36
Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce
think you would feel that you could do this yourself. The trials you
may have may be of a very trying character. You may be often pained
to the heart because disrespect is shown you, but I am sure that it must
be your duty to care for your own children. This is your field where
you have your appointed work. It may be rocky and discouraging soil
to work, but you have a Companion in all your efforts to do your duty
unflinchingly, conscientiously, notwithstanding all the discouraging
circumstances. Jesus is your helper. Jesus came into our world to save
lost and perishing souls, and you are to consider that in this work you
are a laborer together with God.
Home Trials for Jesus’ Ear Only—Do not shirk your responsi-
bilities. Be a daily home missionary. Not only teach your children
from their babyhood, but train them. Keep a steady, firm hold upon
your children. You must not only tell them what to do, but, to the very
[45]
best of your ability, make their surroundings favorable and sow your
precious seed in the love and spirit of Jesus. Because Satan uses the
father of your children to counteract your work, do not be discouraged;
do not give up the conflict. Do as you wish them to do. Treat your
husband with kindness at all times and on all occasions, and bind your
children to your heart with the cords of love. This is your work; this is
the burden you have to bear. Talk not your home trials to anyone but
Jesus; pour them into His ear.
Jesus “came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as
many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of
God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of
blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God”
[
John 1:11-13
].
Value of a Christlike Life—Grace is not inherited. A very bad
father may have a godly son; a Christian father a profligate son. Let
mothers take up the burdens made doubly heavy for them by the course
of the head of the household. This makes your work plain, to let your
light shine in the household where Satan is at work to secure your
children to himself. Shall he have them? Let the missionary spirit
rise to the emergency and say, “No, no; my children, although they
have a godless father, are the purchase of the blood of Christ. I am
their mother. I will seek the Lord in faith, in humility, that He will
not only save my children, but [also] their father, to repentance.” Talk
not and plead not for the sympathy of your husband and your children,