Work in the Home

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 7, 1912

(Second Reading)

MANY important lines of work have been presented in former readings, such as working with our periodicals, distributing tracts, writing missionary letters, conducting Bible readings, and other means of getting the truth before our friends and neighbors. As these subjects have been presented and their importance dwelt upon, our interest has been aroused, and we have become more active in real missionary work. In order to carry on this work in such a way that it will be an honor to our Master, we must be filled with his spirit of service.

Missionary work begins in the home. Before we are fitted to work for others, we must be true missionaries in our homes. Patience is one of the first essentials. There are many things in the home life to disturb and annoy, but each day we have the promise, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” We read of the meek and lowly Jesus. Did he quarrel with his brothers and sisters? Did he say sharp and unkind words to his parents? Did he? Do we? An impatient spirit is contagious. Parents oftentimes manifest this spirit toward each other, and then they wonder why their children are impatient and unkind. Because of this and other unlovely traits of character, home loses its charm, and loved ones are robbed of much of the sweetness of life.

When all are gathered around the family altar in the hush of evening, then is the time when wrongs and grievances can be adjusted, and a spirit of peace and harmony will pervade the home. If the parents fail in this, the children can not be expected to learn the spirit of confession and forgiveness. This is one of the most effective means of causing the children to lose confidence in the prayers of their parents. And when the parents’ prayers for their children touch no responsive chord in the hearts of those for whom they are so anxious, it is sad indeed. Yet the parents can expect nothing else if they, by their lives and example, fail to carry out the principles which they long to see in their children.

One of the most potent influences that brings about this condition is the practise of reviewing before the children the faults and imperfections of our brethren and sisters. This is a pernicious evil that should be guarded against. Can we invite Christ to be a guest in our home when we, in this way, are continually inviting and fostering a faultfinding spirit? With unconverted children in the home, what kind of influence will this have upon them? This spirit, if unconquered, will increase and develop a poisonous influence that will counteract any influence which would lead them to their Saviour.

On the other hand, in the home where Jesus takes up his abode; where the members bear and forbear with one another, in meekness and love; where discord is not permitted; where all pray at the family altar; where whatsoever things are honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report are talked of, there will be found a missionary zeal and endeavor which will broaden out and permeate the church as leaven in the meal. A working church is seen where we get right with God ourselves, with the members of our family, and with the church.

We must save our children. What greater missionary work can be done than this? They will then help to save others. We sometimes wonder why our children leave the truth and go out into the world. Many children of worthy parents have only secular ambitions today, and the reason is because nothing else was ever talked of or read about at home. The things that are believed in, talked over around the table and about the fireside, the things that are prayed over and read about, leave an indelible impression on the child’s mind. The best of literature should be provided for them. Enlist their interest, and read and study with them the many mission fields mentioned from week to week in the REVIEW.

Satanic influences and deceptions are on every hand. Many are left to meet these influences as best they can, their minds unstrengthened by discipline, their hearts unguided by counsel. How often do the cares of life eclipse their eternal interests! Into our homes should be brought the most beautiful thoughts, the grandest examples, the highest ideals, thus molding the plastic character of our children for purity and usefulness here, and for happiness hereafter.

As a missionary people and a people entrusted with a world-wide message, the training of our children is especially significant, for “the light that shines the farthest shines the brightest nearest home.” And if we fail at the first step, how can the Lord trust us to “run” with the message?

In a meeting where the interests of children and young people were being considered, a lovely woman said: “The best children’s meetings I ever attended were those that mother held with us at home. She was a very hard-working woman, but in the afternoons she would tidy up the room, put on a clean apron, and take down the Bible. We were delighted to sit down by her side to read and talk; then mother would gather us close in her arms and pray. I could never forget those prayers.” If our children are lost to the truth, and fail of eternal life, will it be because we have not laid hold mightily upon God in their

behalf? Will it be because mother’s heart was not large enough to hold them, and father did not command through love and a good example his household after him?

What could bring deeper anguish to the hearts of parents than the possibility that heaven would not open its gates to the children of their love and care, whom they have watched and tended, and that their voices would be hushed in eternal silence? To such in that day it will be said, “Where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?”

Our children and youth are the greatest asset of this denomination. Great possibilities are before us. Our children may be saved forever, and they will help to save others. Faithfulness now and the reward hereafter, or unfaithfulness now and lost forever—which shall it be? “Choose you this day.”