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True Education
higher nature—the surrender of self for the service of love to God
and humanity.
Young people need to be impressed with the truth that their
endowments are not their own. Strength, time, intellect belong to
God, and should be put to the highest use. Youth are branches from
which God expects fruit, stewards whose capital must yield increase.
Every young person has a work to do for the honor of God and the
uplifting of humanity.
Elisha, Faithful in Little Things
The early years of the prophet Elisha were passed in the country,
under the teaching of God and nature and the discipline of useful
work. In a time of almost universal apostasy his father’s household
were among those who had not bowed the knee to Baal. Theirs was
a home where God was honored and where faithfulness to duty was
the rule of daily life.
The son of a wealthy farmer, Elisha possessed the capabilities
of a leader. But he received a training in life’s common duties. In
order to direct wisely, he must learn to obey. By faithfulness in little
things, he was prepared for weightier trusts.
Of a meek and gentle spirit, Elisha also possessed energy and
steadfastness. He cherished the love and fear of God, and in the hum-
ble round of daily toil he gained strength of purpose and nobleness
of character, growing in divine grace and knowledge.
The prophetic call came to Elisha while he was plowing in the
field. Elijah, divinely directed in seeking a successor, threw his
mantle over the young man’s shoulders. Elisha recognized and
obeyed the summons. He “arose and followed Elijah, and served
him.”
1 Kings 19:21
. No great work was at first required of El-
isha. Commonplace duties still constituted his discipline. As the
prophet’s personal attendant, he continued to prove faithful in little
things. With daily strengthening of purpose he devoted himself to
the mission appointed by God.
When he was first called, his commitment had been tested. As
he turned to follow Elijah he was ordered by the prophet to return
home. But Elisha understood the value of his opportunity. Not for
any worldly advantage would he forgo the possibility of becoming
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