True Education, a Missionary Training

True education is missionary training. Every son and daughter of God is called to be a missionary; we are called to the service of God and our fellow men; and to fit us for this service should be the object of our education.

Screening decision: The paragraph defines the ultimate object of education in spiritual and missionary terms.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

This object should ever be kept in view by Christian parents and teachers. We know not in what line our children may serve. They may spend their lives within the circle of the home; they may engage in life's common vocations, or go as teachers of the gospel to heathen lands; but all are alike called to be missionaries for God, ministers of mercy to the world.

Screening decision: It extends the missionary calling to all possible domestic or foreign life paths without making a scientific claim.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

The children and youth, with their fresh talent, energy, and courage, their quick susceptibilities, are loved of God, and He desires to bring them into harmony with divine agencies. They are to obtain an education that will help them to stand by the side of Christ in unselfish service.

Screening decision: It addresses the spiritual alignment and potential of youth.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Of all His children to the close of time, no less than of the first disciples, Christ said, “As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world” ( John 17:18 ), to be representatives of God, to reveal His Spirit, to manifest His character, to do His work.

Screening decision: It consists of scriptural quotation and direct theological teaching.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Our children stand, as it were, at the parting of the ways. On every hand the world's enticements to self- seeking and self-indulgence call them away from the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord. Whether their lives shall be a blessing or a curse depends upon the choice they make. Overflowing with energy, eager to test their untried capabilities, they must find some outlet for their superabounding life. Active they will be for good or for evil.

Screening decision: It discusses adolescent developmental energy and behavioral choices, blending moral and psychological observation.

God's word does not repress activity, but guides it aright. God does not bid the youth to be less aspiring. The elements of character that make a man truly successful and honored among men—the irrepressible desire for some greater good, the indomitable will, the strenuous application, the untiring perseverance—are not to be discouraged. By the grace of God they are to be directed to the attainment of objects as much higher than mere selfish and worldly interests as the heavens are higher than the earth.

Screening decision: It discusses character traits and their proper moral direction.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

With us as parents and as Christians it rests to give our children right direction. They are to be carefully, wisely, tenderly guided into paths of Christlike ministry. We are under sacred covenant with God to rear our children for His service. To surround them with such influences as shall lead them to choose a life of service, and to give them the training needed, is our first duty.

Screening decision: It outlines parental duty regarding moral and spiritual training.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“God so loved, ... that He gave,” “gave His only-begotten Son,” that we should not perish, but have everlasting life. “Christ ... hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us.” If we love we shall give. “Not to be ministered unto, but to minister” is the great lesson which we are to learn and to teach. John 3:16 ; Ephesians 5:2 ; Matthew 20:28 .

Screening decision: It relies entirely on scriptural quotations to establish a core spiritual principle.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Let the youth be impressed with the thought that they are not their own. They belong to Christ. They are the purchase of His blood, the claim of His love. They live because He keeps them by His power. Their time, their strength, their capabilities are His, to be developed, to be trained, to be used for Him.

Screening decision: The passage discusses spiritual ownership, divine redemption, and consecration of life and capabilities to Christ.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Next to the angelic beings, the human family, formed in the image of God, are the noblest of His created works. God desires them to become all that He has made it possible for them to be, and to do their very best with the powers He has given them.

Screening decision: This is a theological statement concerning human creation in the image of God and divine aspirations for human potential.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Life is mysterious and sacred. It is the manifestation of God Himself, the source of all life. Precious are its opportunities, and earnestly should they be improved. Once lost, they are gone forever.

Screening decision: The focus is on the sacred and divine nature of life and the moral responsibility to use time wisely.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Before us God places eternity, with its solemn realities, and gives us a grasp on immortal, imperishable themes. He presents valuable, ennobling truth, that we may advance in a safe and sure path, in pursuit of an object worthy of the earnest engagement of all our capabilities.

Screening decision: The paragraph highlights divine guidance, eternal themes, and spiritual advancement.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

God looks into the tiny seed that He Himself has formed, and sees wrapped within it the beautiful flower, the shrub, or the lofty, wide-spreading tree. So does He see the possibilities in every human being. We are here for a purpose. God has given us His plan for our life, and He desires us to reach the highest standard of development.

Screening decision: Uses a botanical metaphor to illustrate divine providence and human potential.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

He desires that we shall constantly be growing in holiness, in happiness, in usefulness. All have capabilities which they must be taught to regard as sacred endowments, to appreciate as the Lord's gifts, and rightly to employ. He desires the youth to cultivate every power of their being, and to bring every faculty into active exercise. He desires them to enjoy all that is useful and precious in this life, to be good and to do good, laying up a heavenly treasure for the future life.

Screening decision: The paragraph emphasizes spiritual growth, moral development, and viewing abilities as sacred endowments.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

It should be their ambition to excel in all things that are unselfish, high, and noble. Let them look to Christ as the pattern after which they are to be fashioned. The holy ambition that He revealed in His life they are to cherish—an ambition to make the world better for their having lived in it. This is the work to which they are called.

Screening decision: Outlines an ethical and spiritual standard centered on unselfishness and following Christ's example.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

The highest of all sciences is the science of soul saving. The greatest work to which human beings can aspire is the work of winning men from sin to holiness. For the accomplishment of this work, a broad foundation must be laid. A comprehensive education is needed—an education that will demand from parents and teachers such thought and effort as mere instruction in the sciences does not require. Something more is called for than the culture of the intellect. Education is not complete unless the body, the mind, and the heart are equally educated. The character must receive proper discipline for its fullest and highest development. All the faculties of mind and body are to be developed and rightly trained. It is a duty to cultivate and to exercise every power that will render us more efficient workers for God.

Screening decision: Focuses on educational philosophy and the holistic training of body, mind, and heart for ministry.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

True education includes the whole being. It teaches the right use of one's self. It enables us to make the best use of brain, bone, and muscle, of body, mind, and heart. The faculties of the mind, as the higher powers, are to rule the kingdom of the body. The natural appetites and passions are to be brought under the control of the conscience and the spiritual affections. Christ stands at the head of humanity, and it is His purpose to lead us, in His service, into high and holy paths of purity. By the wondrous working of His grace, we are to be made complete in Him.

Screening decision: The paragraph discusses holistic education, mental control over physical appetites, and spiritual perfection through Christ, lacking specific empirical medical assertions.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Jesus secured His education in the home. His mother was His first human teacher. From her lips, and from the scrolls of the prophets, He learned of heavenly things. He lived in a peasant's home and faithfully and cheerfully acted His part in bearing the household burdens. He who had been the commander of heaven was a willing servant, a loving, obedient son. He learned a trade and with His own hands worked in the carpenter's shop with Joseph. In the garb of a common laborer He walked the streets of the little town, going to and returning from His humble work.

Screening decision: This is a historical and biographical narrative about the early life of Jesus, containing no testable medical or health claims.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

With the people of that age the value of things was estimated by outward show. As religion had declined in power, it had increased in pomp. The educators of the time sought to command respect by display and ostentation. To all this the life of Jesus presented a marked contrast. His life demonstrated the worthlessness of those things that men regarded as life's great essentials. The schools of His time, with their magnifying of things small and their belittling of things great, He did not seek. His education was gained from Heaven- appointed sources, from useful work, from the study of the Scriptures, from nature, and from the experiences of life—God's lesson books, full of instruction to all who bring to them the willing hand, the seeing eye, and the understanding heart.

Screening decision: The text is primarily spiritual and educational, but mentions learning from nature and useful work, which touches on educational and environmental interactions.

“The Child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him.” Luke 2:40 .

Screening decision: This is a direct biblical quotation describing historical and spiritual growth.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Thus prepared, He went forth to His mission, in every moment of His contact with men exerting upon them an influence to bless, a power to transform, such as the world had never witnessed.

Screening decision: This expresses spiritual and theological claims regarding Christ's divine mission and influence.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

The home is the child's first school, and it is here that the foundation should be laid for a life of service. Its principles are to be taught not merely in theory. They are to shape the whole life training.

Screening decision: This is an ethical and educational principle regarding home training and foundational habits.

Very early the lesson of helpfulness should be taught the child. As soon as strength and reasoning power are sufficiently developed, he should be given duties to perform in the home. He should be encouraged in trying to help father and mother, encouraged to deny and to control himself, to put other's happiness and convenience before his own, to watch for opportunities to cheer and assist brothers and sisters and playmates, and to show kindness to the aged, the sick, and the unfortunate. The more fully the spirit of true ministry pervades the home, the more fully it will be developed in the lives of the children. They will learn to find joy in service and sacrifice for the good of others.

Screening decision: The paragraph outlines educational and behavioral practices for children regarding helpfulness and altruism.

The home training should be supplemented by the work of the school. The development of the whole being, physical, mental, and spiritual, and the teaching of service and sacrifice, should be kept constantly in view.

Screening decision: This is an educational principle emphasizing holistic development and community service.

Above any other agency, service for Christ's sake in the little things of everyday experience has power to mold the character and to direct the life into lines of unselfish ministry. To awaken this spirit, to encourage and rightly to direct it, is the parents’ and the teacher's work. No more important work could be committed to them. The spirit of ministry is the spirit of heaven, and with every effort to develop and encourage it angels will co-operate.

Screening decision: The paragraph focuses on spiritual formation and character development through unselfish service, without making empirical medical claims.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Such an education must be based upon the word of God. Here only are its principles given in their fullness. The Bible should be made the foundation of study and of teaching. The essential knowledge is a knowledge of God and of Him whom He has sent.

Screening decision: The text offers spiritual instruction on the primacy of scripture in education.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Every child and every youth should have a knowledge of himself. He should understand the physical habitation that God has given him, and the laws by which it is kept in health. All should be thoroughly grounded in the common branches of education. And they should have industrial training that will make them men and women of practical ability, fitted for the duties of everyday life. To this should be added training and practical experience in various lines of missionary effort.

Screening decision: Contains an explicit empirical assertion regarding understanding bodily health laws alongside educational and practical training.

Let the youth advance as fast and as far as they can in the acquisition of knowledge. Let their field of study be as broad as their powers can compass. And, as they learn, let them impart their knowledge. It is thus that their minds will acquire discipline and power. It is the use they make of knowledge that determines the value of their education. To spend a long time in study, with no effort to impart what is gained, often proves a hindrance rather than a help to real development. In both the home and the school it should be the student's effort to learn how to study and how to impart the knowledge gained. Whatever his calling, he is to be both a learner and a teacher as long as life shall last. Thus he may advance continually, making God his trust, clinging to Him who is infinite in wisdom, who can reveal the secrets hidden for ages, who can solve the most difficult problems for minds that believe in Him.

Screening decision: Discusses cognitive development and study habits from an educational philosophy perspective.

God's word places great stress upon the influence of association, even upon men and women. How much greater is its power on the developing mind and character of children and youth. The company they keep, the principles they adopt, the habits they form, will decide the question of their usefulness here and of their future, eternal interest.

Screening decision: Emphasizes social influence on youth character formation.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

It is a terrible fact, and one that should make the hearts of parents tremble, that in so many schools and colleges to which the youth are sent for mental culture and discipline, influences prevail which misshape the character, divert the mind from life's true aims, and debase the morals. Through contact with the irreligious, the pleasure loving, and the corrupt, many, many youth lose the simplicity and purity, the faith in God, and the spirit of self-sacrifice that Christian fathers and mothers have cherished and guarded by careful instruction and earnest prayer.

Screening decision: Addresses moral and behavioral changes resulting from peer environments.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Many who enter school with the purpose of fitting themselves for some line of unselfish ministry become absorbed in secular studies. An ambition is aroused to win distinction in scholarship and to gain position and honor in the world. The purpose for which they entered school is lost sight of, and the life is given up to selfish and worldly pursuits. And often habits are formed that ruin the life both for this world and for the world to come.

Screening decision: Warns against the moral hazards of worldly ambition in education.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

As a rule, men and women who have broad ideas, unselfish purposes, noble aspirations, are those in whom these characteristics were developed by their associations in early years. In all His dealings with Israel, God urged upon them the importance of guarding the associations of their children. All the arrangements of civil, religious, and social life were made with a view to preserving the children from harmful companionship and making them, from their earliest years, familiar with the precepts and principles of the law of God. The object lesson given at the birth of the nation was of a nature deeply to impress all hearts. Before the last terrible judgment came upon the Egyptians in the death of the first-born, God commanded His people to gather their children into their own homes. The doorpost of every house was marked with blood, and within the protection assured by this token all were to abide. So today parents who love and fear God are to keep their children under “the bond of the covenant” —within the protection of those sacred influences made possible through Christ's redeeming blood.

Screening decision: Historical and ethical commentary on the impact of early companionship.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Of His disciples Christ said, “I have given them Thy word; and ... they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” John 17:14 .

Screening decision: The paragraph consists almost entirely of a biblical quotation regarding discipleship and spiritual separation from the world.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“Be not conformed to this world,” God bids us; “but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 .

Screening decision: The text presents a scriptural injunction concerning spiritual transformation and non-conformity.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? ... and what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Wherefore

Screening decision: The paragraph quotes biblical passages regarding moral boundaries and spiritual identity as God's dwelling place.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“Come out from among them, and be ye separate, ... And touch not the unclean; ... And I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, And ye shall be My sons and daughters, Saith the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 .

Screening decision: This is a direct scriptural quotation focusing on covenant separation and divine relationship.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“Gather the children.” “Make them know the statutes of God, and His laws.” Joel 2:16 ; Exodus 18:16 .

Screening decision: The text contains scriptural instructions regarding the religious education of children.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“Put My name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27 .

Screening decision: This paragraph cites a biblical verse concerning divine blessing associated with God's name.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“And all the peoples of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of Jehovah.” Deuteronomy 28:10 , A.R.V.

Screening decision: The text is a biblical quotation highlighting the public visibility of God's covenant people.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“The remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people As a dew from the Lord, As the showers upon the grass, That tarrieth not for man, Nor waiteth for the sons of men.” Micah 5:7 .

Screening decision: The paragraph uses poetic biblical imagery to describe the spiritual influence of a remnant.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

We are numbered with Israel. All the instruction given to the Israelites of old concerning the education and training of their children, all the promises of blessing through obedience, are for us.

Screening decision: This is a theological statement linking biblical history and divine promises to contemporary believers, containing no empirical medical claims.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

God's word to us is, “I will bless thee, ... and thou shalt be a blessing.” Genesis 12:2 .

Screening decision: This paragraph consists of a biblical quotation conveying a spiritual promise and role.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Of the first disciples and of all who should believe on Him through their word Christ said, “The glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one: I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me.” John 17:22, 23 .

Screening decision: This paragraph consists of a scriptural quotation regarding spiritual unity and divine love, with no empirical assertions.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Wonderful, wonderful words, almost beyond the grasp of faith! The Creator of all worlds loves those who give themselves to His service, even as He loves His son. Even here and now His gracious favor is bestowed upon us to this marvelous extent. He has given us the Light and Majesty of heaven, and with Him He has bestowed all the heavenly treasure. Much as He has promised us for the life to come, He bestows princely gifts in this life. As subjects of His grace, He desires us to enjoy everything that will ennoble, expand, and elevate our characters. He is waiting to inspire the youth with power from above, that they may stand under the blood-stained banner of Christ, to work as He worked, to lead souls into safe paths, to plant the feet of many upon the Rock of Ages.

Screening decision: The paragraph focuses on spiritual concepts, divine grace, character development, and religious devotion.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

All who are seeking to work in harmony with God's plan of education will have His sustaining grace, His continual presence, His keeping power. To everyone He says:

Screening decision: This is a statement of spiritual assurance and theological support rather than an empirical claim.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee.” “I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” Joshua 1:9, 5 .

Screening decision: This paragraph contains a scriptural quotation offering encouragement and spiritual reassurance.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“As the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, And returneth not thither, But watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: It shall not return unto Me void, But it shall accomplish that which I please, And it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, And be led forth with peace: The mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, And instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: And it shall be to the Lord for a name, For an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” Isaiah 55:10-13 .

Screening decision: This paragraph uses poetic biblical imagery regarding the efficacy of divine word and nature's joyful response.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Throughout the world, society is in disorder, and a thorough transformation is needed. The education given to the youth is to mold the whole social fabric.

Screening decision: This is a sociological and educational observation regarding the influence of youth training on society, lacking specific biomedical or testable clinical claims.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“They shall build the old wastes, They shall raise up the former desolations, And they shall repair the waste cities, The desolations of many generations.” Men shall call them “the ministers of our God.... Everlasting joy shall be unto them. For I, Jehovah, love justice.”

Screening decision: This paragraph consists entirely of biblical quotations describing spiritual and physical restoration through divine agency.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“I will direct their work in truth, And I will make an everlasting covenant with them.” “Their race shall be illustrious among the nations, And their offspring among the people; All that see them shall acknowledge That they are a race which Jehovah hath blessed.... For as the earth putteth forth her shoots, And as a garden causeth its plants to spring forth, So shall the Lord Jehovah cause salvation to spring forth, And praise before all the nations.” Isaiah 61:4, 6-8 , Noyes; 61:8; 61:9, 11, Noyes.

Screening decision: This paragraph contains scriptural poetry and promises of divine direction and blessing, representing theological imagery rather than empirical claims.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.