46
Christ’s Object Lessons
Whenever man accomplishes anything, whether in spiritual or in
temporal lines, he should bear in mind that he does it through co-
operation with his Maker. There is great necessity for us to realize
our dependence on God. Too much confidence is placed in man, too
much reliance on human inventions. There is too little confidence in
the power which God stands ready to give. “We are laborers together
with God.”
1 Corinthians 3:9
. Immeasurably inferior is the part which
the human agent sustains; but if he is linked with the divinity of Christ,
he can do all things through the strength that Christ imparts.
* * * * *
The gradual development of the plant from the seed is an object
lesson in child training. There is “first the blade, then the ear, after that
the full corn in the ear.” He who gave this parable created the tiny seed,
[83]
gave it its vital properties, and ordained the laws that govern its growth.
And the truths which the parable teaches were made a living reality in
His own life. In both His physical and His spiritual nature He followed
the divine order of growth illustrated by the plant, as He wishes all
youth to do. Although He was the Majesty of heaven, the King of
glory, He became a babe in Bethlehem, and for a time represented the
helpless infant in its mother’s care. In childhood He did the works of
an obedient child. He spoke and acted with the wisdom of a child and
not of a man, honoring His parents and carrying out their wishes in
helpful ways, according to the ability of a child. But at each stage of
His development He was perfect, with the simple, natural grace of a
sinless life. The sacred record says of His childhood, “The child grew,
and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God
was upon Him.” And of His youth it is recorded, “Jesus increased in
wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
Luke 2:40, 52
.
The work of parents and teachers is here suggested. They should
aim so to cultivate the tendencies of the youth that at each stage of their
life they may represent the natural beauty appropriate to that period,
unfolding naturally, as do the plants in the garden.
Those children are most attractive who are natural, unaffected. It
is not wise to give them special notice, and repeat their clever sayings
before them. Vanity should not be encouraged by praising their looks,
their words, or their actions. Nor should they be dressed in an expen-