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Ministry of the Home
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the warmth of a genial welcome, a place at your fireside, a seat at
your home table, the privilege of sharing the blessing of the hour of
prayer, would be like a glimpse of heaven.
Homes to Be a Blessing
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 as a means of helping those about
us.
Our homes should be a place of refuge for tempted young people.
Many are standing at the parting of the ways. Every influence, every
impression, is determining the choice that shapes their present and
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eternal destiny. Evil invites them. Its resorts are bright and attractive.
They welcome every comer. All about us are youth who have no
home, and many whose homes have no helpful, uplifting power.
Drifting into evil, these youth are going down to ruin within the very
shadow of our own doors.
Stretch out a hand to them in sympathy. Kind words simply
spoken, little attentions simply bestowed, will sweep away the clouds
of temptation that 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
young people, invite them to our homes, and surround them with
cheering, helpful influences, many would gladly turn their steps into
the upward path.
Our time here is short. We pass through this world but once. Let
us make the most of life. The work to which we are called does
not require wealth or social position or great ability. It requires a
kindly, self-sacrificing spirit and a steadfast purpose. A lamp, how-
ever small, if kept burning steadily, may be the means of lighting
many other lamps. Our sphere of influence may seem narrow, our
ability small, our opportunities few, our acquirements limited, yet
wonderful possibilities are ours through a faithful use of the oppor-
tunities of our own homes. If we will open our hearts and homes to
the divine principles of life, we shall become channels for currents