Series 2 - Lesson 10 - Annotation 11
How should children be taught in their formative years to use will and understanding?
11. The formative years are very important in the lives of children, and understanding, through wisdom and love, should be exercised by those entrusted with their care. A child should be taught that he is a spiritual being, a divine creation, a son of God endowed with abilities or powers (ideas) that enable him to live his life according to the Christ standard. It then becomes the responsibility of those who care for children to teach them the Christ standard of living, and show them how they can use this standard in all that they think, feel, say, and do. In this way they come to understand the true standard and are willing to do what is right.
No attempt should ever be made to break a child's will or bend it to fit that of another individual. Rather the child should be guided and directed in his use of the will faculty by those who are willing to follow the Christ standard themselves. Children should be taught that the intelligence and love of God express through them when they think, feel, speak, and act in loving manner.
"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" (Prov. 22:6).
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Preceding Entry: How does man exercise control of his faculties and all their expressions?
Following Entry: Why is it unwise for one individual to dominate another?
