physi-
cal 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.
There is an education which is essentially worldly. Its aim is
success in the world, the gratification of selfish ambition. To secure
this education many students spend time and money in crowding
their minds with unnecessary knowledge. The world accounts them
learned; but God is not in their thoughts. They eat of the tree of
worldly knowledge, which nourishes and strengthens pride. In their
hearts they become disobedient and estranged from God; and their
entrusted gifts are placed on the enemy’s side. Much of the education
at the present time is of this character. The world may regard it as
highly desirable; but it increases the peril of the student.
There is another kind of education that is very different. Its
fundamental principle, as stated by the greatest Teacher the world
has ever known, is, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His
righteousness.”
Matthew 6:33
. Its aim is not selfish; its purpose is to
honor God and to serve Him in the world. Both the studies pursued
and the industrial training sought have this object in view. The word
of God is studied; a vital connection with God is maintained, and
the better feelings and traits of character are brought into exercise.
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This kind of education produces results as lasting as eternity. “The
fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (
Proverbs 9:10
), and
better than all knowledge is an understanding of His word.
What shall be the character of the education given in our schools?
Shall it be according to the wisdom of this world, or according to
the wisdom which is from above? ... Teachers are to do more for
their students than to impart a knowledge of books. Their position as
guide and instructor of the youth is most responsible, for to them is
given the work of molding mind and character. Those who undertake
this work should possess well-balanced, symmetrical characters.
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