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Influence of Godly Parents, July 24
Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou
forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart
from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and
thy sons’ sons.
Deuteronomy 4:9
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To all parents who profess to believe in the soon return of Christ there
is given a solemn work of preparation, that they and their children may
be ready to meet the Lord at His coming. God desires to see parents take
their position wholeheartedly for Him, that there may be no perverting of
the work He has given them to do and that our children and youth may
understand clearly the will of God concerning them. They are to learn
to resist evil and choose righteousness, to turn from sin and become the
faithful servants of God, prepared to give Him their life’s highest service.
There are few parents who realize how important it is to give to their
children the influence of a godly example. Yet this is far more potent than
precept. No other means is so effective in training them in right lines. The
children and youth must have a true copy in right-doing if they succeed
in overcoming sin and perfecting a Christian character. This copy they
should find in the lives of their parents. If they enter the city of God, ...
someone must show them the way. By living before their children godly,
consistent lives, parents may make the work before them clear and plain.
It is God’s desire that parents should be to their children the embodi-
ment of the principles laid down in His Word.... To keep the feet of their
children in the narrow path will call for faithful effort and constant prayer,
but it is possible to train the children and youth to love and serve God....
It is possible to inculcate the principles of righteousness, line upon line,
precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little, until the desires and
inclinations of the heart are in harmony with the mind and will of God.
When fathers and mothers realize the responsibility resting upon them,
and respond to the appeals of God’s Spirit in behalf of this neglected work,
there will be seen in the homes of the people transformations that will
cause the angels to rejoice.
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