Page 289 - The Faith I Live By (1958)

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The Royal Robe of Heaven, September 26
Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure,
and whether it be right.
Proverbs 20:11
.
Better than any other inheritance of wealth you can give to your
children will be the gift of a healthy body, a sound mind, and a noble
character.
The lessons learned, the habits formed, during the years of infancy
and childhood have more to do with the formation of the character and
the direction of the life than have all the instruction and training of after
years.
God has withheld no blessing that is necessary for shaping the char-
acter of children and youth after the divine pattern given them in the
youth of Jesus.
The physical constitution of Jesus, as well as His spiritual devel-
opment, is brought before us in these words, “the child grew,” and
“increased in stature.” In childhood and youth attention should be given
to physical development. Parents should so train their children in good
habits of eating and drinking, dressing, and exercise, that a good founda-
tion will be laid for sound health in afterlife.... This places the children
and youth in a favorable position, so that, with proper religious training,
they may, like Christ, wax strong in spirit.
Let the youth and the little children be taught to choose for them-
selves that royal robe woven in heaven’s loom, the “fine linen, clean
and white” (
Revelation 19:8
), which all the holy ones of earth will wear.
This robe, Christ’s own spotless character, is freely offered to every
human being. But all who receive it will receive and wear it here.
Let the children be taught that as they open their minds to pure,
loving thoughts and do loving and helpful deeds, they are clothing
themselves with His beautiful garment of character. This apparel will
make them beautiful and beloved here, and will hereafter be their title of
admission to the palace of the King. His promise is: “They shall walk
with me in white: for they are worthy” (
Revelation 3:4
).
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