Christ in the Home by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 29, 1910

Christ in the Home

By F. M. W.

The need of the world is for a living, practical Christianity. There is much excellent preaching, there are many beautifully written articles, and the graces and blessings of the gospel are set forth in pleasing phrase and figure. All this is well, and fills a necessary place in the promulgation of Christian principles; yet it can not fill the place of the practical exemplification of Christ in the every-day life. The apostle Paul speaks of those who are living epistles, “known and read of all men.” It is this class of Christians, and this phase of Christianity, which accomplish the most for God.

The first manifestation of Christian living should be in the home, but here is where many fail. They feel that their mission is to the church or to the world. It is safe, however, to say that God will extend to no man or woman the call to general ministry who can not exemplify the divine character, in the more humble circles of every-day life. The one who has become a minister of light and Christian living to those within his own family circle, may expect to be called of God to a broader sphere, and to see the circle of his influence extend and widen.

How necessary it is that those who profess faith in the closing gospel message should show in their lives the fruit of this home Christianity! Connected with this movement are those whose companions or children are not members of the household of faith. What evidence are these believers giving to their unconverted wives, husbands, or children of the power of the gospel? If the truth they profess does not keep them from uttering fretful and impatient words, or manifesting a spirit of uncharitableness and criticism, with what courage can they recommend the truth to those who know it not? The unbeliever judges of the truth by the fruit it bears in the lives of those who profess it. What conviction does your life carry in your home? Have you been praying for long years for the conversion of a wayward son, an unbelieving husband? Has the influence of your life united with the operations of the Spirit of God in opening their hearts, and drawing them to the Lord? These are practical questions, to be earnestly considered in this connection.

If you have failed in any particular, then confess the failure to God, and to those in your family concerned, and resolve that from this time forth your life shall show forth the conviction and power of the blessed gospel. From your life forever banish strife, wrangling, and irritation. Exercise the spirit of meekness and sweetness in all your associations with your loved ones. God will give you strength to do this. Cast yourself at his feet, reaching out for divine aid. He will not deny your earnest petition, but will give you power to live for him. The record says, “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.” John 1:12. That poor, fainting heart, is for you. Poor, discouraged brother or sister, burdened by mistakes and failures of the past, buffeted by the enemy of your soul, take hold of the strong hand of the mighty One, that is reached down to succor you. Surrender to him. Throw upon him your burden of anxiety. Ask him to guide in all your affairs, and then pray that he will rule and reign in all of life's experiences. He is interested in your every plan, and longs to give you help.

Having made this surrender every morning, go forth with the consciousness of his presence in your life, humbly and patiently submitting to every circumstance, trusting him to guide in it all, and to bring everything out just right in the end. This experience, in a life of consecration and trust and victory, is for every praying soul. And this is made possible by the grace which Christ will bestow. Victory may take the place of defeat, and songs of praise succeed the tears of regret. Through Christ we may be victorious.

F. M. W.