Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students - Ellen G. White

The Primal Object of Education
By a misconception of the true nature and
object of education, many have been led into
serious and even fatal errors. Such a mistake is
made when the regulation of the heart or the
establishment of principles is neglected in the
effort to secure intellectual culture, or when eternal
interests are overlooked in the eager desire for
temporal advantage.
To make the possession of worldly honor or
riches our ruling motive is unworthy of one who
has been redeemed by the blood of Christ. It should
rather be our aim to gain knowledge and wisdom
that we may become better Christians, and be
prepared for greater usefulness, rendering more
faithful service to our Creator, and by our example
and influence leading others also to glorify God.
Here is something real, something tangible--not
only words, but deeds. Not only the affections of
the heart, but the service of the life, must be
devoted to our Maker.
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