The Object of an Education
By M. E. Kern
The second object will follow that of the development of character. “A workman that needeth not to be ashamed.” When the soul is released from the power of sin and restored into God’s image, a true ambassador for Christ has been found, and a definite preparation for some special work for God is in order. This is a question that should receive the most careful consideration at the hands of all who have an interest in the Lord’s work. “There are numbers that ought to become missionaries who never enter the field, because those who are united with them in church capacity or in our colleges do not feel the burden of labor with them, to open before them the claims that God has upon all the powers, and do not pray with them and for them; and the eventful period which decides the plans and course of life passes, convictions with them are stifled, other influences and inducements attract them, and temptations to seek worldly positions that will, they think, bring them money, take them into the worldly current. These young men might have been saved to the ministry through well-organized plans.” —“Christian Education,” pages 45, 46.22I am sure that many of us feel that this is true, that Seventh-day Adventist young people have drifted into the world, when they ought to have been saved to the work of God. It is the salvation of a lost world that heaven is interested in. I do not imagine that heaven is so much interested in the things that occupy so much of our thoughts in this modern age. Men talk of our great discoveries and inventions, but these are not the things that occupy the attention of the angels of God. We send our messages hundreds of miles now, even without any medium save the ether wires, but God has always known all about that. His voice fills eternity. We are apt to be absorbed in these things, but heaven is interested in the salvation of souls. There is joy among the angels over one sinner that repents, and worlds that have never sinned thrill with joy at the tidings of a ransomed soul. If we want to get near the great heart of the Infinite, let us become interested in soul-saving. This is the grandest object of education, next to the building of character. Study to be a workman. Study to be able to do valiant service for God and humanity. Time is short, and workers are needed everywhere. “Let men who are truly converted offer themselves to the service of the Lord, for verily, he has need of them.” “Every soul saved will swell the triumphant anthem of praise that the redeemed will sing.” And the Lord asks this question: “What are our young men doing?” That is the question that many who are carrying responsibilities in connection with God’s work are asking. “God calls for you, young men. He calls armies of young men who are large hearted and large minded, and who have a deep love for Christ, and for those for whom he died.” And the promise is added that “if you will receive the truth into the heart, you will have confidence and power to present it to others.” “You whose eyes are not dimmed, who are not worn by long and constant taxation, should plan and execute, treating the aged workers with tenderness, and looking upon them as counselors.” As young men we should study how to be strong men, men who will be safe counselors. We should cultivate executive ability. We should learn to plan and execute, realizing that God is shifting a great burden upon us. Let us get our minds upon the greatest work to which young men and women were ever called, even that of giving the gospel to the world in this generation, and many of the things that have occupied so much of our time and attention will sink out of sight. “Expect great things from God, and attempt great things for God.” “High endeavors are an inward light, That makes the path of duty always bright.”