Home Training by Mrs. M. F. Brace

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 20, 1916

Home Training

By Mrs. M. F. Brace

MRS. M. F. BRACE

The Bible abounds with examples which show the importance of early home training in the development of character. The experiences of Joseph, Moses, and Daniel form a striking contrast with those of Manasseh and a number of youthful kings who ruled over Israel and Judah, and “did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord,” as soon as responsibility was thrust upon them. The bent of the twig foretells the inclination of the tree; and just as surely the home training in early childhood has very much to do with the trend of later life.

We are told that “higher than the highest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for his children.” Should the aim of parents, then, be low? To their children they stand in the place of God; and in training those committed to their care, godliness—godlikeness—is the ideal for which they should strive. Fathers and mothers should realize that the most important work they can do is to guide the feet of their little ones along the paths of Christlikeness. At the family altar, as parents and children bow together in worship morning and evening, the “lambs of the flock” should be committed to the care of an all-wise Father. We read in “Ministry of Healing,” pages 396, 397:—

“Let the youth be impressed with the thought that they are not their own. They belong to Christ. They are the purchase of his blood, the claim of his love. They live because he keeps them by his power. Their time, their strength, their capabilities are his, to be developed, to be trained, to be used for him.”

The youth of today must bear the burdens of tomorrow. They must be trained for places of responsibility. This training for efficient service requires years of discipline. God kept Israel out of the land of Canaan for forty years while the younger generation was being trained for his service; and when the time for crossing Jordan finally came, only two of the older men—Caleb and Joshua—went with them to possess the Land of Promise. It was upon the shoulders of the young men that most of the heavy burdens rested.

Parents cannot neglect their God-given work and expect to receive the reward of the faithful at last. We are told by the spirit of prophecy that “every mother should take time to reason with her children, to correct their errors, and patiently teach them the right way. Christian parents should know that they are instructing and fitting their children to become children of God. The entire religious experience of the children is influenced by the instructions given, and the character formed, in childhood. . . . Parents who neglect this important work commit a great error, and sin against their poor children, and against God. . . . Parents should deal faithfully with the souls committed to their trust. . . . Let all your efforts be for their salvation. . . . Parents, help your children. Arouse from the lethargy which has been upon you. Watch continually to cut off the current, and roll back the weight of evil which Satan is pressing in upon your children. The children cannot do this of themselves, but parents can do much. By earnest prayer and living faith, great victories will be gained.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. I, pages 390-397.

If your children are older, make their interests yours, and by the cords of love hold them from straying. Satan is pleased to see our youth losing ground; but if their early training has been what it should be, the guiding hand of a wise parent will help them to avoid the snares of the evil one.

We are shocked by the great tragedies taking place today on land and sea. The loss of life is appalling, horror grips our hearts, and we wish it were within our power to stay the tide of desolation. But what of the precious little ones intrusted to our care? Many of our youth are drifting with the current of the world, and, lured by the deceiver, are going to destruction. Is there no one to warn them and point out the way of life? It is the duty and privilege of parents so to train their children that they will stand firmly for the right, whatever test of character may come. If we neglect to care for the lambs of the flock, we cannot expect to receive the Master’s “Well done” at last. A great responsibility rests upon us as parents, and frequently we are tempted to become discouraged; but we should remember that “the toils of the road will seem nothing when we get to the end of the way.”

“Then let us hope; ’tis not in vain; Though moistened by our grief the soil, The harvest brings us joy for pain, The rest repays the weary toil; For they shall reap, who sow in tears, Rich gladness through eternal years.”

DeWitt, Mich.