Worldly Influences
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abiding principle of truth is not merely for a few hours on the Sabbath,
or for a few acts of charity, but it is to be brought into the heart,
refining and sanctifying the character. If there is a moment when man
is safe without this special light and strength from heaven, then he
may dispense with the truth of God. The Bible, God’s pure, holy word,
must be his counselor and guide, the controlling power of his life. It
gives forth its lessons to us if we will take them to heart.
Abraham was a man favored of God. The Lord said: “I know
him, that he will command his children and his household after him,
and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.”
Abraham was honored of God because he cultivated home religion
and caused the fear of the Lord to pervade his whole household. It
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is God who says: “I know him, that he will command”—there will
be no betraying of sacred trust on his part, no yielding to anyone but
God; there is a law, and Abraham will keep it; no blind affection will
cloud his sense of right and interfere between God and the souls of his
children; that kind of indulgence which is the veriest cruelty will not
lead Abraham astray.
Parents and children alike belong to God to be ruled by Him. By
affection and authority combined, Abraham ruled his house. God’s
word has given us rules for our guidance. These rules form the standard
from which we cannot swerve if we would keep the way of the Lord.
God’s will must be paramount. The question for us to ask is not: What
have others done? What will my relatives think? or, What will they
say of me if I pursue this course? but, What has God said? Neither
parent nor child can truly prosper in any course excepting in the way
of the Lord.
I am thankful that you have noble sons who are seeking to walk in
the ways of the Lord; but I hope you will discern more clearly the path
of duty in respect to their associations. This will determine whether
you are growing in spirituality, or whether you are dwarfed in your
religious life. The stern dictates of conscience must be obeyed, even
though it be difficult; and it will help you to gain in moral power.
Duties are often crosses which we must lift. Prayer and praise to God
are not always offered without a struggle. Self-denial and cross bearing
lie directly in the path we must travel if we reach the gates of the city
of God. Jesus has led the way; will we follow?