Our work for Christ is to begin with the family in
the home. The education of the youth should be of a different order from
that which has been given in the past. Their welfare demands far more labor
than has been given them. There is no missionary field more important than
this. By precept and example parents are to teach their children to labor
for the unconverted. The children should be so educated that they will
sympathize with the aged and afflicted and will seek to alleviate the sufferings
of the poor and distressed. They should be taught to be diligent in missionary
work; and from their earliest years self-denial and sacrifice for the good
of others and the advancement of Christ's cause should be inculcated, that
they may be laborers together with God.
But if they ever learn to do genuine missionary work
for others, they must first learn to labor for those at home, who have
a natural right to their offices of love. Every child should be trained
to bear his respective share of service in the home. He should never be
ashamed to use his hands in lifting home burdens or his feet in running
errands. While thus engaged, he will not go into paths of negligence and
sin. How many hours are wasted by children and youth which might be spent
in taking upon their strong young shoulders, and assisting to lift, the
family responsibilities which someone must bear, thus showing a loving
interest in father and mother. They are also to be rooted in the true principles
of health reform and the care of their own bodies.
Oh, that parents would look prayerfully and carefully
after their children's eternal welfare! Let them ask themselves,
Have we been careless? Have we neglected this solemn work? Have we allowed
our children to become the sport of Satan's temptations? Have we not a
solemn account to settle with God because we have permitted our children
to use their talents, their time and influence, in working against the
truth, against Christ? Have we not neglected our duty as parents and increased
the number of the subjects of Satan's kingdom?
By many this home field has been shamefully neglected,
and it is time that divine resources and remedies were presented, that
this state of evil may be corrected. What excuse can the professed followers
of Christ offer for neglecting to train their children to work for Him?
God designs that the families of earth shall be a symbol
of the family in heaven. Christian homes, established and conducted in
accordance with God's plan, are among His most effective agencies for the
formation of Christian character and for the advancement of His work.
If parents desire to see a different state of things
in their families, let them consecrate themselves wholly to God and co-operate
with Him in the work whereby a transformation may take place in their households.
When our own homes are what they should be, our children will not be allowed to grow up in idleness and indifference to the claims of God in behalf of the needy all about them. As the Lord's heritage, they will be qualified to take up the work where they are. A light will shine from such homes which will reveal itself in behalf of the ignorant, leading them to the source of all knowledge. An influence will be exerted that will be a power for God and for His truth.