Basic HTML Version
Home Duties Well Done, September 4
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto
men.
Colossians 3:23
.
God has given you life and all the rich blessings that make it enjoyable,
and in return He has claims upon you for service, for gratitude, for love,
for obedience to His law.... He requires you to control passion, to restrain
selfish thoughts and actions, and to leave fretful words unspoken. Would
Jesus require this self-control, if it were not for your real happiness to
practice it? No; He wishes you to cultivate such traits of character as will
bring peace to your own hearts, and enable you to brighten other hearts
and lives with the sunshine of love, joy, and cheerful contentment.
If you are truly converted, if you are children of Jesus, you will honor
your parents; you will not only do what they tell you, but will watch for
opportunities to help them. In doing this you are working for Jesus. He
considers all these care-taking, thoughtful deeds as done to Himself. This
is the most important kind of missionary work; and those who are faithful
in these little every-day duties are gaining a valuable experience.... By
employing your time in some useful work, you will be closing a door
against Satan’s temptations. Remember that Jesus lived not to please
Himself, and you must be like Him. Make this matter one of religious
principle, and ask Jesus to help you. By exercising your mind in this
direction, you will be preparing to become burden-bearers in the cause
of God, as you have been care-takers in the home circle. You will have a
good influence upon others, and may win them to the service of Christ....
When you make up your mind to do something on which your heart
is set, you do not give up for difficulties, but try again and again. Put the
same energy and determination to succeed in the service of Christ, and
you will not fail of a reward
[255]
13
The Youth’s Instructor, January 30, 1884
.
263