Testimonies on Sabbath-School Work

Chapter 22—Fresh Themes to be Presented

The soul should be like a treasure-house, full of rich and fruitful stores. In the pulpit, in the Sabbath-school, in the prayer-meeting, and in society, we should have fresh themes with which to enlighten others. We should follow the example of Jesus, who was the perfect Teacher. He educated men by revealing to them the character of the living God. He said, “This is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” This is the important subject to impress upon the minds of youth; for they must have a knowledge of the paternal character of God, in order that they may be led to subordinate temporal to eternal interests. By beholding the character of God, an intense desire will be created in their hearts to impart to others the beauty and power of the truth. TSS 85.1

Oh, that every man, woman, and child who deals with human minds, may have the truth inwrought in the soul, that it may be revealed in spirit, in word, in character, and in action! The sanctifying power of the truth should lead every one who teaches in the Sabbath-school, or holds a position in our institutions, to have such an experience that he may say, “I know whom I have believed.” There is transforming power in the religion of Jesus Christ, and this power must be seen upon us in far greater humility, in more earnest, living faith, that we may become a light to the world. Self must be humiliated, and Christ exalted. Why is it that those to whom God intrusts some work in His moral vineyard are so easily lifted up? Why is it that many seem to think that a responsible position exalts the man? Why do they become so self-sufficient, when they are so utterly dependent upon the atoning Sacrifice? Why is there with some so great a want of tenderness, so little heart work?—It is because those who are self-sufficient have not fallen upon the Rock and been broken. This is why there is so little trust in God, so little earnest, contrite repentance, so great a lack of fervent prayer. Well may the questions be put by every instructor: “Have I received the Holy Ghost since I believed? Have I received Christ as my personal Saviour?” Let these questions be solemnly answered. TSS 85.2

If those who are engaged in the work of God are Christians individually, their works will reveal the fact. They will present Christ to those with whom they come in contact. Teachers in Sabbath-school will not occupy the time in unimportant matters, for they will realize that every moment is golden, and should be employed in working with all diligence in the garden of the Lord. The work of Christ in the sanctuary above, presenting His own blood each moment before the mercy-seat, as He makes intercession for us, should have its full impression upon the heart, that we may realize the worth of each moment. Jesus ever liveth to make intercession for us; but one moment carelessly spent can never be recovered. Let teachers and pupils consider this great fact that Christ ceases not to engage in His solemn work in the heavenly sanctuary, and if you wear Christ's yoke, if you lift Christ's burden, you will be engaged in a work of like character with that of your Living Head.—Sabbath-School Worker, October 1, 1893, par. 3. TSS 86.1