Atmosphere of the Home
9
To a large extent parents create the atmosphere of the home circle,
and when there is disagreement between father and mother, the chil-
dren partake of the same spirit. Make your home atmosphere fragrant
with tender thoughtfulness. If you have become estranged and have
failed to be Bible Christians, be converted; for the character you bear
in probationary time will be the character you will have at the com-
ing of Christ. If you would be a saint in heaven, you must first be a
saint on earth. The traits of character you cherish in life will not be
changed by death or by the resurrection. You will come up from the
grave with the same disposition you manifested in your home and in
society. Jesus does not change the character at His coming. The work
of transformation must be done now. Our daily lives are determining
our destiny
Creating a Pure Atmosphere—Every Christian home should
have rules; and parents should, in their words and deportment to-
ward each other, give to the children a precious, living example of
what they desire them to be. Purity in speech and true Christian cour-
tesy should be constantly practiced. Teach the children and youth to
respect themselves, to be true to God, true to principle; teach them to
respect and obey the law of God. These principles will control their
lives and will be carried out in their associations with others. They will
create a pure atmosphere—one that will have an influence that will
encourage weak souls in the upward path that leads to holiness and
heaven. Let every lesson be of an elevating and ennobling character,
[17]
and the records made in the books of heaven will be such as you will
not be ashamed to meet in the judgment.
Children who receive this kind of instruction will ... be prepared
to fill places of responsibility and, by precept and example, will be
constantly aiding others to do right. Those whose moral sensibilities
have not been blunted will appreciate right principles; they will put a
just estimate upon their natural endowments and will make the best use
of their physical, mental, and moral powers. Such souls are strongly
fortified against temptation; they are surrounded by a wall not easily
broken down
6
Letter 18
b, 1891.
7
Special Selections from the Testimonies for Students and Workers of our Sanitariums
(1911) 4, 5
.