Bible Training School
December 1, 1911
Duty of Parents
Our religious obligations begin in serving God faithfully in the home life. I am urged to bear earnest testimony to parents in public and private, that they may be led to devote all their powers in sanctified service for Christ. I am instructed to urge upon our people the need of being imbued with the Spirit of God. This Spirit will teach believers to work in harmony with Christ whenever and wherever opportunity offers. As different families have been presented before me, I have been shown their great need of the converting power of God. BTS December 1, 1911, par. 1
God so loved that He gave His only begotten Son, that we might have a pattern of true holiness. Let parents study the pattern, that they may become true laborers together with God for the salvation of their children. BTS December 1, 1911, par. 2
Religion in the home is of vital importance. Upon fathers and mothers rest to a large degree the responsibility for the mould of character that their children receive. Let not the mother gather to herself so many cares that she cannot give time to the spiritual needs of her family. Let parents seek God for guidance in their work. On their knees before Him they will gain a true understanding of their great responsibilities, and there they can commit their children to One who will never err in counsel and instruction. BTS December 1, 1911, par. 3
Heaven is worth striving for. Let parents pray with their children individually, as well as in the family circles; they need to do this if they would bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Parents, bring Christ into your life; let not unkindness be expressed in words or actions. When difficulties arise in the home, parents are often tempted to deal with their children hastily, and their correction of wrongs often reveals a lack of mercy or justice. Let them remember that scolding or beating will not accomplish that which they should most desire. Instead of punishing your child hastily, pray with him, and as you do this, let your own heart respond to the softening, subduing influences of the Spirit of God. BTS December 1, 1911, par. 4
The father of the family should not leave to the mother all the care of imparting spiritual instruction. A large work is to be done by fathers and mothers, and both should act their individual part in preparing their children for the grand review of the judgment. The work done in the home is a work which in many cases will decide the welfare of the children through all eternity. If parents must neglect something, let it not be the work of moulding the character after the divine similitude. BTS December 1, 1911, par. 5
The Lord revealed Himself not only as the true and living God, but as our heavenly Father, when He sent His only begotten Son into the world to purchase our redemption. “The spirit beareth witness with our spirit that we are the sons of God; for we have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but we have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” If we accept the invitation of the Spirit of God, we become “heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ.” If we are partakers with Christ of his self-denial and become laborers together with God, we shall be heirs with Christ to all the glories of the eternal world. “If we suffer with Him,” the apostle writes, “Ye shall be also glorified together.” BTS December 1, 1911, par. 6
“Ye are bought with a price, “the apostle declared; “therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit which are God's.” As believers yield heart and mind to follow the counsel of the Lord, striving to be worthy of the name of sons and daughters of God, their lives will give forth an influence that will be felt by all with whom they associate. If parents will teach their children to conduct themselves according to the principles of the word of God, these children will unconsciously teach others what it means to be Christians. Let parents maintain true Christian dignity before their children, and they will be greatly aided in their work of upbuilding the kingdom of Christ. BTS December 1, 1911, par. 7
The apostle Paul, describing the children living in these last days, declares them to be “disobedient, unthankful, unholy.” It is important that parents realize the tendency of the age, and labor untiringly to educate their children away from those things, preparing them, by teaching them to love and copy the life of Christ, for a place in the future life of holiness. BTS December 1, 1911, par. 8