Chap.
Two - The First Teachers
Parents to
Understand Their Responsibility—The father and the mother should be the first
teachers of their children.1 Fathers and mothers need to understand their
responsibility. The world is full of snares for the feet of the young.
Multitudes are attracted by a life of selfish and sensual pleasure. They cannot
discern the hidden dangers or the fearful ending of the path that seems to them
the way of happiness. Through the indulgence of appetite and passion, their
energies are wasted, and millions are ruined for this world and for the world
to come. Parents should remember that their children must encounter these
temptations. Even before the birth of the child, the preparation should begin
that will enable it to fight successfully the battle against evil.2 More than
human wisdom is needed by parents at every step, that
they may
understand how best to educate their children for a useful, happy life here,
and for higher service and greater joy hereafter.3 Child Training an Important
Part of God’s Plan—The training of children constitutes an important part of
God’s plan for demonstrating the power of Christianity. A solemn responsibility
rests upon parents so to train their children that when they go forth into
the world, they
will do good and not evil to those with whom they associate.4 Parents should
not lightly regard the work of training their children, nor neglect it upon any
account. They
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should employ
much time in careful study of the laws which regulate our being. They should
make it their first object to become intelligent in regard to the proper manner
of dealing with their children, that they
may secure to
them sound minds in sound bodies.... Many who profess to be followers of Christ
are sadly neglectful of home duties; they do not perceive the sacred importance
of the trust which God has placed in their hands, to so mold the characters of their
children that they will have the moral stamina to resist the many temptations
that ensnare the feet of youth.5 Co-operation With God Is Necessary—Christ did
not ask His Father to take the disciples out of the world, but to keep them
from the evil in the world, to keep them from yielding to the temptations which
they would meet on every hand. This prayer fathers and mothers should offer for
their children. But shall they plead with God, and then leave their children to
do as they please? God cannot keep children from evil if the parents do not
co-operate with Him. Bravely and cheerfully parents should take up their work,
carrying it forward with unwearying endeavor.6
If parents would
feel that they are never released from their burden of educating and training
their children for God, if they would do their work in faith, co-operating with
God by earnest prayer and work, they would be successful in bringing their
children to the Saviour.7 How One Couple Met Their Responsibilities—An angel
from heaven came to instruct Zacharias and Elizabeth as to how they should
train and
educate their child, so as to work in harmony with God in preparing a
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messenger to
announce the coming of Christ. As parents they were to faithfully co-operate
with God in forming such a character in John as would fit him to perform the
part God had assigned him as a competent worker. John was the son of their old
age, he was a child of miracle, and the parents might have reasoned that he had
a special work to do for the Lord and the Lord would take care of him. But the
parents did not thus reason; they moved to a retired place in the country,
where their son would not be exposed to the temptations of city life, or
induced to depart from the counsel and instruction which they as parents would give
him. They acted their part in developing a character in the child that would in
every way meet the purpose for which God had designed his life.... They
sacredly fulfilled their obligation.8
Regard Children
as a Trust—Parents are to look upon their children as entrusted to them of God
to be educated for the family above. Train them in the fear and love of God;
for “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”9 Those who are loyal to
God will represent Him in the home life. They will look upon the training of
their children as a sacred work, entrusted to them by the Most High.10 Parents
to Qualify as Christian Teachers—The work of parents, which means so much, is
greatly neglected. Awake, parents, from your spiritual slumber and understand
that the very first teaching the child receives is to be given to him by you.
You are to teach your little ones to know Christ. This work you must do before
Satan sows his seeds in their hearts. Christ calls the children, and they are
to be led to Him, educated in habits of
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industry,
neatness, and order. This is the discipline Christ desires them to receive.11 Sin
will lie at the door of parents unless they take themselves in hand and qualify
themselves to become wise, safe, Christian
teachers.12 Unity
Between Parents Is Necessary—Husband and wife are to be closely united in their
work in the home school. They are to bevery tender and very guarded in their
speech, lest they open a door
of temptation
through which Satan will enter to obtain victory aftervictory. They are to be
kind and courteous to each other, acting in such a way that they can respect
one another. Each is to help the other to bring into the home a pleasant,
wholesome atmosphere. They should not differ in the presence of their children.
Christian dignity is ever to be preserved.13 The Special Instructor Given for
Every Child—The mother must ever stand pre-eminent in this work of training the
children; while grave and important duties rest upon the father, the mother, by
almost constant association with her children, especially during their
tender years,
must always be their special instructor and companion.14 An Education Broader
Than Mere Instruction—Parents must learn the lesson of implicit obedience to
God’s voice, which speaks
to them out of
His Word; and as they learn this lesson, they can teach their children respect
and obedience in word and action. This is the work that should be carried on in
the home. Those who do it
will reach
upward themselves, realizing that they must elevate their children. This
education means much more than mere instruction.15
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Haphazard Work
Not Acceptable—Haphazard work in the home will not pass the review in the
judgment. Faith and works are to be combined by Christian parents. As Abraham
commanded his household after him, so they are to command their households
after them. The standard which every parent must raise is given: “They shall
keep the way of the Lord.” Every other way is a path which leads, not to the city
of God, but to the ranks of the destroyer.16 Let Parents ReviewWork—Will
parents review their work in the educating and training of their children, and
consider whether they have done their whole duty in hope and faith that these
children may be a crown of rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus? Have they so
labored for the
welfare of their children that Jesus can look down from heaven and by the gift
of His Spirit sanctify their efforts? Parents, it may be yours to prepare your
children for the highest usefulness in
this life, and
to share at last the glory of that which is to come.
REFERENCE
Child
Guidance
Ellen
G. White
1954
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