Christian and Psychology
17
in right paths; but the mold of your mind and your familiarity with evil
will make it difficult for you to distinguish between right and wrong.
Through the wrong habits formed, Satan will assail you again and
again.—
Christ’s Object Lessons, 281
(1900).
The Teacher’s Psychological Qualifications—The habits and
principles of a teacher should be considered of even greater importance
than his literary qualifications. If he is a sincere Christian, he will feel
the necessity of having an equal interest in the physical, mental, moral,
and spiritual education of his scholars.
In order to exert the right influence he should have perfect control
over himself, and his own heart should be richly imbued with love for
his pupils, which will be seen in his looks, words, and acts. He should
have firmness of character, and then he can mold the minds of his
pupils as well as instruct them in the sciences. The early education of
youth generally shapes their characters for life. Those who deal with
the young should be very careful to call out the qualities of the mind,
that they may better know how to direct its powers so that they may
be exercised to the very best account.—
Testimonies for the Church
3:135
(1872).
Man to Become a New Creature—Men are to become the sub-
jects of Christ’s kingdom. Through the divine power imputed to them
they are to return to their allegiance. By laws and resources God has
ordained a heavenly communication with man’s spiritual life that in its
action is as mysterious as the science and operation of the wind (
John
3:7, 8
). Christ declared, “My kingdom is not of this world” (
John
18:36
). While it imprints its influence upon earthly governments, it
cannot take the slightest imprint from them without marring the divine
similitude.
So spiritual is the character of God’s work upon the human heart
[15]
that receives it that it makes every one a new creature without destroy-
ing or weakening any capability God has given to man. It purifies every
attribute fit for connection with the divine nature. That which is born
of the Spirit is Spirit, and when man is born from above, a heavenly
peace pervades the soul.—
Manuscript 1, 1897.
(
Letters From Ellen G.
White To Sanitarium Workers in Southern California, 3, 8-9.
.)
Right Excludes Wrong—Parents, you are the ones to decide
whether the minds of your children shall be filled with ennobling
thoughts or with vicious sentiments. You cannot keep their active