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Abraham, a Good Neighbor in Canaan
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wishes instead of submitting to God’s requirements, and they grow
up to transmit their unbelieving, rebellious spirit to their children
and grandchildren. Obedience to parental authority should be taught
as the first step in obedience to the authority of God.
The widespread teaching that God’s laws are no longer binding
has the same effect on the morals of the people as idolatry. Parents
do not require their families to keep the way of the Lord. Children,
as they make homes of their own, feel no obligation to teach their
children what they themselves have never been taught. This is
why there are so many godless families, and why wickedness is so
widespread.
A reformation is needed, deep and broad. Parents and ministers
need to reform; they need God in their households. They must bring
His Word into their families and teach their children kindly and
untiringly how to live in order to please God. The children of such
a household have a foundation that cannot be swept away by the
incoming tide of doubt and godlessness.
In many homes parents feel they cannot spare a few moments
to thank God for the sunshine and showers and for the protection
of holy angels. They have no time for prayer. They go out to work
like the ox or the horse, without one thought of God or heaven. The
Son of God gave His life to ransom them, but they have little more
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appreciation of His goodness than animals do.
If ever there was a time when every house should be a house of
prayer, it is now. The father, as priest of the household, should offer
to God a morning and evening sacrifice of prayer, while the wife
and children unite with him in prayer and praise. Jesus will love to
stay in such a home.
From every home love should flow out in thoughtful kindness, in
gentle, unselfish courtesy. There are homes where God is worshiped
and the truest love reigns. His mercies and blessings fall on these
praying ones like morning dew.
A well-ordered household is a powerful argument in favor of the
Christian religion. A noble influence at work in the family affects the
children. The God of Abraham is with them. God speaks to every
faithful parent: “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” (KJV).
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