Chapter 68—Christian Influence in the Home and the
Church
Dear Brother and Sister L,
My heart is burdened on your account. What you need is the
converting grace of God in your hearts. You need the spirit of Jesus.
You should learn meekness and lowliness of heart in the school of
Christ. You do not feel your need of deep, inward piety, and on this
account you are being self-deceived. You are delaying the decisions
which you ought to make at once, for your own good and for the good
of others. God requires every man to do his duty. He demands the
whole heart, the entire affection. He would not have us profess a
knowledge of Jesus Christ and the truth, and yet bear no fruit. For
small or great, learned or unlearned, rich or poor, the requirement is
just the same.
Every one is called upon to act according to the ability God has
given him. He must render his service faithfully or he will sully his
conscience, and imperil his soul. No one can afford to lose heaven.
Remember the words of Christ to all His followers: “Ye are the light
of the world.” God depends on those who know the way, to show it to
others. He has entrusted to men the treasure of His truth. It is faith
and trust and confidence in God that we need. Inward grace will be
revealed in the outward actions. We need that spirit which will show
to others that we have been learning in the school of Christ and that
we copy the pattern given us. We want a heart that is not lifted up unto
vanity, a mind not settled on self. Each should have a constant desire
to bless others. God notices our humble efforts, and they are precious
in His sight. You both need home piety, sweet, satisfied contentment,
without faultfinding, pettishness, scolding, or severity. Let kindness
and love be the rule of your household. Whoever does not let the light
of truth shine in his home dishonors the Saviour.
[569]
The truth as it is in Jesus does much for the receiver, and not only
for him, but for all who are brought within the sphere of his influence.
The truly converted soul is illuminated from on high, and Christ is
510