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The Place to Begin Witnessing, April 4
That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our
daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a
palace.
Psalm 144:12
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Our work for Christ is to begin with the family in the home.... There is
no missionary field more important than this.
Happy are the parents whose lives are a true reflection of the divine,
so that the promises and commands of God awaken in the child gratitude
and reverence; the parents whose tenderness and justice and long-suffering
interpret to the child the love and justice and long-suffering of God; and
who, by teaching the child to love and trust and obey them, are teaching
him to love and trust and obey his Father in heaven. Parents who impart to
a child such a gift have endowed him with a treasure more precious than
the wealth of all the ages—a treasure as enduring as eternity.
God wants every child of tender age to be His child, to be adopted into
His family. Young though they may be, the youth may be members of the
household of faith and have a most precious experience. They may have
hearts that are tender and ready to receive impressions that will be lasting.
They may have their hearts drawn out in confidence and love for Jesus, and
live for the Saviour. Christ will make them little missionaries. The whole
current of their thought may be changed, so that sin will not appear a thing
to be enjoyed, but to be shunned and hated.
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.... 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....
God designs that the families of earth shall be a symbol of the family
in heaven. Christian homes, established and conducted in accordance with
God’s plan, are among His most effective agencies for the formation of
Christian character and for the advancement of His work.
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