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The World Needs People of Noble Character, October 2
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance; for
ye serve the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23, 24
.
True education does not ignore the value of scientific knowledge or literary
acquirements; but above information it values power; above power, goodness;
above intellectual acquirements, character. The world does not so much need
men of great intellect as of a noble character. It needs men in whom ability is
controlled by steadfast principle.
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom” (
Proverbs 4:7
). “The
tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright” (
chap. 15:2
). True education imparts
this wisdom. It teaches the best use not only of one but of all our powers and
acquirements. Thus it covers the whole circle of obligation—to ourselves, to the
world, and to God.
Character building is the most important work ever entrusted to human beings;
and never before was its diligent study so important as now. Never was any
previous generation called to meet issues so momentous; never before were young
men and young women confronted by perils so great as confront them today....
In true education the selfish ambition, the greed for power, the disregard
for the rights and needs of humanity, that are the curse of our world, find a
counterinfluence. God’s plan of life has a place for every human being. Each is to
improve his talents to the utmost; and faithfulness in doing this, be the gifts few
or many, entitles one to honor. In God’s plan there is no place for selfish rivalry.
Those who measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves among
themselves, are not wise (
2 Corinthians 10:12
). Whatever we do is to be done “as
of the ability which God giveth” (
1 Peter 4:11
)....
In every generation and in every land the true foundation and pattern for
character building have been the same. The divine law, “Thou shalt love the Lord
thy God with all thy heart ...; and thy neighbour as thyself” (
Luke 10:27
), the great
principle made manifest in the character and life of our Saviour, is the only secure
foundation and the only sure guide....
It is as true now as when the words were spoken to Israel of obedience to His
commandments: “This is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the
nations” (
Deuteronomy 4:6
).
Here is the only safeguard for individual integrity, for the purity of the home,
the well-being of society, or the stability of the nation. Amidst all life’s perplexities
and dangers and conflicting claims the one safe and sure rule is to do what God
says.—
Education, 225-229
.
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