Chapter 7—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 physical
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 that 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.
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There is another kind of education that is very different. Its funda-
mental principle, as stated by the greatest Teacher the world has ever
known, is, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.”
Its aim is not selfish; it is to honor God, and to serve him in the world.
Both the studies pursued and the industrial training 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. This kind of education produces results as lasting as
eternity. For “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” and
better than all other 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
that wisdom which is from above? Will not teachers awake to their
responsibility in this matter, and see that the word of God has a larger
place in the instruction given in our schools?
Teachers are to do more for students than to impart a knowledge of
books. Their position as guide and instructor of youth is most respon-
sible; for to them is given the work of molding mind and character.
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