In the beginning, God instituted the family as the nucleus of society—a place for the formation and development of character, habits and values. “The system of education established in Eden centered in the family.”1 The divine plan was adapted to the human race after the fall. True education is the work of redeeming and restoring humanity, developing the physical, mental and spiritual faculties according to the character of Christ. It is not limited to the acquisition of knowledge, but seeks to prepare the individual for a life of service on this earth and for eternity. Its foundation is in the Word of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Christ as the representative of the Father, the link between God and humanity, is the great Teacher of humanity, and He arranged that men and women should be His representatives. The family was the school, and the parents were the teachers. This principle was faithfully observed in the earthly life of the Lord Jesus.

“Jesus lived in a peasant’s home, and faithfully and cheerfully acted His part in bearing the burdens of the household. He had been the Commander of heaven, and angels had delighted to fulfill His word; now He was a willing servant, a loving, obedient son. He learned a trade, and with His own hands worked in the carpenter’s shop with Joseph. In the simple garb of a common laborer He walked the streets of the little town, going to and returning from His humble work. He did not employ His divine power to lessen His burdens or to lighten His toil.”2 His home was the main school, where Mary and Joseph, guided by divine principles, played a fundamental role in His development into manhood. The cultural and family environment in which He grew up, surrounded by nature and simplicity, further molded His character and strengthened His connection with God and human needs.

“In the days of Christ the Jews gave much care to the education of their children. Their schools were connected with the synagogues, or places of worship, and the teachers were called rabbis, men who were supposed to be very learned.

“Jesus did not go to these schools, for they taught many things that were not true. Instead of God’s Word, the sayings of men were studied, and often these were contrary to that which God had taught through His prophets.

“God Himself by His Holy Spirit instructed Mary how to bring up His Son. Mary taught Jesus from the Holy Scriptures, and He learned to read and study them for Himself.”3

In contrast to the training that Jesus received in the home, the rabbinical schools of His time had lost sight of the true essence of education and had concentrated on rituals, thus becoming permeated by empty formalism. This resulted in an education that neither promoted a personal connection with God nor fostered the development of a character based on true divine principles. Is this not somewhat similar to the reality in which we live today?

“Our ideas of education take too narrow and too low a range. There is need of a broader scope, a higher aim. True education means more than the pursual of a certain course of study. It means more than a preparation for the life that now is. It has to do with the whole being, and with the whole period of existence possible to man. It is the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual powers. It prepares the student for the joy of service in this world and for the higher joy of wider service in the world to come.”4 Sadly, in the academy of this world, the character and values so important in human life and in preparation for Heaven are neglected. By understanding the errors of the past, we can rediscover the true purpose of divine education.

True education comes from God and its purpose is to restore the divine image in humanity. True education is not limited to the acquisition of academic knowledge, but encompasses the spiritual, moral, and social formation of the human being. It is therefore a sacred and solemn work. In the sacred scriptures we see how God exhorts parents about the education of their children. Referring to Abraham, the Lord declares: “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment” (Genesis 18:19). Due to his close relationship with God, Abraham educated his family in the ways of the Lord. To make this a reality in our homes it is likewise necessary to cultivate habits of loving devotion to the Saviour of souls, to teach our children that through prayer they have a Friend who will listen to all their dreams and sorrows. That by reading the Bible daily they will understand the nature of God and how He with His compassionate love treats us. Thus they will learn to treat others with respect, love and patience. They will learn to be merciful and kind, just as their heavenly Father is merciful and kind to the human race He has tenderly created. Understanding true education leads us to recognize that the ultimate goal of this process is character formation, for this is the only treasure we can take to Heaven.

The formation of character is a fundamental and transcendental process in life; character is the only possession we will take to Heaven and this is built at home. “A character formed according to the divine likeness is the only treasure that we can take from this world to the next. Those who are under the instruction of Christ in this world will take every divine attainment with them to the heavenly mansions. And in heaven we are continually to improve. How important, then, is the development of character in this life.”5 The sacred work of parents is to instruct and teach their children to fear and obey God so that with the help of the Holy Spirit they may develop a character similar to that of their Father in Heaven. The Lord declares, “These words which I command thee this day shall be in thine heart, and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7).

When parents neglect the educational guidelines given by God and their solemn obligation is set aside, their children become educated by the enemy of souls. The case of Eli the priest should call our attention. In 1 Samuel 2:12 we are told: “Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord.” Children need watchful care and guidance as never before, for Satan is striving to gain control of their minds and hearts and cast out the Spirit of God.

“The fearful state of the youth of this age constitutes one of the strongest signs that we are living in the last days, but the ruin of many may be traced directly to the wrong management of the parents. The spirit of murmuring against reproof has been taking root and is bearing its fruit of insubordination. While the parents are not pleased with the characters their children are developing, they fail to see the errors that make them what they are.”6

Parents should understand that Christian education should focus not only on the intellect, but on the development of character, moral formation, and preparation for eternal life. They cannot properly fulfill their responsibilities unless they take the Word of God as the rule of life. They must understand that they are to educate and mold the character of every precious human treasure entrusted to their care, to eventually come to see the principles of true education and the importance of character development as a process with eternal implications. In our day and age, we must be especially vigilant about the friendships our children make. Will the peers they select as friends help them reflect the image of their Heavenly Father or will they influence them to reflect the prince of this world? Will the media content they are viewing sanctify them or will it lower their values and corrupt their spiritual habits? To lead them down the narrow path, family example will be of vital importance.

Christian education begins at an early age with the example of its first teachers, the parents. This is why we are urged to have in our home a little heaven, so that children will learn by imitating the example of their parents. In Galatians 5:22, 23 the fruits of the spirit are described as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control—qualities that make up a solid Christian character. King Solomon reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). The apostle Paul also exhorts us to renew the mind and character according to the will of God (Romans 12:2). In Matthew 5:48 Jesus Himself calls us to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect, which implies a constant growth in Christlikeness. Character development is an ongoing process of transformation that requires the intervention of the Holy Spirit and the commitment of the individual. The primary purpose of Christian education and life is character development. “Every human being, created in the image of God, is endowed with a power akin to that of the Creator—individuality, power to think and to do. The men 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 thought. Instead of confining their study to that which men have said or written, let students be directed to the sources of truth, to the vast fields opened for research in nature and revelation. 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 to act, men who are masters and 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. It fortifies the mind against evil. 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 the perfection of His character is dwelt upon, the mind is renewed, and the soul is re-created in the image of God.”7

Parents should cultivate a joyful and healthy environment for their children by keeping them away from—and making them aware of—the power of negative influences and how such influences can warp character and ultimately lead them away from God. “Actions, often repeated, form habits, habits form character. Patiently perform the little duties of life. So long as you undervalue the importance of faithfulness in the little duties, your character-building will be unsatisfactory. In the sight of Omnipotence, every duty is important. The Lord has said, ‘He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.’ In the life of a true Christian there are no nonessentials.”8

Integral character formation should be based on the following principles:

1. Dependence on God: Seek God daily in prayer and Bible study (Philippians 4:13).

2. Discipline and self-control: Controlling thoughts, words, and actions (Proverbs 16:32).

3. Service to others: Developing a noble character by loving and helping others (Matthew 25:40).

4. Instruction based on divine principles from infancy (Proverbs 22:6; 2 Timothy 3:15).

5. Perseverance in transformation: Character development is an ongoing process until the soul reflects the image of Jesus fully (2 Corinthians 3:18; Early Writings, p. 71).

Earthly pedagogy confirms what the Lord has established in the divine plan of education. Children learn best when they can connect knowledge to their environment by applying it practically in their daily lives. From an early age children should learn a useful or practical trade that facilitates the development of skills that will be fundamental in fostering qualities such as responsibility, discipline, perseverance, and patience. In addition, it allows them to transform education into a meaningful and enriching experience that helps them not only to pass exams, but to successfully face life’s challenges. All of this should be based on the Holy Scriptures.

From the beginning, God established education as an integral process. In Genesis 1:27 we are told that the human being was created in the image and likeness of God. This implies that divine knowledge must be the basis of all teaching. Proverbs 9:10 states that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding,” emphasizing that true education begins with a solid spiritual foundation which must comply with the following fundamental principle: “The work of education and the work of redemption are one,”9 emphasizing that the teaching must lead to spiritual transformation.

1. Christ-centered: God must be the center of all teaching (Colossians 2:3).

2. Integral: It should encompass physical, mental and spiritual development (Luke 2:52).

3. Practical and applicable: Not only theoretical, but focused on daily life and service to others (Matthew 25:40).

4. Character-forming. Education should mold the character to reflect the image of Christ. “Unselfishness underlies all true development. Through unselfish service we receive the highest culture of every faculty. More and more fully do we become partakers of the divine nature. We are fitted for heaven, for we receive heaven into our hearts.”10

5. Focused on hope and redemption: It should prepare the human being for the present life and eternity. “The lifework given to us is that of preparation for the life eternal, and if we accomplish this work as God has designed that we should, every temptation may work for our advance; for as we resist its allurement, we make progress in the divine life. In the heat of the conflict, while engaged in earnest spiritual warfare, unseen agencies are by our side, commissioned of heaven to aid us in our wrestlings, and in the crisis, strength and firmness and energy are imparted to us, and we have more than mortal power.”11

Christian education is not limited to the home or school, but involves the church as a fundamental pillar in spiritual development. Through the church, young people receive guidance, support and examples of faith that will help them grow in their relationship with God and be strengthened for the times ahead.

“And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in” (Isaiah 58:12). This solemn call involves education:

“Satan has used the most ingenious methods to weave his plans and principles into the systems of education, and thus gain a strong hold on the minds of the children and youth. It is the work of the true educator to thwart his devices. We are under solemn, sacred covenant to God to bring up our children for Him and not for the world; to teach them not to put their hands into the hand of the world, but to love and fear God, and to keep His commandments. They should be impressed with the thought that they are formed in the image of their Creator and that Christ is the pattern after which they are to be fashioned. Most earnest attention must be given to the education which will impart a knowledge of salvation, and will conform the life and character to the divine similitude. It is the love of God, the purity of soul woven into the life like threads of gold, that is of true worth. The height man may thus reach has not been fully realized.

“For the accomplishment of this work a broad foundation must be laid. A new purpose must be brought in and find place, and students must be aided in applying Bible principles in all they do. Whatever is crooked, whatever is twisted out of the right line, is to be plainly pointed out and avoided; for it is iniquity not to be perpetuated. It is important that every teacher should love and cherish sound principles and doctrines, for this is the light to be reflected upon the pathway of all students.”12

“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1).

To carry out this work we need to support one another and create support networks with which this purpose can be accomplished. Currently here in Colombia, through the Oded Educational Foundation, we are developing an educational method that embraces the whole being. The sole objective is to restore the image of God in our children and youth, by which the original plan that God established for education is restored. Parents have a responsibility to provide a vital connection to God—providing experiences that allow children to connect what they learn to the real world. However, this is not only a duty of parents; the church also becomes a fundamental support in fulfilling this great mission.

God calls us to live by faith, and this is not simply about attending church or following certain customs, but rather about allowing Christ to shape our hearts and characters. This transformation must be reflected in our way of thinking and acting.

Our mission to be the light of the world begins with the education of children, youth, and adults to preach the gospel. May the wisdom of the Lord be our foundation, so that He may give us understanding and teach us the way in which we should walk! (Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 32:8.)