Basic HTML Version
Keep God’s Glory in View, August 23
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in
the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4
.
The Lord would have us cultivate home religion, causing the fear of God to
circulate through the family. When parents neglect their duty to their children,
failing to govern them according to right principles, the enemy is given opportunity
to gain control of their lives. Children who are allowed to disregard parental
authority are never happy. In the early years of life is the time for all to prepare to
become members of the royal family. Parents and youth should thank the Lord in
prayer and praise for the privilege of becoming children of God and citizens of
His kingdom.
Abraham is a noble example of a faithful householder, and he has given us an
example of the unquestioning obedience that all should render. He who blesses
the righteous said of Abraham, “I know him, that he will command his children
and his household after him” (
Genesis 18:19
). They will keep the way of the Lord
to do justice and judgment. He will not speak words of hypocrisy or deception.
There will be no betraying of sacred trusts....
Just as surely as we labor together as Abraham did, so surely will we receive
the commendation of Heaven. Abraham was, in a marked manner, selected to
walk in the way of the Lord, governing his household by the combined influences
of authority and affection. The Holy One has given us rules to obey, from which
there can be no sinless swerving. We are bought with a price. Faith and works are
to make us complete in Christ. Thus we shall keep the way of the Lord. When
the heart is meek and lowly, God can impress the soul. The Word of God is our
counselor. Let us obey its teachings.
In all our work we need to keep the glory of God in view. The Word of God
is our guide. Let this testimony go forth as the power of God unto salvation to
everyone that believeth. Let us talk faith, and walk by faith. O what a work is ours,
what a privilege, so to speak and so to act as to fasten conviction on the hearts
and consciences of men. The Holy Spirit grants us His guidance in this work, and
success comes when we have a strict regard for the fear of God. He is the Searcher
of hearts, and He gives us the encouragement that, if we will become intelligent in
our service for God and will walk humbly in the light He has graciously given, we
will not be left to labor in human strength.
Christ came to this world, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, to bear
trial and to become acquainted with disappointment, that He might teach men and
women to become like God.—
Letter 242, August 23, 1908
, to S. N. Haskell,
president of the California Conference.
[250]
252