A Deciding Time for Parents by M. E. K.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 18, 1910

A Deciding Time for Parents

By M. E. K.

SHALL William or Emily go away to school this autumn? In many Seventh-day Adventist homes that is the question being discussed just now. It is talked over in the family circle, and when father and mother are alone. And in some homes where the question is not being discussed, it ought to be.

That awkward, overgrown boy of yours is a diamond in the rough; he may be a David whom neither you nor a Samuel would choose as a leader in God's work, but whom God has chosen. Whether he becomes a bearer of the last message may depend on your decision now, dear parents. We urge young people to go to school; we endeavor to show them the advantages of a Christian education, and the importance of preparing for the Lord's work; and they respond. But in hundreds of cases the decision of this important question rests with the parents.

Decision determines destiny. The far-reaching results of these decisions we scarcely comprehend. Prof. C. B. Hughes tells us, in the campaign number of Christian Education, of the distress of a father who refused to send his daughter who was anxious to go to school one year, but who could not be persuaded by any means to go the next year. Such is often the case.

Shall William or Emily go away to one of the Lord's schools this autumn? They stand at the parting of the ways. They will soon throw their youthful energies into something. Shall it be the Lord's work? By their example, teaching, and decisions, parents are preparing their children either for the Lord's work or for the world.

Read the book “Education,” Volume VI of the Testimonies, and the last number of Christian Education. Note the statement that “all the youth should be permitted to have the blessing and privileges of an education at our schools.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VI, page 197. Remember that you should make all else subordinate to the work God has given you to do for your children. Pray much in secret. The future of your boy or girl depends much on the encouragement and help you give, and the decision you render now.

M. E. K.