Living In The Light

November 29, Essential Knowledge For The Peace Of Children

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.
—Hebrews 12:14 LL 350.1

As an educating power the Bible is of more value than the writings of all the philosophers of all ages. In its wide range of style and subjects there is something to interest and instruct every mind, to ennoble every interest. The light of revelation shines undimmed into the distant past, where human annals cast not a ray of light. There is poetry which has called forth the wonder and admiration of the world. In glowing beauty, in sublime and solemn majesty, in touching pathos, it is unequaled by the most brilliant productions of human genius. There is sound logic and impassioned eloquence. There are portrayed the noble deeds of noble men and women, examples of private virtue and public honor, lessons of piety and purity. . . . LL 350.2

The Bible contains instruction regarding the character God’s children must possess. “Blessed are the pure in heart,” it declares, “for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure” (1 John 3:2, 3). LL 350.3

This all-important knowledge should be kept before our children and youth, not in an arbitrary, dictatorial manner, but as a divine disclosure, as instruction of the highest value, essential for their present peace in this world of turmoil and strife, and as a preparation for the future eternal life in the kingdom of God. Then place the Holy Word in their hands. Encourage them to search its pages. They will find there treasures of inestimable value. And in receiving Christ as the bread of life they have the pledge of eternal life. LL 350.4

Christ’s sayings are pure gold without one particle of dross. When those who have received the false interpretation of the word search the Scriptures with determined effort to know what is truth, the Holy Spirit opens the eyes of their understanding, and the word is to them a new revelation. Their hearts are quickened with a new and living faith, and they behold wondrous things out of His law. The teachings of Christ have a breadth and meaning to them that they have never before understood. —Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, pp. 428, 430. LL 350.5

Further Reflection: How can parents share truth in ways that do not alienate their children? LL 350.6