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The Power of Example

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 18, 1915

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 92, No. 14.

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The Power of Example

By M. E. Kern

THE present generation of mature people is the teacher of the rising generation,—by example and precept. The young people's problem cannot be solved without the sympathetic and active co-operation of parents, church officers, and conference workers.
We are very glad that some of our Missionary Volunteer plans are equally well adapted to the needs of all. Eight years ago this summer a standard was set up for our Adventist young people to attain to,—a standard of knowledge. We said, “Every Missionary Volunteer should be able to pass a good solid examination in Bible doctrines and denominational history, and thus become a Member of Attainment.” Gradually the great importance of this plan has been dawning upon our young people. In 1914 there were more than one and a half times as many certificates of Attainment granted as during the preceding six years.
This increase has been quite largely due, I feel sure, to the interest taken in the matter by our workers. On our list of certificates granted is at least one college president, several conference presidents, and many other workers.
It has been a great pleasure to these Bible teachers to take the test and thus reach the standard set, even though they were able to do more than was required. There is something very satisfying to the normal individual in striving for and reaching a goal. These workers have also considered it a privilege to thus show their interest in our Missionary Volunteer work and set an example to the young.
The Missionary Volunteer secretary of a conference writes: “Yes, indeed, I do think that every conference worker should be a Member of Attainment. We have been trying to gain that goal in this conference. We have a good start. Our president, both secretaries, and the field agent have all obtained their certificates, and all the other ministers are planning to take the examinations. The elder of the church where I live will soon take the test. I think all our societies are studying for it. I am so glad for this advance move; I only wonder why it was not taken years ago.”
The power of example is well illustrated in the following from a church-school teacher: “Recently I received my Standard of Attainment certificate, and I put it in a neat little frame and hung it in the back of the room. I noticed that last month the standings in the Bible examinations and class work were much better, and a patron of the school told me that one of the boys told her that he was going to try to get a certificate like mine.”
Examinations are given in one or both subjects during the first week of March and of September of each year. They are given by the church elder or some one appointed by him, and the papers are corrected by the conference Missionary Volunteer secretary. Who that readsthese lines will prepare for the September examination? We have been known as a denomination of Bible students. Are you one? 1 Peter 3:15.
M. E. KERN.