Parental Training
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Parents do not see these things. They do not foresee the result of
their course. They do not feel that their children need the tenderest
culture, the most careful discipline in the divine life. They do not
look upon them as being in a peculiar sense the property of Christ,
the purchase of His blood, the trophies of His grace, and as such,
skillful instruments in God’s hands to be used for the upbuilding of
His kingdom. Satan is ever seeking to wrest these youth from the
hands of Christ, and parents do not discern that the great adversary is
planting his hellish banners close by their sides. They are so blinded
they think it is the banner of Christ.
By ambition or indolence, skepticism or self-indulgence, Satan
allures the young from the narrow path of holiness cast up for the
ransomed of the Lord to walk in. They do not generally leave this
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path all at once. They are won away by degrees. Having taken one
wrong step, they lose the witness of the Spirit to their acceptance with
God. Thus they fall into a state of discouragement and distrust. They
dislike religious services because conscience condemns them. They
have fallen into the snare of Satan, and there is only one way of escape.
They must retrace their steps and with humility of soul confess and
forsake their halfhearted course. Let them renew their first experience
which they have made light of, cherish every divine aspiration, and let
those holy emotions which God’s Spirit only can inspire, reign in their
souls. Faith in Christ’s power will impart strength to sustain, and light
to guide.
This practical instruction in religious experience is what Christian
parents should be prepared to give their children. God requires this
of you, and you neglect your duty if you fail to perform this work.
Instruct your children in regard to God’s chosen methods of discipline
and the conditions of success in the Christian life. Teach them that
they cannot serve God and have their minds absorbed in overcareful
provision for this life; but do not let them cherish the thought that they
have no need to toil, and may spend their leisure moments in idleness.
God’s word is plain on this point. Jesus, the Majesty of heaven, has
left an example for the youth. He toiled in the workshop at Nazareth
for His daily bread. He was subject to His parents, and sought not
to control His own time or to follow His own will. By a life of easy
indulgence a youth can never attain to real excellence as a man or as
a Christian. God does not promise us ease, honor, or wealth in His