250
Counsels for the Church
are lost in consequence, and the blood of their souls will rest upon the
unfaithful parents
The Evil of Idleness
I have been shown that much sin has resulted from idleness. Active
hands and minds do not find time to heed every temptation which the
enemy suggests, but idle hands and brains are all ready for Satan to
control. The mind, when not properly occupied, dwells upon improper
things. Parents should teach their children that idleness is sin
There is nothing which more surely leads to evil than to lift all
burdens from children, leaving them to an idle, aimless life, to do
nothing, or to occupy themselves as they please. The minds of children
are active, and if not occupied with that which is good and useful, they
will inevitably turn to what is bad. While it is right and necessary for
them to have recreation, they should be taught to work, to have regular
hours for physical labor and also for reading and study. See that they
have employment suited to their years and are supplied with useful
and interesting books
Children frequently begin a piece of work with enthusiasm, but,
becoming perplexed or wearied with it, they wish to change and take
hold of something new. Thus they may take hold of several things,
meet with a little discouragement, and give them up; and so they pass
from one thing to another, perfecting nothing. Parents should not allow
the love of change to control their children. They should not be so
much engaged with other things that they will have no time to patiently
discipline the developing minds. A few words of encouragement,
or a little help at the right time, may carry them over their trouble
and discouragement, and the satisfaction they will derive from seeing
the task completed that they undertook will stimulate them to greater
exertion
Children who have been petted and waited upon, always expect
it; and if their expectations are not met, they are disappointed and
discouraged. This same disposition will be seen through their whole
294
Testimonies for the Church 1:219
295
Testimonies for the Church 1:395
296
The Adventist Home, 284
297
Testimonies for the Church 3:147, 148