Heredity and Environment
119
feared to remain, lest the city should be destroyed. Not long after,
Zoar was consumed, as God had purposed. Lot made his way to the
mountains and abode in a cave, stripped of all for which he had dared
to subject his family to the influences of a wicked city. But the curse
of Sodom followed him even here. The sinful conduct of his daughters
was the result of the evil associations of that vile place. Its moral
corruption had become so interwoven with their character that they
could not distinguish between good and evil. Lot’s only posterity, the
Moabites and Ammonites, were vile, idolatrous tribes, rebels against
God and bitter enemies of His people.—
Patriarchs and Prophets, 167,
168
(1890).
Shun Evil Associations—Few realize the importance of shunning,
so far as possible, all associations unfriendly to religious life. In
choosing their surroundings few make their spiritual prosperity the
first consideration.
Parents flock with their families to the cities because they fancy it
easier to obtain a livelihood there than in the country. The children,
having nothing to do when not in school, obtain a street education.
From evil associates they acquire habits of vice and dissipation. The
parents see all this; but it will require a sacrifice to correct their error,
[148]
and they stay where they are until Satan gains full control of their
children. Better sacrifice any and every worldly consideration than to
imperil the precious souls committed to your care.—
Testimonies for
the Church 5:232
(1882).
Dwell in Atmosphere of Heaven—We are to be guided by true
theology and common sense. Our souls are to be surrounded by the
atmosphere of heaven. Men and women are to watch themselves; they
are to be constantly on guard, allowing no word or act that would cause
their good to be evil spoken of. He who professes to be a follower
of Christ is to watch himself, keeping himself pure and undefiled in
thought, word, and deed. His influence upon others is to be uplifting.
His life is to reflect the bright beams of the Sun of righteousness.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 257, 258
(1913).
Childhood Bias Shapes Destiny—At a very early age children
become susceptible to demoralizing influences, but parents who pro-
fess to be Christians do not seem to discern the evil of their own course
of management. Oh, that they might realize that the bias which is
given to a child in its earliest years gives a tendency to character and