How to Interest Our Young People in Education—1
By M. E. Kern
From observation and from the study of the spirit of prophecy I am convinced that there is a general need among all our people of an awakening to the value of a thorough education. While man is a progressive being, and, as has been said, progress is his distinctive mark alone, there is quite a tendency in our present condition to inertia, a tendency to be satisfied with present attainments. The true object of education is the restoration of the image of God in the soul, the harmonious development of all the powers. Ought not this great truth to inspire us with the idea presented in the “Testimonies,” Vol. VI, that all our young people should have the advantages of an education in our schools? Aside from this, the high character of the work committed to this people—the great reformatory work of the ages—surely demands the most thorough spiritual and intellectual qualifications obtainable. “The third angel’s message is the most solemn message ever given to mortals, and all who connect with the work should first feel their need of an education and a most thorough training process for the work, in reference to their future usefulness.” “The missionary operations are constantly embarrassed for want of workers of the right class of mind, and the devotion and piety that will correctly represent our faith.”—Christian Education, page 45. We were told in the year 1891 that “in the future there will be more pressing need of men and women of literary qualifications than there has been in the past; for broad fields are opening out before us, white already for the harvest.”—Id., page 90. In harmony with these testimonies, I notice that the calls from our brethren in the foreign fields are for well-educated men,—men of keen intellects, and ability to learn languages and grapple with great questions; but “there is a dearth of educated ability among us.”—Id., page 138. “The apathy, the indolence, the inattention that has been manifested in regard to education, is marvelous; but it is well pleasing to Satan. God would have us arouse from our indifference and no longer allow the intellectual powers to run to waste, and degenerate into imbecility. Men are to appreciate the talents entrusted to them, and take advantage of the opportunities placed within their reach. Let the mental powers be girded for work, and by vigorous exertion let the mind be enlarged and developed. There is more need now than ever before that our young men and women shall be intellectually qualified for the work.”—Id., pages 138, 139. Our workers need to give heed to these most earnest appeals for a more thorough intellectual training. We need to study more diligently to show ourselves approved unto God, workmen that need not to be ashamed. The failure to do so makes us weak and short-sighted, and powerless to do what God would have us do. It has been true, I fear, in some instances that it has almost been regarded as a mark of superior spirituality to depreciate intellectual training. My first suggestion, therefore, as to how to create an interest in education among our young people is the creation of a deeper interest in education among our people and workers generally. When our parents and workers become filled with the ideas set forth in the testimonies quoted above, and come to appreciate education, our young people will catch the spirit; for in the majority of cases where they are not interested, it is because of the lack of encouragement, and in many cases actual opposition to education from older ones. This general interest can be awakened by the agitation of educational questions through our periodicals, and the creation of an educational literature adapted to the needs. The vigorous circulation of the books “Education,” and “Testimonies,” Vol. VI, will also do much. And let our efforts be positive, instructing our people concerning the great advantages of a thorough training.