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Christian Education
Men of the highest education and accomplishments have learned
the most precious lessons from the precept and example of the humble
follower of Christ, who is designated as “unlearned” by the world. But
could men look with deeper insight, they would see that these humble
men had obtained an education in the highest of all schools, even in
the school of the divine Teacher, who spake as never man spake.
We would not discourage education, or put a low estimate upon
mental culture and discipline. God would have us students as long as
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we remain in this world. But no one should set himself as a critic to
measure the usefulness and influence of his brother who has had few
advantages of book knowledge. He may be rich in a rarer wisdom.
Through a connection with God, the Christian will have clearer and
broader views, unbiased by his own preconceived opinions. His dis-
cernment will be more penetrative and far-seeing, his judgment better
balanced.—
Gospel Workers, 387-389
.
Christian Courtesy.—The heart in which the love of Christ abides,
will constantly manifest more and more refinement, for the spring of
the life is love to God and man. This is Christianity. This is “Glory to
God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” [
Luke
2:14
.] This is the carrying out of God’s purpose. Divine harmony,
worthy of the wisdom and mercy which God has manifested to men!
True Christian growth tends upward to the full stature of men and
women in Christ Jesus. True culture, real refinement of thought and
manners, is better obtained through the lessons in the school of Christ,
than through the most labored, pains-taking effort to observe forms
and set rules, when the heart is not under the holy discipline of the
Spirit of God.
The follower of Jesus should be constantly improving in manners,
in habits, in spirit, and labor. But this is done by keeping the eye,
not on mere outward, superficial attainments, but on Jesus the model.
A transformation takes place in mind, in spirit, in character. The
Christian is educated in the school of Christ to cherish the graces
of his Spirit in all meekness and lowliness of mind. He is fitting
for the society of heavenly angels.... The Lord has presented to me
in many ways, and at various times, how carefully we should deal
with the young,—that it requires the finest discrimination to deal with
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minds. Every one who has to do with the education and training of
youth, needs to live very close to the great Teacher, to catch his spirit