Foreword
There is an old saying, "No man is an island." While every person born on this planet is a distinct individual unlike any other, we depend on one another much more than we may realize. As you look thoughtfully at your fingertips and palms, you see there embedded specific whorls, lines, and designs unique only to you. In contemplating the artistry of that same wonderful Creator who fashioned each human in His own likeness, we are reminded that this same hand was also formed to grasp many other hands in the warmth of nurturing, friendship, and love. "God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, . . . giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; and hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth" (Acts 17:24-26).
Just as the first table of stone in the Ten Commandments teaches our "vertical" relationship with God, the second table reveals our duties with regard to "horizontal" relationships with our fellowmen. These "horizontal" relationships can be illustrated as follows: "Throw a pebble into the lake, and a wave is formed, and another and another; and as they increase, the circle widens, until it reaches the very shore. So with our influence. Beyond our knowledge or control it tells upon others in blessing or in cursing" (Christ's Object Lessons, p. 340).
As a movement of reformation seeking restoration of character to complete harmony with God's will, our desire is to ascend to higher ground in both the vertical and horizontal sense, which are in many ways intertwined. For this reason, during this quarter we are studying about how we can help each other to prepare for eternity. "We are threads in the great web of humanity, and, as such, related with each other. Our life leaves upon the minds of others impressions which will be transferred even into eternity. Angels take note of our works, of our words, of the spirit which actuates us" (The Upward Look, p. 59).
This quarterly is designed in a somewhat chronological order as it touches upon the various human contacts one may encounter going through life. Beginning with creation and birth, it passes through childhood, youth, and adulthood, discussing the various interpersonal relationships usually encountered. The culmination is our great duty before the entire world to shine as witnesses for Christ living in the last days of earth's history. May the Lord guide and strengthen us in the study of these lessons. May we be fortified to become more Christlike people in an ever-widening sphere of influence, so that His name may be truly glorified in us!
