Strength in Unity by F. G.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Dec 29, 1904

Strength in Unity

By F. G.

THE high standard necessary in our school work can be reached only by a united effort on the part of all. We may have a perfect organization, well-educated and competent teachers, perfect appointments for our schoolrooms, and yet be weak and ineffective in our work as a whole. This weakness may be caused by lack of the hearty support which is demanded from all our people. God's work ever demands from each believer the same spirit which Moses had at the time when the Lord, in his righteous wrath, threatened to destroy Israel and make of Moses a great nation. But Moses so loved the people and the work of God that he exclaimed: “O, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin—and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.” When we have this spirit, we shall not withdraw from any feature of the work which the Lord would perform in the earth because of any failures in that work, even though the failures, as is generally the case, are due directly to those in charge of the work; but, on the other hand, we shall prove true,—the truer as the Lord's work is in the greater danger. It may be necessary to make changes both in managers and in plans, but never should the work be deserted.

These general principles apply to no feature of the Lord's work more strongly than they do to our school work at this time, when from weakness it is endeavoring to rise to strength. It will pass without saying that many of our teachers are not so strong as they should be, but criticizing their mistakes will never make them stronger. These weaknesses, most certainly, should be pointed out, but in the tenderest and most careful manner, and personally to the teacher. They never should be mentioned to fellow patrons of the school or members of the church who can not help the situation.

A teacher has intrusted to him a most delicate and precious work. God has placed his work in the church: “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” Thus, it will be seen, that the teacher should be respected for his very work's sake. The manner in which a teacher's work is sometimes esteemed is illustrated by an incident which occurred in New York City recently. A wealthy man gave a very elaborate dinner in honor of the designer of a new yacht which he had built. Many chosen guests were at his table, but the teacher of his children was at a table with the servants in the kitchen,—the designer of his yacht—a lifeless plaything—sumptuously dined and honored; the designer of the character of his children ignored, and perhaps forgotten!

By what I am saying I would not wish to attach an undue importance to the work of the teacher; but unless the sacredness and far-reaching consequences of his work are properly appreciated, and he justly esteemed for them, it is impossible to extend the hearty sympathy and support due him in his work, which is often exceedingly arduous. Let us, then, unite to make the education of our children a perfect success. Our advance lies along no other line than one of unity. F. G.