104
Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 2
to be Bible Christians, be converted; for the character you bear in
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probationary time will be the character you will have at the coming of
Christ.—Lt 18b, 1891. (
The Adventist Home, 16
.)
Contention Breeds Trouble—As a family you can be happy or
miserable. It rests with yourselves. Your own course of action will
determine the future. You both need to soften the sharp points of your
characters and to speak such words only as you will not be ashamed to
meet in the day of God.... You may contend about little things that are
not worthy of contention, and the result will be trouble. The path of the
upright is the path of peace. It is so plain that the humble, God-fearing
man can walk in it without stumbling and without making crooked
paths. It is a narrow path; but men of different temperaments can
walk side by side if they but follow the Captain of their salvation.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:502, 503
(1880).
Scolding and Fretting Create Rebellion—Harsh, angry words
are not of heavenly origin. Scolding and fretting never help. Instead,
they stir up the worst feelings of the human heart. When your children
do wrong and are filled with rebellion and you are tempted to speak and
act harshly, wait before you correct them. Give them an opportunity
to think, and allow your temper to cool.
As you deal kindly and tenderly with your children, they and you
will receive the blessing of the Lord. And think you that in the day of
God’s judgment anyone will regret that he has been patient and kind
with his children?—MS 114, 1903. (
Child Guidance, 246
.)
Nearness to Christ Brings Unity—The cause of division and
discord in families and in the church is separation from Christ. To
come near to Christ is to come near to one another. The secret of true
unity in the church and in the family is not diplomacy, not management,
not a superhuman effort to overcome difficulties—though there will
be much of this to do—but union with Christ.
Picture a large circle, from the edge of which are many lines all
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running toward the center. The nearer these lines approach the center,
the nearer they are to one another.
Thus it is in the Christian life. The closer we come to Christ, the
nearer we shall be to one another. God is glorified as His people unite
in harmonious action.—Lt 49, 1904. (
The Adventist Home, 179
.)
Parental Harmony Essential—Perfect confidence should exist
between husband and wife. Together they should consider their re-