MH page 460

The mind that is earthly finds no pleasure in contemplating the word of God; but for the mind renewed by the Holy Spirit, divine beauty and celestial light shine from the sacred page. That which to the earthly mind was a desolate wilderness, to the spiritual mind becomes a land of living streams.

Spiritual renewal transforms the perception of scripture from a desolate wilderness into a source of living beauty. This paragraph uses metaphor and spiritual imagery to describe differing mental perspectives.

The knowledge of God as revealed in His word is the knowledge to be given to our children. From the earliest dawn of reason they should be made familiar with the name and the life of Jesus. Their first lessons should teach them that God is their Father. Their first training should be that of loving obedience. Reverently and tenderly let the word of God be read and repeated to them in portions suited to their comprehension and adapted to awaken their interest. And, above all, let them learn of His love revealed in Christ, and its great lesson:

Children should be introduced to the knowledge of God, the life of Jesus, and loving obedience from their earliest years. It provides educational and parenting guidance regarding religious instruction.

“If God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” 1 John 4:11 .

Scriptural mandate that divine love obligates believers to love one another. This is a direct scriptural quotation establishing a moral rule.

Let the youth make the word of God the food of mind and soul. Let the cross of Christ be made the science of all education, the center of all teaching and all study. Let it be brought into the daily experience in practical life. So will the Saviour become to the youth a daily companion and friend. Every thought will be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. With the apostle Paul they will be able to say:

The cross of Christ should be the center of education and practical daily experience. It expresses a theological framework for education and devotion.

“God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14 .

The apostle Paul glories in the cross of Christ. This paragraph consists entirely of a biblical quotation from Galatians 6:14.