Category: Ten Principles of Education mini-course

The Higher Course

Continuing Education

Read:

Luke 24:50-53

Acts 1:9-12

The Desire of Ages 829-835

In this final lesson we will be discussing God’s design for higher education including high school and beyond. “Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His children. Godliness-godlikeness-is the goal to be reached. Before the student there is opened a path of continual progress. He has an object to achieve, a standard to attain, that includes everything good, and pure, and noble. He will advance as fast and as far as possible in every branch of true knowledge. But his efforts will be directed to objects as much higher than mere selfish and temporal interests as the heavens are higher than the earth.” (Education 18-19)

The true higher education is what makes students acquainted with God and His word, and fits them for eternal life. It was to place this life within their reach that Christ gave Himself an offering for sin. His purpose of love and mercy is expressed in His prayer for His disciples. “These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: as thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they may know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, who thou hast sent.” Every instructor of youth is to work in harmony with this prayer, leading the students to Christ.

In true education learning never stops. “In the school of Christ students never graduate” As long as we live on this earth we are to continue learning of Christ and His ways and our learning will continue on throughout eternity.

As we consider choices for higher education we are counseled to stay away from schools that:

1. Indulge the Appetite
2. Encourage selfish gratification of the senses
3. Encourage pride
4. Encourage selfish ambition
5. Encourage love of dress and display
6. Encourage love of praise and flattery
7. Encourage strife for high rewards and honors as a recompense for good scholarship

A few points to reflect upon

1. “We must maintain a position against every species of sophistry that bewilders in this degenerate age, when error is glossed over, and so mingled with truth that it is almost impossible for those who are not familiar with the distinctions that the Scriptures make between the traditions of men and the word of God, to distinguish truth from error.”
2. “We are not to elevate our standard just a little above the world’s standard; but we are to make the line of demarcation decidedly apparent.”
3. “We are under solemn, sacred covenant to God to bring up our children, not for the world, not put their hands into the hands of the world, but to love and fear God, and to keep commandments.”
4. “When those who have reached the years of youth and manhood see no difference between our schools and the colleges of the world, and have no preference as to which they attend, though error is taught by precept and example in the schools of the world, then there is need of closely examining the reasons that lead to such a conclusion.”

A few questions to consider when deciding between Worldly Colleges, Christian Colleges or Apprenticeship:

1. Does the program I want to follow embrace God’s guidelines?
2. Does the school I wish to attend teach and practice God’s principles of true education?
3. As a young person do I really understand my character?
4. Have I walked in all the light God has given me? OR do I bend principles to suit my desires?

“Teachers should work circumspectly. Those who are often with God in prayer, have holy angles by their side. The atmosphere that surrounds their sould is pure and holy; for their whole soul is imbued with the sanctifiying influence of the Spirit of God. They should be learners of every day in the school of Christ that they may be teachers under the Great Teacher. They must learn of Christ, and become one with Him in the work of training minds, before they can be efficient teachers in the higher education the knowledge of God.”

“The true higher education is what makes students acquainted with God and His word, and fits them for eternal life. It was to place this life within their reach that Christ gave Himself an offering for sin. His purpose of love and mercy is expressed in His prayer for His disciples. ‘These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy   Son also may glorify thee: as thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.’ Every instructor of youth is to work in harmony with this prayer, leading the students to Christ.

Academics from the Bible

“Health, Mathematics, Music, Nature, History/Geography/Prophecy, Language, and Voice”

Reading Assignment:

 Luke 8:4-15

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Mark 4:1-9, 13-20

Christ’s Object Lessons 33-75

Education 104-112

 

The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. And great multitudes, were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. And he spake many things unto them in parables…” (Matthew 1-3)

Our lesson begins with the parable of the sower and the seed. Jesus is dealing with a group of listeners who had longed for the Messiah and were eagerly waiting for His appearance. “Christ’s mission was not understood by the people of His time. The manner of His coming was not in accordance with their expectations. The Lord Jesus was the foundation of the whole Jewish economy. Its imposing services were of divine appointment. They were designed to teach the people that at the time appointed One would come to whom those ceremonies pointed. But the Jews had exalted the forms and ceremonies and had lost sight of their object.”

“The gospel of Christ was a stumbling block to them because they demanded signs instead of a Saviour. They expected the Messiah to prove His claims by mighty deeds of conquest, to establish His empire on the ruins of earthly kingdoms. This expectation Christ answered in the parable of the sower. Not by force of arms, not by violent interpositions, was the kingdom of God to prevail, but by the implanting of a new principle in the hearts of men.” (COL 34-35)

Just as the Jews lost sight of the true mission and purpose of Christ so today true education has been lost sight of having the ideas of men exalted above the principles of God. “The true purpose of education is buried deep in the rubbish of degrees, accreditation, registration, testing, etc.

Let us look more closely at the parable of the sower of the seed and how Christ used it to teach valuable principles of education.

“The teachers of Israel were not sowing the seed of the word of God. Christ’s work as a teacher of truth was in marked contrast to that of the rabbis of His time.”

The teachers lifted human thought and tradition above the word of God and as a result, their teaching did not have any power to convert the soul. On the other hand, when dealing with those who sought truth as well as enemies, Christ used the scriptures often asking “What saith the Scriptures” “How readest thou?”

“The teachers work is to plant seeds”

The seed is the word of God. The seed consists of three basic parts, the seed coat, storage tissue and the embryo. The seed coat is like the Holy Spirit in the sense that is “protects the seed and helps it develop in the right place at the right time.” The storage tissue is like all of the truths in the Bible. The embryo is like the character growing from the seed which is the Word of God.

As God sows seeds of truth, Satan sows seeds of error. The seeds that Satan sows are known as false education. This principle is important because “Every seed brings forth fruit after its kind. Sow the seed under right conditions, and it will develop its own life in the plant. Receive into the soul by faith the incorruptible seed of the word, and it will bring forth a character and a life after the similitude of the character and the life of God. (COL 38)

For this reason, in our home schools, the Word of God should be the central focus. When we sow to the Spirit, we will reap to the Spirit. “The work of every teacher should be to fasten the mind of the youth upon the grand truths of the word of Inspiration. This is the education essential for this life and for the life to come.”

“The education to be secured by searching the Scriptures is an experimental knowledge of the plan of salvation. Such an education will restore the image of God in the soul. It will strengthen and fortify the mind against temptation, and fit the learner to become a co-worker with Christ in His mission of mercy to the world. It will make him a member of the heavenly family, and prepare him to share the inheritance of the saints in light.” (COL 43)

“The garden of the heart must be cultivated. The soil must be broken up by deep repentance for sin. Poisonous, Satanic plants must be uprooted. The soil once overgrown by thorns can be reclaimed only by diligent labor. So the evil tendencies of the natural heart can be overgrown only by earnest effort in the name and strength of Jesus. The Lord bids us by His prophet, ‘Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.’ Sow to yourselves in righteousness; reap in mercy’ (Jeremiah 4:3; Hosea 10:12)

Remember Christ is the Sower, Christ is the Seed, Christ prepares the soil. Christ is the Sun. Christ sends the showers. Christ helps mature the leaves and stems. Christ will harvest the fruit or sons of God.

 

Obedience, Discipline

“The Character Qualities

 Read:

Matthew 19:16-22

Mark 10:17-22

Luke 18:18-23

The Desire of Ages p 518-523

 

Our lesson begins with the story of the rich young ruler who came to Christ and posed the question: “…What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” Mark 10:17

“Fathers and mothers need to understand their responsibility. The world is full of snares for the feet of the young. Multitudes are attracted by a life of selfish and sensual pleasure. They cannot discern the hidden dangers or the fearful ending of the path that seems to them the way of happiness. Through the indulgence of appetite and passion, their energies are wasted, and millions are ruined for this world and the word to come. Parents should remember that their children must encounter these temptations. Even before the birth of the child, the preparation should begin that will enable it to fight successfully the battle against evil.”

“More than human wisdom is needed by parents at every step, that they may understand how best to educate their children for a useful, happy life here, and for a higher service and greater joy hereafter.” (CG 21)

“The Watchword for Obedience is Consistency”

“Under the general heading of selfishness comes every other sin. How important for the parent to practice an unselfish spirit with their children and teach them to do likewise. Developing this unselfish spirit only comes with much prayer, study, and the practice of saying ‘no’ to self!”

“Many children have inherited selfishness from their parents, but parents should seek to uproot every fiber of this evil tendency from their natures.

Parents should seek, on the first exhibition of selfish traits of character, whether in their presence or when in association with other children, to restrain and uproot these traits from the character of their children.

One of the characteristics that should be especially cherished and cultivated in every child is that self-forgetfulness which imparts to the life such an unconscious grace. Of all excellences of character this is one of the most beautiful, and for every true lifework it is one of the qualifications most essential

“Study how to teach the children to be thoughtful of others. The youth should be early accustomed to submission, self-denial, and regard for other’s happiness. They should be taught to subdue the hasty temper, to withhold the passionate word, to manifest unvarying kindness, courtesy, and self-control” (CG 133)

When Christ answered the young ruler’s questions about which commandments he should keep, He quoted the ones that deal with how we should treat our fellow man.

“Teaching our children to have that unselfish trait of giving, giving time, service and means to others, is most important in their character development. If you as a parent have not acquired this quality-learn together with your children. True happiness comes in serving others and enjoying happiness.

“Selfishness was the sin of the rich young ruler. Unselfishness would be its cure. Love was the tool Jesus used with him. In teaching our children unselfishness, love must be the motivating factor that moves them to overcome.

Selfishness includes covetousness, ambition, jealousy and intemperance while selflessness includes self-denial, modesty, generosity, and temperance

Obedience and Love

Children Respond to Love. The rich young ruler responded to Jesus’ love.

“Do not, I beg of you, correct your children in anger. That is the time of all times when you should act with humility and patience and prayer. Then is the time to kneel down with the children and ask the Lord for pardon. Seek to win them to Christ by the manifestation of kindness and love and you will see that a higher power than that of earth is co-operating with your efforts” (CG 245-246

“Never raise your hand to give them a blow unless you can with a clear conscience bow before God and ask His blessing upon the correction you are about to give. Encourage love in the hearts of your children. Present before them high and correct motives for self-restraint. Do not give them the impression that they must submit to control because it is your arbitrary will, because they are weak and you are strong, because you are the father, they are the children. If you wish to ruin your family, continue to govern by brute force, and you will surely succeed.” (CG 252

Deal with Your Children in Love

“The mother mus keep her mind refreshed and stored with the promises and blessings of God’s Word, and also the forbidden things, that when her children do wrong she may present as a reproof the words of God, and show them how they are grieving the Spirit of God. Teach them that the approbation and smiles of Jesus are of greater value than the praise or flattery or approval of the most wealthy, the most exalted, the most learned of the earth. Lead them to Jesus Christ day by day, lovingly, tenderly, earnestly. You must not allow anything to come between you and this great work.” (RH 4-14-1885)

The work of education in the home, if it is to accomplish all that god designs it shall, demands that parents be diligent student of the Scriptures. They must be learner of the great Teacher. Day by day the law of love and kindness must be upon their lips. Their lives must reveal the grace and truth that was seen in the life of their Example. Then a sanctified love will bind the hearts of the parents and children together, and the youth will grow up established in the faith and rooted and grounded in the love of God.”

 

“The mother must realize that God is her helper, that love is her success, her power. If she is a wise Christian, she will not attempt to force the child into submission. She will pray; and as she prays, she will be conscious of a renewal of spiritual life within herself. And she will see that at the same time the power that is working in her is working also in the child. And the child, in the place of being compelled, is led and grows gentler; and the battle is gained. Each kindly thought, each patient action, each word of wise restraint, is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. The mother has gained a victory more precious than language can express. She has renewed light and increased experience.   The ‘true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world,’ has subdued her will. There is a peace after the storm, like the shining of the sun after rain” (CG 212)

“Parents much learn the lesson of implicit obedience to God’s voice, which speaks to them out of His Word; and as they learn this lesson, they can teach their children respect and obedience in word and action. This is the work that should be carried on in the home. Those who do it will reach upward themselves, realizing that they must elevate their children. This education means much more than mere instruction” (CG 24)

“Daily the children of Israel had to gather the manna (Exodus 16) early in the morning before the sun came up! So responsible parents must gather their strength early in the day to meet the enemy as he especially attacks the weaker members of the family, our lambs. Set aside time in the early morning to daily seek God. One to three hours is a worthy goal. (TP 24)

“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. ‘The statutes of the Lord are right,’ and “he that does these things shall never be moved’ (Psalms 19;8; 15:5) (Education 225-229)

“As the rich young ruler needed his character changed, so do we. May it not be said of us our our children in the end, ‘one thing thou lackest.’ Character building can only be accomplished by preserving effort on our part together with God’s power-His part. Are you willing?”

Teach Truth

(Dress, Music)

As we continue in lesson 7, our next topic is that of dress. “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

There are 2 paths mentioned, the narrow way and the broad way. The lesson refers to them as the disciplined way and the undisciplined way respectively. We must choose between the narrow way (self denial) and the broad way (self-indulgence).

The parties that travel the different roads are opposite in character, in life, in dress, and in conversation.

“Those who travel in the narrow way are talking of the joy and happiness they will have at the end of the journey. Their countenances are often sad, yet often beam with holy sacred joy. They do not dress like the company in the broad road, nor talk like them, nor act like them. A pattern has been given them.”

Those on the broad way are occupied with (1) their persons, (2) their dress, (3) and the pleasures in the way. “They indulge freely in hilarity and glee, and think not of their journey’s end, of the certain destruction at the end of the path. Every day they approach nearer their destruction: yet they madly rush on faster and faster. Oh, how dreadful this looked to me!”

“I saw that the words, dress, and actions should tell for God.” “I saw that the outside appearance is an index to the heart. When the exterior is hung with…needless things, it plainly shows that the love for all this is in the heart…”

“I was shown the conformity of some professed Sabbathkeepers to the world. Oh, I saw that it is a disgrace to their profession, a disgrace to the cause of God. They give the lie to their profession. They think they are not like the world, but they are so near like them in dress, in conversation and actions, that there is not distinction.”

“Parents should be exemplary. They should exert a holy influence in their families. They should let their dress be modest, different from the world around them. As they value the eternal interest of their children, they should rebuke pride in them, faithfully rebuke it, and encourage it not in word or deed.”

Music

The Purpose of Music

“Music was given to man by God as a language of the soul. It is through music that the soul can find utterance in a way that words alone are too feeble to express. When the soul is engaged in song, God understands, and communion is established with Him. Music is how all can participate in the language of heaven, that sweet communion with God, in unison together.” (Ten Principles)

“As a part of religious service, singing is as much an act of worship as is prayer. If the child is taught to realize this, he will think more of the meaning of the words he sings and will be more susceptible to their power.” (Education 168)

Christ used song as an aid to temptation-“When Christ was a child like these children here, He was tempted to sin, but He did not yield to temptation. As He grew older He was tempted, but the songs His mother had taught Him to sing came into His mind, and He would life His voice in praise. And before His companions were aware of it, they would be singing with Him. God wants us to use every facility which Heaven has provided for resisting the enemy.” (Evangelism 498)

“Music prepares the listeners for the word of God and deepens the impression made by the word.

Satan Has a counterfeit-“Satan can pervert music so that it accomplishes the opposite of what God intended, which is communion with Satan, leading to the destruction of the soul.”

There is a wonderful chart on page 6 of the lesson that compares God’s Music to Satan’s Music.

Why Should We Study Music?

“The subject of music is mentioned more than 800 times in the Bible. Music affects us mentally, physically and spiritually and has this power without us doing anything. “Music enters the body through the ears and the sense of touch and goes directly to the hypothalamus. This route complete bypasses the higher brain’s reasoning center. Music is not just heard, but the whole body absorbs it.” “We have a responsibility to know and understand what harmonious singing and music are so we can participate in them and glorify God.”

The Character of Music

Music is made up of three main elements: the melody, the harmony and the rhythm. “The character of a musical piece is the result of all the elements combined to make a whole, to make it balanced. If some elements, even one, are not in accordance with godly principles, then the whole character of the musical piece is faulty. A little leaven leaveneth the whole…(Galatians 5:9)

“Melody is a musical thought made by a series of tones. It identifies the song or makes it recognizable. It is like a profile.”

“Harmony occurs when two or more compatible tones are sounded at the same time. Harmony adds depth, perspective mood, atmosphere and color to a melody.”

“Rhythm is the orderly movement of music through time. It is because of rhythm that we can discern a song at all, for without rhythm the music is dead.” “Rhythm should never be dominant in a musical piece but should be balanced with the melody and harmony; just as our physical natures should be balanced with our spiritual and mental natures.”

When listening to the words of music we should watch out for:

1. Humanistic philosophy
2. Ambiguity
3. Worldly association
4. Reverence or familiarity
5. Partial truth
6. Personal Focus

Each of these is discussed in more detail in the lesson.

Principles for Evaluating Text:

1. Does the text present an accurate view of His creation and how he designed everything to fulfill His purposes?
2. Does the text present an accurate view of the plan of salvation and the sanctification process?
3. Does the text incite submission to God and His laws?
4. Does the text portray an accurate account of God’s love and the love the children of God have for Him and for one another?
5. Is the text reverent and sacred? And does is promote this type of thought in the listener?
6. Is the text Biblically accurate? Does it uphold God’s word and present an accurate view of what He has done and is doing now for us?

 

 

“Music is the language of the soul. It can either be a language that God and the soul can understand or communicate with together, or a language that Satan and the soul can understand and communicate with together. Whatever the language is, remember that music is eternally important to help form our character for good or for evil.”

Principles of Good Music

(Quick Reference to Good Music)

1. Clear and Correct Intonation
2. Correct Pronunciation
3. Distinct Utterance
4. Sweet and Simple
5. Clear, Soft Tones, and Not Loud
6. Beauty
7. Pathos
8. Power
9. Subdued
10. Melodious
11. Solemnity
12. Synchronized Rhythm
13. Harmonious

Lesson 7-Teach Truth

Toys, Books, Drama

The seventh lesson is divided up into several parts. In this post we will look at 3 of those sections.

Toys and Children’s Play

How our children play is an index to what is going on in their minds.

“Our words index the state of our heart and whether men talk much or little, their words express the character of their thoughts. A man’s character may be quite accurately estimated by the nature of his conversation. Sound, truthful words have the right ring in them. (Sons and Daughters of God 180)

There are different kinds of Fantasies

1. Real Constructive- This is the kind of play we want our child to be involved in. They are fantasizing of being a character that is useful such as a truck driver or this can be the father letting the child ride on his back and pretending to be a horse.
2. Real Destructive-A child pretending to shoot another person, or beat up someone. (This owould include video games)
3. Supernatural-A child pretending to fly through the air like Mighty Mouse or Superman.

Side Note: I personally have seen little boys who believe they are Bat Man. Perhaps you have seen them too. They dress up as the character and wear the costume to just about anywhere that their parent’s will let them and a few of them I have seen will not even respond to their mother if she calls them by any other name.

There are four areas of dangerous toys (Toys that are dangerous to the spiritual life).

1. Vanity
2. Romance
3. Violence
4. Occult

If our children have toys that fall under these categories, we need to get rid of them and replace them with useful items and items that are non-offensive such as bed spreads that do not have fictitious characters on them. When family members ask for ideas of what to get your children for birthdays and holidays, present a list of useful items such as tools and books.

Books

“The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd” (Ecclesiastes 12:11)

“The Bible contains all that is needful for the saving of the soul, and at the same time it is adapted to strengthen and discipline the mind. Used as a textbook in our schools, it will be found far more effective than any other book in guiding wisely in the affairs of this life, as well as in aiding the soul to climb the ladder that reaches to heaven. The Bible gives the true seeker an advanced mental drill; he comes from the contemplation of divine things with his faculties enriched. Self is humbled, while God and His truth are exalted. It is because men are unacquainted with the truths of the bible that there is so much lifting up of man and so little honor given to God.” (Counsels to Teachers 448)

Our children should not read fiction. Fiction:

Imparts no real knowledge

Inspires no great good and purpose

Kindles in the heart no earnest desire for purity

Excites no soul hunger for righteousness

 

“Even fiction which contains no suggestion of impurity, and which may be intended to teach excellent principles, is harmful. It encourages the habit of hasty and superficial reading merely for the story. Thus it tends to destroy the power of connected and vigorous thought; it unfits the soul to contemplate the great problems of duty and destiny.” (The Ministry of Healing 445-446)

 

Note: John Bunyan’s work the Pilgrim’s Progress is not included in this category. See references to Bunyan in 9 Testimonies 217 “Allegory;” Christ Object Lessons 236 “Redeemed from Sinful Life” for more details.

We should stay away from those things that are Impractical, Intemperate, Secular, Uninspired, Confusing, and Hasty. When these warning are not heeded, the results seen are often: loss of healthful tone of the brain, diseased imagination, the nerves being taxed unnecessarily, the mind being dwarfed, and many other things.

“Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there by any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Drama

“Many of the amusements popular in the world today, even with those who claim to be Christians, then to the same end as did those of the heathen. There are indeed few among them that Satan does not turn to account in destroying souls. Through the drama he has worked for ages to excite passion and glorify vice. The opera, with its fascinating display and bewildering music, the masquerade, the dance, the card table, Satan employs to break down the barriers of principle and open the door to sensual indulgence. In every gathering for pleasure where pride is fostered or appetite indulged, where one is led to forget God and lose sight of eternal interests, there Satan is binding his chains about the soul” (Patriarchs and Prophets 459-460)

There are four basic steps that Satan uses to educate the mind to sin:

1. Life of ease
2. Familiarity
3. Kept before the people
4. The tender conscience eventually becomes hardened

“Among the most dangerous resorts for pleasure is the theater…” (Counsels to Teachers 334)

“Acting is pretending as is a counterfeit of witnessing.”

Hypocrite-one who acts or performs on the stage acting under a feigned part.

“Worldly or theatrical entertainments are not essential for the prosperity of the sanitarium or for the health of the patients. The more they have of this kind of amusements, the less will they be pleased unless something of the kind shall be continually carried on. The mind is in a fever of unrest for something new and exciting, the very thing it ought not to have. And if these amusements are once allowed, they are expected again, and the patients lose their relish for any simple arrangement to occupy the time. But repose, rather than excitement, is what many of the patients need.

As soon as these entertainments are introduced, the objections to the theater going are removed from many minds, and the plea that moral and high toned scenes are to be acted as the theater breaks down the last barrier. (4 Testimonies 578)

For those that have been involved in drama, there are four ways that God can heal:

1. Prayer
2. Study of the Word
3. Through Nature
4. Hard, productive work

May Psalm 119:30 be our prayer: “I have chosen the way of truth thy judgments have I laid before me.

Lesson 6-Physical Culture

“Mental, Physical, Spiritual”

 Read:

Luke 2:40

Luke 2:51-52

The Desire of Ages 68-74, 84-92

 

Jesus Works in the Carpenter Shop

 The Bible says of Christ “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him.” In this verse, we see mentioned the mental, physical and spiritual growth of Christ-the subject our discussion today.

 If we want our children to be pure, we must train them to be diligent workers. Work will save not only save them from a multitude of evils, but will train them in habits that will benefit them in this life and the life to come.

“Christ was the only sinless one who ever dwelt on earth; yet for nearly thirty years He lived among the wicked inhabitants of Nazareth. This fact is a rebuke to those who think themselves dependent upon place, fortune, or prosperity, in order to live a blameless life. Temptation, poverty, adversity, is the very discipline needed to develop purity and firmness.” (DA 72)

It is not enough for our children to complete the job; they must perform and complete it with a good attitude. This will require much patience and spirituality. “Jesus carried into His labor cheerfulness and tact.”

“The more quiet and simple the life of the child-the more free from artificial excitement, and the more in harmony with nature-the more favorable is it to physical and mental vigor and to spiritual strength. (DA 74)

The nature lesson for this section is on the tree, and what a fitting example it is. As Jesus worked with trees (wood) in the carpenter’s shop, so He works with us to fashion and make us into something beautiful.

Trees must have sunlight to grow. Christ is the Sun of righteousness with healing in His wings. Trees must have water and light. Christ is the Living Water and He is the Light of the world as well as a light that lights each step of the path we must take. “A tree must have food to live. A man must have spiritual food to live spiritually.”

The lesson also nicely parallels traits of a man and a tree:

Tree	Man
Roots	Feet
Trunk	Body trunk
Branches	Arms
Leaves	Hands
Bark	Skin
Fruit	Character

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Physical Training

In the beginning, physical labor was a blessing and a joy. God put both Adam and Eve in a garden to work to make it beautiful. Their work was not drudgery. After sin, work is no longer enjoyable in the same way, but it still provides benefits to us physically and well as mentally and spiritually. Gardening especially can be very rewarding and yield results that benefit a family or entire community.

“At the creation, labor was appointed as a blessing. It meant development, power, happiness. The changed condition of the earth through the curse of sin has brought a change in the conditions of labor; yet though now attended with anxiety, weariness, and pain, it is still a source of happiness and development. And it is a safeguard against temptation. Its discipline places a check on self-indulgence and promotes industry, purity, and firmness. Thus it becomes a part of God’s great plan for our recovery from the Fall.”

“As a rule, the exercise most beneficial to the youth will be found in useful employment. The little child finds both diversion and development in play; and his sports should be such to promote not only physical, but mental and spiritual growth. As he gains strength and intelligence, the best recreation will be found in some line of effort that is useful. That which trains the hand to helpfulness, and the young to bear their share of life’s burdens, is most effective in promoting the growth of mind and character.”

Both boys and girls should learn life skills. This includes boys being able to cook, clean and wash dishes as well as girls learning to take care of their cars and do yard work.

“Since both men and women have a part in homemaking, boys as well as girls, should gain knowledge of household duties.   To make a bed and put a room in order, to wash dishes, to prepare a meal, to wash and repair his own clothing, is a training that need not make any boy less manly; it will make him happier and more useful. And if girls, in turn, could learn to harness and drive a horse, [fix and drive a car], and to use the saw and the hammer, as well as the rake and the hoe, they would be better fitted to meet the emergencies of life.”

In studying agriculture and/or having a garden, students can learn much in regard to “the nature and preparation of the soil, the value of different crops, and the method of production while at the same time experiencing the “invigorating effect of exercise, sunshine, and pure air.”

An entire list including useful Labor, Nature and Hobbies, and Missionary Activities is included in the lesson on pages 259-261

 

Recreation

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

While we should teach our children to be diligent and work hard, we must also make time for their recreation-a time to come aside from their labors and be refreshed. There must be a balance of school work, labor and recreation.

“Again, excessive study, by increasing the flow of blood to the brain, creates morbid excitability that tends to lessen the power of self-control, and too often give sway to impulse or caprice. Thus the door is opened to impurity. The misuse or nonuse of the physical powers is largely responsible for the tide of corruption that is overspreading the world. ‘Pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness,’ are as deadly foes to human progress in this generation as when they led to the destruction of Sodom.”

 

“Teach the students that right living depends on right thinking, and that physical activity is essential to purity of thought.”

 “There is a distinction between recreation and amusement. Recreation, when true to its name, re-creation, tends to strengthen and build up. Calling us aside from the ordinary cares and occupation, it affords refreshment for mind and body, and thus enables us to return with a new vigor to the earnest work of life. Amusement, on the other hand is sought for the sake of pleasure and is often carried to excess; it absorbs the energies that are required for useful work and thus proves a hindrance life’s true success.” (MCP 313)

“It is the privilege and duty of Christians to seek to refresh their bodies and spirits and invigorate their bodies by innocent recreation, with the purpose of using their physical and mental powers to the glory of God. Our recreation should not be scenes of senseless mirth, taking the form of the nonsensical. E can conduct them in such a manner as will benefit and elevate those with whom we associate and better qualify us and them to more successfully attend to the duties devolving upon us as Christians…The religion of Christ is cheering and elevating in its influence. It is above everything like foolish jesting and joking, vain and frivolous chitchat. In all our seasons of recreation we may gather from the Divine Source of strength fresh courage and power, that we may the more successfully elevate our lives to purity, true goodness, and holiness.” (My Life Today 211)

Lesson 5-The Underteacher

“The Teacher and the Mind”

 Read:

Matthew 26:6-13

Mark 14:3-11

Luke 7:36-50

John 12:1-11

The Desire of Ages, 557-568

Our lesson unfolds at the house of Simon the leper. Christ had healed him of his leprosy and as a token of his gratitude; he invited Christ to a feast at his house. Also present were Lazarus, who had been recently raised from the dead, his sister Mary from whom Christ had cast out seven demons, Martha who was working feverishly serving the guests, the disciples, and others.

Mary comes to Christ, hoping to be unnoticed and she bestows upon Him a box of very costly perfume that she has purchased to show her appreciation of what He has done for her. The smell of the perfume alerts others to her actions. The focus of our lesson is how Christ responds to several of the individuals attending the feast.

“How did mean at the feast respond to godly acts poured forth under the direction of the Holy Spirit?

• Judas and others criticized
• Simon condemned
• Jesus commended

The Saviour dealt in the most remarkable way with each mind at this feast. His concern was that all would be freed from sin.”

 

Judas

Judas was irritated at what he considered a waste by Martha. He shared irritation and displeasure with the other disciples and soon many at the table were irritated and displeased as well. Judas pretended that He would have taken the perfume that she used on the Saviour and given it to the poor, insinuating that giving it to the poor was more important that giving it as a gift to Jesus. His thoughts were selfish and he was not even being honest about what he would have done with the gift. In fact he had already been stealing money from treasury bag over which he was in charge. “Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and the bad, and bare what was put therein.”

Christ responded directly to Judas: “Let her alone; why trouble ye her?” She hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and whensover ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.” Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.”

Although Christ did rebuke Judas, He did it gently. “What a sharp lesson Christ might have given him who had dropped the seed of criticism and evil thinking into the mind of the disciples! He who reads the motive of every heart and understands every action, might have opened before those at the feast dark chapters in the experience of Judas.” “In commending Mary’s action, which had been so severely condemned, Christ had rebuked Judas. Prior to this, the Saviour had never given him a direct rebuke. Now the reproof rankled in his heart. He determined to be revenged.

Judas’ response to being rebuked by Christ had nothing to do with how Christ treated him. Christ was gentle with, but he refused to be corrected.

 

Simon

Simon was a disciple of Jesus. He was one of the few Pharisees that had openly accepted His teachings. “He acknowledged Jesus as a teacher, and hoped that He might be the Messiah, but he had not accepted Him as Saviour. His character was not transformed; his principles were unchanged.

With Simon, we see that he did not even verbalize his thoughts. He said within his heart “This Man, ifhe were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. Christ acknowledged that Mary was indeed a sinner: “Seest thou this woman? I say unto thee, her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much…” and then He contrasted Mary’s act of love with Simon’s. In Simon’s mind, he knew he was a sinner, but he thought his sins to much less than that of Mary’s. Christ used a parable to show Simon the error in his thinking.

“By the two debtors in the parable, Simon and the woman were represented. Jesus did not design to teach that different degrees of obligation should be felt by the two persons, for each owed a debt of gratitude that never could be repaid. But Simon felt himself more righteous than Mary and Jesus desired him to see how great his guilt really was. He would show him that his sin was greater than hers, as much greater as a debt of five hundred pence exceeds a debt of fifty pence. Simon now began to see himself in a new light. He saw how Mary was regarded by one who was more than a prophet. He saw that with keen prophetic eye Christ read her heart of love and devotion. Shame seized upon him, and he realized that He was in the presence of One superior to himself. ‘I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet; Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman (whom you despise) since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.’ “Plainly yet with delicate politeness, the Saviour assured His disciples that His heart is grieved when His children neglect to show their gratitude to Him by words and deeds of love.

 In order for us to deal with the minds of our children and others in the way that Christ did, we must have a basic understanding of how the brain works, the differences between young impressionable minds and older, and the difference between the minds of boys and girls. The lesson provides us with a list of Right and Left Brain functions. “Notice how Jesus worked for each individual mind at the feast at Simon’s house, as parent-teachers can work with each of their individual children.