Basic HTML Version
A Bright and Holy Light, September 29
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without
rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among
whom ye shine as lights in the world.
Philippians 2:15
.
The mission of the home extends beyond its own members. The
Christian home is to be an object lesson, illustrating the excellence of
the true principles of life.... Far more powerful than any sermon that can
be preached is the influence of a true home upon human hearts and lives.
As the youth go out from such a home, the lessons they have learned are
imparted. Nobler principles of life are introduced into other households,
and an uplifting influence works in the community.
From every Christian home a holy light should shine forth. Love
should be revealed in action. It should flow out in all home intercourse,
showing itself in thoughtful kindness, in gentle, unselfish courtesy.
There are homes where this principle is carried out—homes where God
is worshiped, and truest love reigns. From these homes, morning and
evening prayer ascends to God as sweet incense, and His mercies and
blessings descend upon the suppliants like the morning dew.... All
can see that there is an influence at work in the family that affects the
children, and that the God of Abraham is with them. If the homes
of professed Christians had a right religious mold, they would exert
a mighty influence for good. They would indeed be the “light of the
world.”
He who lives Christianity in the home will be a bright and shining
light everywhere.
A lamp, however small, if kept steadily burning, may be the means
of lighting many other lamps. Our sphere of influence may seem narrow,
... yet wonderful possibilities are ours through a faithful use of the
opportunities of our own homes. If we will open our hearts and homes
to the divine principles of life we shall become channels for currents
of life-giving power. From our homes will flow streams of healing,
bringing life and beauty and fruitfulness where now are barrenness and
dearth.
[279]
288