Home Missionary Work
369
listening to the words of Jesus, but he was being drawn toward Him in
spirit. He longed for light, and was at that moment sincerely praying
for it. Philip with joy exclaimed: “We have found Him, of whom
Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth.”
John
1:45
. At Philip’s invitation Nathanael sought and found the Saviour,
and in his turn joined in the work of winning souls for Christ.
One of the most effective ways in which light can be communicated
is by private, personal effort. In the home circle, at your neighbor’s
fireside, at the bedside of the sick, in a quiet way you may read the
[429]
Scriptures and speak a word for Jesus and the truth. Thus you may
sow precious seed that will spring up and bring forth fruit.
The Family a Missionary Field
Our work for Christ is to begin with the family in the home. The
education of the youth should be of a different order from that which
has been given in the past. Their welfare demands far more labor than
has been given them. There is no missionary field more important
than this. By precept and example parents are to teach their children to
labor for the unconverted. The children should be so educated that they
will sympathize with the aged and afflicted and will seek to alleviate
the sufferings of the poor and distressed. They should be taught to be
diligent in missionary work; and from their earliest years self-denial
and sacrifice for the good of others and the advancement of Christ’s
cause should be inculcated, that they may be laborers together with
God.
But if they ever learn to do genuine missionary work for others,
they must first learn to labor for those at home, who have a natural
right to their offices of love. Every child should be trained to bear his
respective share of service in the home. He should never be ashamed
to use his hands in lifting home burdens or his feet in running errands.
While thus engaged, he will not go into paths of negligence and sin.
How many hours are wasted by children and youth which might be
spent in taking upon their strong young shoulders, and assisting to lift,
the family responsibilities which someone must bear, thus showing a
loving interest in father and mother. They are also to be rooted in the
true principles of health reform and the care of their own bodies.
Oh, that parents would look prayerfully and carefully after their
[430]