SABBATH-SCHOOL TEACHERS AND LITTLE THINGS by Ida Iden

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Thursday, May 20, 1880

FromThe Review and Herald, Vol. 55, No. 21

SABBATH-SCHOOL TEACHERS AND LITTLE THINGS.

By Ida Iden

BY IDA IDEN.

MUCH has been said in the past in regard to the importance of little things, yet the subject may, with profit, be taken up again in connection with Sabbath-school teachers.

While we are pressed on all sides with cares and responsibilities, and things that must receive attention, we are apt to forget the little matters that may arise, or regard them of small account. But let us remember that it is attention to little things that makes our success in life, and the neglect of little things that makes our failures.

Many of us fail to realize how great an influence we exert on the side of either right or wrong; and though perhaps unconscious of the harm we are doing, we may be the cause, direct or indirect, of the loss of precious souls. Seed that is sown in youthful hearts, soon grows and bears fruit; for it has been cast in fertile soil. Children naturally imitate those older than themselves; and to whom should they look for a good example, if not to their Sabbath-school teacher? They do look to him, and watch closely his manner and habits. The pupil who already has some particular weakness or bad habit, will be greatly injured on seeing those same weaknesses displayed by his teacher. He may rejoice over his discovery of them, feeling that it in some degree justifies him in his own course, and thinking that if his teacher gets along without reforming, he is safe enough. If his teacher in the Sabbath-school can do these things, and escape the censure and ill-will of those around him, surely it cannot be so very wrong if he does the same.

We are often tempted to indulge in the light, frivolous talking and jesting so common among young people. And frequently, too, we get in such a hurry that we think we cannot stop for the little courtesies and acts of love that we might mix in here and there, by simply denying the gratification of our own selfish desires. If we would inculcate right principles in the hearts of those we instruct, we must have right principles and motives in our own hearts. We should cultivate habits of regularity, thoughtfulness, and care, not to be manifested simply on particular occasions, or before certain persons, but at all times. Great care must be taken, lest all the good we do by meeting the members of our classes occasionally, be entirely counteracted by our bad influence outside of the Sabbath-school and these meetings.

Then let us try harder to do our part in the work, and the blessing of the Lord will surely attend our efforts.