MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:
September 16, 2026
God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration: TO TEACH STUDENTS TO BECOME THINKERS, NOT MERE REFLECTORS OF OTHER MEN’S THOUGHTS
Texts: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2: 5. “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints” Ephesians 1: 17, 18, KJV.
Did the school/s where you were educated and acquired whatever degrees/specialties with corresponding diplomas, fulfill this fundamental purpose of education, that is, according to the God’s desire and plan?
Read on from this continuing extracts from the book Education, by Ellen G. White, p. 17 (all emphasis and bracketed words provided):
“Every human being, [originally] created in the image of God, is endowed with a POWER akin to that of the Creator—individuality, power to think and do. The men [and women] in whom this power is DEVELOPED are the men who bear responsibilities, who are leaders in enterprise, and who influence character.
“It is the work of TRUE EDUCATION to develop this power, to train the youth to be THINKERS, and NOT MERE REFLECTORS OF OTHER MEN’S THOUGHTS.
“Instead of confining their study to that which men have said or written, let students be directed to the SOURCE OF TRUTH, to the vast field opened to research in NATURE AND REVELATION [the Holy Scriptures].
“Let them contemplate the GREAT FACTS OF DUTY AND DESTINY, and the MIND will expand and strengthen. Instead of EDUCATED WEAKLINGS, institutions of learning may send forth men strong to think and act, men who are masters, not slaves of circumstances, men who possess breadth of mind, clearness of thought, and the courage of their convictions.
“Such an education provides more than mental discipline; it provides more than physical training. It strengthens the CHARACTER, so that TRUTH AND UPRIGHTNESS are NOT SACRIFICED to selfish desire or worldly ambition [!]. Instead of some MASTER PASSION becoming a power to destroy, every motive and desire are brought into CONFORMITY to the GREAT PRINCIPLES OF RIGHT [as clearly defined in God’s law].
“As the PERFECTION OF HIS CHARACTER is dwelt upon, the mind is renewed, and the soul [the whole living person] is re-created in the IMAGE OF GOD.”
Q. “What education can be higher than this? What can equal it in value?
Ans. Read Job 28: 15-18 for yourself in your Bible, preferably the Authorized Version or the KJV.
To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.