Chapter 38—Study Age, Disposition, and Temperament VC

Do Not Hurry Children Out of Childhood—Parents should never hurry their children out of their childhood. Let the lessons given them be of that character which will inspire their hearts with noble purposes; but let them be children and grow up with that simple trust, candor, and truthfulness which will prepare them to enter the kingdom of heaven. (CG 204.1) MC VC

There Is a Beauty Appropriate to Each Period—Parents and teachers should aim so to cultivate the tendencies of the youth that at each stage of life they may represent the beauty appropriate to that period, unfolding naturally, as do the plants in the garden. (CG 204.2) MC VC

One of Christ’s most beautiful and impressive parables is that of the sower and the seed.... The truths which this parable teaches were made a living reality in Christ’s own life. In both His physical and His spiritual nature He followed the divine order of growth, illustrated by the plant, as He wishes all youth to do. Although He was the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, He became a babe in Bethlehem, and for a time represented the helpless infant in its mother’s care. (CG 204.3) MC VC

In childhood Jesus did the works of an obedient child. He spoke and acted with the wisdom of a child, and not of a man, honoring His parents and carrying out their wishes in helpful ways, according to the ability of a child. But at each stage of His development He was perfect, with the simple, natural grace of a sinless life. The Sacred Record says of His childhood, “The child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.” And of His youth it is recorded, “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Luke 2:40, 52. (CG 204.4) MC VC