The Advocate
February 1, 1902
A Spiritual Education for Teachers
[Extracts from talks before teachers at Healdsburg, Cal., August 1901.]
Christ is the greatest teacher, the greatest educator, that the world ever knew. If you come into close relation with him, the atmosphere surrounding your soul will exert an educative influence wherever you are. Unless you have Christ formed within, the hope of glory, all the education that you may obtain in Greek, in Latin, in the languages, or in anything else, will be of no value in securing eternal life. You must bear in mind that Christ co-operates with you when you co-operate with him. Constantly you are to be learning of the great Teacher. Advocate February 1, 1902, par. 1
Teachers, be truly converted to God. Realize that in every school established, the first work is to become acquainted with God and with the principles of heaven, that in your daily work you may prove the truthfulness of the words of Christ to the woman of Samaria: “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldst have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water,” which is as “a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” Advocate February 1, 1902, par. 2
In obtaining an education, there is danger that spirituality will be considered of secondary importance. We often think if we only could reach the world's standard in education, we should have gained something. Those who believe this will prefer the society of the world to the society of those who love and fear God. Advocate February 1, 1902, par. 3
Many have imagined that in order to become educated, they should place themselves under worldly influences. According to the worldly idea, in obtaining an education spiritual things are not considered of much value. Those who choose to enter schools where our faith is not recognized are on the losing side. They lose the very things which they should value most,—a knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, and of that life which measures with the life of God. Advocate February 1, 1902, par. 4
All who are engaged in teaching the youth in our schools must have as the foundation of their knowledge the fear of God, for this is the beginning of wisdom. They may have had years of training, and yet not have touched the very beginning, the A B C of spirituality, the A B C of devotion, of self-sacrifice. The science of education is to love God, and to keep his commandments. Study the word of God intelligently. It is the foundation of all education. Advocate February 1, 1902, par. 5
The apostle Paul could meet eloquence with eloquence, logic with logic; he could intelligently enter into all controversies; but was he satisfied with this worldly knowledge? He writes: “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” Advocate February 1, 1902, par. 6
Here is a very important lesson. We need to understand our whereabouts. We need to understand that the highest education ever given to mortals develops a spirit of humility; for it reveals how much more there is yet to learn. Advocate February 1, 1902, par. 7
The more you learn, the more you will see the necessity of putting your whole mind and interest into learning for Christ's sake. Why are you learning? Are you acquiring knowledge so as to become intelligent in the truth? If that is your object, be assured that you will hide self in Jesus Christ. Advocate February 1, 1902, par. 8
“And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.” Paul was a very great teacher; yet he felt that without the Spirit of God working with him all the education he might obtain would be of little account. We need to have this same experience; we need to be afraid of ourselves. We need individually to sit at the feet of Jesus, and listen to his words of instruction. Let us empty from the soul-temple all foolishness, pride, folly, and invite Jesus to take possession of heart and soul and character. When we do this, there will be no pride of spirit, for we shall more fully appreciate how much more there is to be learned. “What shall I do, that I may inherit eternal life?” is a life-and-death question,—a question which should be constantly before us. Advocate February 1, 1902, par. 9
What is your object in obtaining an education? Is it to glorify yourself? Is it to say, “See how much learning I have”? Or is it that you may be able to help weak and trembling souls plant their feet upon the platform of eternal truth? Do you long to lift up and encourage others? If you are striving merely for the name of being a teacher, an educator, you might just as well be somewhere else. God invites every one to be his helping hand. He invites you to carry out the principles of heaven, the A B C of true education. If you have never learned them before, commence to study now, and when you have thus learned, you will be fitted to teach others. Advocate February 1, 1902, par. 10
If your great aim has been to learn Greek and Latin, and all these things, you need to go back to the beginning, and in love and the fear of God learn the A B C of spirituality. This is the preparation essential if you see the King in his beauty, and behold his matchless charms. The purpose of education is to glorify God. Advocate February 1, 1902, par. 11