342
The Adventist Home
Our sympathies are to overflow the boundaries of self and the
enclosure of family walls. There are precious opportunities for those
who will make their homes a blessing to others. Social influence is
a wonderful power. We can use it, if we will, as a means of helping
those about us
[449]
A Refuge for Tempted Youth—Our homes should be a place of
refuge for the tempted youth. Many there are who stand at the parting
of the ways. Every influence, every impression, is determining the
choice that shapes their destiny both here and hereafter. Evil invites
them. Its resorts are made bright and attractive. They have a welcome
for every comer. All about us are youth who have no home and many
whose homes have no helpful, uplifting power, and the youth drift into
evil. They are going down to ruin within the very shadow of our own
doors.
These youth need a hand stretched out to them in sympathy. Kind
words simply spoken, little attentions simply bestowed, will sweep
away the clouds of temptations which gather over the soul. The true
expression of heaven-born sympathy has power to open the door of
hearts that need the fragrance of Christlike words and the simple,
delicate touch of the spirit of Christ’s love. If we would show an
interest in the youth, invite them to our homes, and surround them
with cheering, helpful influences, there are many who would gladly
turn their steps into the upward path
Preserve Family Simplicity—When visitors come, as they fre-
quently will, they should not be allowed to absorb all the time and
attention of the mother; her children’s temporal and spiritual welfare
should come first. Time should not be used in preparing rich cakes,
pies, and unhealthful viands for the table. These are an extra expense,
and many cannot afford it. But the greater evil is in the example. Let
the simplicity of the family be preserved. Do not try to give the im-
pression that you can sustain a style of living which is really beyond
your means. Do not try to appear what you are not, either in your table
[450]
preparations or in your manners.
While you should treat your visitors kindly and make them feel at
home, you should ever remember that you are a teacher to the little
7
The Ministry of Healing, 352-354
.
8
Ibid., 354
.