MH page 401

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.

Children should be taught helpfulness, self-control, and consideration for others through early practical duties in the home. 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.

School education should complement home training by fostering physical, mental, spiritual development and service to others. 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.

Service in everyday details molds character and fosters unselfish ministry, aided by heavenly agency. The paragraph focuses on spiritual formation and character development through unselfish service, without making empirical medical claims.

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.

Education must be founded on the word of God as the primary source of essential knowledge. The text offers spiritual instruction on the primacy of scripture in education.