True Education

True Teachers Aim to Inspire

True teachers are not satisfied with second-rate work. They are not satisfied with directing their students to a standard lower than it is possible for them to reach. They cannot be content with imparting only technical knowledge, with making merely clever accountants, skillful artisans, successful professionals. It is their ambition to inspire students with principles of truth, obedience, honor, integrity, and purity—principles that will make them a positive force for the stability and uplifting of society. They desire them, above all else, to learn life’s great lesson of unselfish service. TEd 21.2

These principles become a living power to shape the character, through the acquaintance of the soul with Christ, through an acceptance of His wisdom as the guide, His power as the strength, of heart and life. This union formed, students have found the Source of wisdom. They have within their reach the power to realize their noblest ideals. In the training gained they are entering upon that course which embraces eternity. TEd 21.3

In the highest sense the work of education and the work of redemption are one, for in education, as in redemption, “no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:11. TEd 21.4

Under changed conditions, true education is still conformed to the Creator’s plan, the plan of the Eden school. Adam and Eve received instruction through direct communion with God; we behold the light of the knowledge of His glory in the face of Christ. TEd 21.5

The great principles of education are unchanged. “They stand fast forever and ever” (Psalm 111:8), for they are the principles of the character of God. To aid the student in comprehending these principles, and in entering into that relation with Christ which will make them a controlling power in the life, should be the teacher’s first effort and constant aim. The teacher who accepts this aim is in truth a coworker with Christ, a laborer together with God. TEd 21.6