Chapter 38—Balance in Education
Education Has Eternal Implications.—Education is a work the
effect of which will be seen throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity.—
Testimonies for the Church 6:154
(1900).
To Restore Harmony in the Being—The true object of education
is to restore the image of God in the soul. In the beginning God created
man in His own likeness. He endowed him with noble qualities.
His mind was well balanced, and all the powers of his being were
harmonious. But the fall and its effects have perverted these gifts.
Sin has marred and well-nigh obliterated the image of God in man. It
was to restore this that the plan of salvation was devised and a life of
probation was granted to man. To bring him back to the perfection
in which he was first created is the great object of life—the object
that underlies every other. It is the work of parents and teachers, in
the education of the youth, to cooperate with the divine purpose; and
in so doing they are “laborers together with God.”—
Patriarchs and
Prophets, 595
(1890).
All Capabilities to Be Developed—All the varied capabilities
that men possess—of mind and soul and body—are given them by
God to be so employed as to reach the highest possible degree of
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excellence. But this cannot be a selfish and exclusive culture; for the
character of God, whose likeness we are to receive, is benevolence
and love. Every faculty, every attribute, with which the Creator has
endowed us is to be employed for His glory and for the uplifting of
our fellowmen. And in this employment is found its purest, noblest,
and happiest exercise.—
Patriarchs and Prophets, 595
(1890).
True Education Is Broad—True education means more than tak-
ing 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 faith-
ful discharge of life’s duties.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and
Students, 64
(1913).
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