A Christian Home a Light in the World by Mary Alice Hare Loper, M.S.

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jun 25, 1912

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 39, No. 25.

A Christian Home a Light in the World

By Mary Alice Hare Loper, M.S.

On the rock-bound shore, where the harbor is dangerous, stands the lighthouse, which by being kept constantly illuminated at night, guides incoming ships, lest they be stranded or broken to pieces on the treacherous rocks. The Christian home stands on the shores of time, and looks out upon the sea of life, its ever-constant gleam directing seafaring souls to a safe harbor. "Ye are the light of the world," applies to every Christian; and altho his home may be humble, the light may be far-reaching. Never did a home send forth such a light as that which emanated from the rude manger in Bethlehem, when He came who was and is the Light of the world. And the home in which this Light abides to-day, sheds saving rays which guide tempest-tossed souls to the haven of eternal rest. One can scarcely think of such a home without contrasting it with that in which Christlike characteristics are wanting.

The twining rose of love so softly clambers About the threshold, while the ivy green Of happiness so delicately wanders, And spreads o'er all, its friendly emerald sheen.

Such a home is a resting-place for the weary; a wayside inn where the deserving guest may find extended to him a sincere welcome and true hospitality. His greeting does not include the uncomfortable inquiry, "How long are you going to stay?" Here he finds the congenial atmosphere of unselfishness; for the sentiment seems to be, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." "When the wandering wind finds out an eolian harp, it becomes musical." Likewise when an opportunity to cheer a fellow traveler on the path of life comes to one who rightly appreciates it, his benignant soul immediately responds.

In the cherished autograph album of my school-days a thoughtful girl friend inscribed the helpful quotation, "Trifles make perfection, but perfection is no trifle." The great billowy sea is made up of single drops of water, and its boundless shores are composed of single grains of sand. The single touches of the artist's brush one by one bring out the marvelous beauty of the completed picture. The single blows from the sculptor's chisel gradually reveal the outlines of the perfected statue. Similarly, the single opportunities for making others happy, rightly improved, little by little give to life's panoramic picture its marvelous tints and radiant hues; one by one shape the beautiful monument of a Christian character. Christianity is of the heart and soul; it is living; while affectation is but outward show, an artificial flower, devoid of the living luster and inward fragrance which so endear the genuine to human hearts.

There is a work of kindness, sympathy, and helpfulness to be done in every neighborhood, and the Christian appreciates the "day of small things." There are many occasions for lightening sorrows, alleviating suffering, and adding to the comfort and happiness of those in need. Only by improving them does one find the highest happiness himself. One sorrowing heart made joyful affords more true pleasure than all the selfish enterprises of a whole lifetime.

The Christian dwells in an atmosphere of usefulness. He stoops to pluck thorns from the pathway of others when his own inclinations would lure him on to more inviting employment. He yields cheerfully his preferences, and believes in the lesson taught by the story of the good Samaritan,—that kindness is never so beautiful as when exercised in behalf of an enemy. His courage, cheerfulness, and happiness in times of trial prove him to be the happiest person in the world. To him every storm-cloud has its rainbow, every shadow has its sunshine, and every tempest has its "Peace, be still." And it matters not how trackless may be his course over the sea of life, his ear catches the sweet, familiar echo through the mist of nineteen hundred years, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid."

There is an air of refinement and culture about the Christian home. It is not a dispensary for gossip, nor does it represent neighborhood difficulties. The library reveals appreciation of the greatest thoughts ever given to man—the blessed Bible; and the members of the household seek to practise its precepts. They remember to pay back as much as they borrow, and are honest in every detail of business. Their word is as reliable as their note, for their promises are made in sincerity. They have not joined the church for the sake of brightening their business prospects. Genuine Christians are Christlike, and for this reason they refrain from doing that which is hypocritical. Their Christianity is the same every day in the week, and does not change with the seasons. The old colored woman's remark, "Dey get religion in de wintah, and sweat it out in de summah," does not apply to them.

Young people who go out from Christian homes, carry with them an influence for right and truth, and set such an example of integrity of character as the world admires.

Others may know us better than we know ourselves; but they appreciate most him who is upright in all his ways, who is most thoughtful in performing little acts of kindness which add to their happiness. The Christian sometimes makes mistakes; but when he does, he seeks to correct them, and to keep his "conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men."

From the Christian homes of the Bible there come to us to-day precious rays of light. After three thousand years we still see shining from the tented homes of Israel, on the fatal night when the first-born of Egypt were slain, a gleam of light which attests to God's protecting care for those who implicitly believe and obey Him. The light of hospitality in that humble home at Shunem, where a little room was added for the accommodation of Elisha and his servant when they might be passing that way, is still visible through the mist of twenty-eight centuries. King David kindled a ray of immortal hope for orphans and homeless cripples when he welcomed as his own son, to his palace in Jerusalem, Mephibosheth, the grandson of Saul. From a cottage prayer-meeting at the home of Mary in the suburb of Jerusalem, comes the light of effectual prayer, when Peter was miraculously delivered from prison. Who has not beheld the light which gleams from the little home at Bethany which so often served as a stopping-place for Jesus as He quietly "went about doing good"? Mary and Martha and Lazarus, two sisters and one brother, were all that remained of that broken family circle. They were not all perfect, but in some way the atmosphere about the place was such that the Master loved to be there, and they greatly enjoyed entertaining Him. From every Christian home to-day there shines a beacon light which speaks of the Master's presence, and invites the world to participate in the joys of His companionship.

There are those amid the darkness of this world who appreciate the light which shines from the Christian home, where are extended the thoughtful courtesies of life, and the pleasing hospitality which bespeaks faith in Him who has given us the kindly admonition, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."