Although the following text was originally intended for school leaders and other educational officials, it is sure to be of great use to all readers. After all, aren't we all teachers or students in some way? Above all, however, this article is dedicated to all those for whom the education of their children is particularly important.
We should use every legitimate method, device, technique, or invention today that will help us prepare young people for the challenges of eternity—an eternity in which they will serve the King of the Universe in the vastness of the heavenly courts.
Yet many of us may overlook the most important universal educational resource available to us. Or do we sometimes deliberately neglect them? This treasure stretches like a diamond field underground behind our own homes. It is so valuable that Adam had access to it before he fell into sin.1 But Satan wants us to believe that this diamond field is just an ordinary field.
God's plan for man is the privilege of work. It works in two ways: first, it protects us from temptation, and second, it gives us dignity, character, and everlasting riches like nothing else.2 It should make us distinctive, leaders, the head and not the wagging tail trying to be popular with everyone.
For everyone
No matter what class we teach, God's plan involves all students and teachers:3
a) God is pleased with children who work in the house and garden.4
b) The most detailed instructions are for schools for 18-19 year olds, equivalent to today's junior colleges.5
c) God's advice to "train mental and physical powers with equal intensity" makes work indispensable for all ages and school levels,6 including the university because that is where the spirit is most demanded. That is why there is probably even more physical work required as compensation.7
We speak of "physical work" [in the fresh air] because we are told that it is "far preferable" to play [and indoor activities].8 Students' education is not complete without teaching them how to work.9
Heaven's panacea
The handicraft class automatically solves more personal and institutional problems than a dozen of the usual educational ideas. If we fail to use this miracle drug in the face of temptation, we will be "held accountable."10 "For evil we could have stopped, we are just as responsible as if we had committed it ourselves."11 But what evils can be stemmed by a program that puts work and study on an equal footing? Let's look at this from a positive perspective:
equality of people
At school, physical labor acts as an extremely effective leveler. Whether rich or poor, educated or uneducated, the pupils and students learn in this way better their true value before God: All human beings are equal.12 You learn practical faith.13 They state "that honest work does not demean either man or woman."14
Physical and mental health
A balanced lifestyle with a work schedule leads to better health:
a) It promotes blood circulation,15
b) counteracts diseases,16
c) keeps every organ fit17 and
d) contributes to mental and moral purity.18
Both rich and poor need work for their health.19 You can't stay healthy without work20 nor keep a clear, lively mind, a healthy perception or balanced nerves.21 Students should leave our schools as a result of this program healthier than when they entered, with a more agile, vigorous mind and a keener eye for truth.22
Strength of character and depth of knowledge
All noble character traits and habits are reinforced by such a program.23 Without a work program, moral purity is impossible.24 Diligence and firmness are better learned in this way than through books.25 Principles such as thrift, economy and self-denial are developed, but also a sense of the value of money.26 Physical work gives self-confidence27 and builds determination, leadership and dependability through hands-on business experience.28
Through the maintenance of tools and the workplace, the student learns cleanliness, aesthetics, order, and respect for the property of institutions or other people.29 He learns tact, cheerfulness, courage, strength and integrity.30
Common sense and self control
Such a balanced program also leads to prudence, for it casts out selfishness and promotes the qualities of the golden rule. Common sense, balance, a keen eye and independent thinking - rare these days - develop quickly in a work program.31 Self-control, "the supreme proof of noble character," is better learned through a balanced, divine work program than through human textbooks.32 When teachers and students work together physically, they will "learn how to control themselves, how to work together in love and harmony, and how to overcome difficulties."33
Student and teacher excellence
In a good work program, the student learns systematic, correct, and thorough timing, giving meaning to each movement.34 His noble character shows in his conscientiousness. "He needn't be ashamed."35
The pinnacle of this program, however, will initially seem enigmatic to all, for it is reaping the blessings of God.36 Disciplinary problems become a rarity and the scientific nature increases. The spirit of criticism disappears; Unity and a higher spiritual level will soon become apparent. The call for pleasure and for more liberal dealings between the sexes will diminish. True missionary spirit fills the vacuum, accompanied by sharper, clearer thinking and vibrant, healthy physical activity.
God ordained this program, the world's educational authorities have proven it, and for skeptics, science has even proven it! Why should we hesitate?
Teachers spend far less time on administrative committees solving problems now prevented by God's own therapy. He "enlivens" the spirits and fills them with "wisdom from above".37 This miracle of efficiency that God works in devoted people cannot be underestimated. Students and teachers engaged in a balanced program do much more intellectual work in a given amount of time than those with only theoretical study on their schedule.38
evangelism
A balanced program of work is key to missionary work. If students work together with their teachers on a daily basis, their desire for sports and fun will decrease. They will become missionary workers because of the opportunity for the Holy Spirit to work.39
Source: From a document originally presented at the 1959 North American Congress of Education Secretaries, Administrators and Principals held at Potomac (now Andrews) University, in the Department of Psychology and Education.
With some additions by the author from 1980. Moore Academy, PO Box 534, Duvur, OR 97021, USA +1 541 467 2444
mhsoffice1@yahoo.com
www.moorefoundation.com
1 Genesis 1:2,15.
2 Proverbs 10,4:15,19; 24,30:34; 26,13:16-28,19; 273:280-91; 214:219; CT 198-179; AH 3; Ed 336f (Erz XNUMXf/XNUMXf/XNUMXf); XNUMXT XNUMX.
3 MM 77,81.
4 AH 288; CT148.
5 CT 203-214.
6 AH 508-509; FE 321-323; 146-147; MM 77-81; CG 341-343 (WfK 211-213).
7 TM 239-245 (ZP 205-210); MM81; 6T 181-192 (Z6 184-195); FE 538; Ed 209 (ore 214/193/175); CT 288, 348; FE 38, 40.
8 CT 274, 354; FE 73, 228; 1T 567; CG 342 (WfK 212f).
9 CT 309, 274, 354; PP 601 (PP 582).
10 CT102.
11 DA 441 (LJ 483); CG 236 (WfK 144f).
12 FE 35-36; 3T 150-151.
13 CT279.
14 Ed 215 (ore 199/220/180).
15 CE9; CG 340 (WfK 211).
16 Ed 215 (ore 199/220/180).
17 CE9; CG 340 (WfK 211).
18 Ed 214 (ore 219/198/179).
19 3T 157.
20 CG 340 (WfK 211).
21 MYP 239 (BJL/RJ 180/150); 6T 180 (Z6 183); Ed 209 (ore 214/193/175).
22 CE9; CG 340 (WfK 211); 3T 159; 6T 179f (Z6 182f).
23 PP 601 (PP 582); DA 72 (LJ 54f); 6T 180 (Z6 183).
24 Ed 209, 214 (ore 214,219/193,198/175,179); CG 342 (WfK 212); CG 465f (WfK 291); DA 72 (LJ 54f); PP 60 (PP 37);6T 180 (Z6 183).
25 PP 601 (PP 582); Ed 214, 221 (ore 219/198/179); Ed 221 (Ore 226/204/185).
26 6T 176, 208 (Z6 178, 210); CT 273; Ed 221 (Ore 219/198/179).
27 PP601 (PP582); Ed 221 (ore 219/198/179); MYP 178 (BJL/RJ 133/112).
28 CT 285-293; 3T 148-159; 6T 180 (Z6 183).
29 6T 169f (Z6 172f); CT211.
30 3T 159; 6T 168-192 (Z6 171-195); FE 315.
31 Ed 220 (ore 225/204/184).
32 DA 301 (LJ 291); Ed 287-292 (ore 287-293/263-268/235-240).
33 5MR, 438.2.
34 Ed 222 (ore 226/205/186).
35 2 Timothy 2,15:315; FE XNUMX.
36 Deuteronomy 5:28,1-13; Is 60
37 Ed 46 (Ore 45/40).
38 6T 180 (Z6 183); 3T 159; FE 44.
39 FE 290, 220-225; CT 546-7; 8T 230 (Z8 229).
First published in German in Our solid foundation, 7-2004, pages 17-19
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