Yes, dear Sister, we can be an influence for good for many children. One of the important things we can do is push for schools that follow the light given. Our schools have no been walking in the light, and therefor we are responsible for lack of opportunity and the damage being done in our schools.
This is a very sad chapter as it portrays what ought to be done in the home and in the church, and speaks of the result on the lives of the little ones when parents do not love Jesus with the whole heart.
Among the Jews it was customary for children to be brought to some rabbi, that he might lay his hands upon them in blessing; but the Saviour's disciples thought His work too important to be interrupted in this way. When the mothers came to Him with their little ones, the disciples looked on them with disfavor. They thought these children too young to be benefited by a visit to Jesus, and concluded that He would be displeased at their presence. But it was the disciples with whom He was displeased. The Saviour understood the care and burden of the mothers who were seeking to train their children according to the word of God. He had heard their prayers. He Himself had drawn them into His presence.
How many mothers today have this great burden who make sacrifices in order to train their children according the Word of God? How many understand the influence they exert on their children when they misrepresent the character of Christ? Oh, how very sad!
The Saviour regards with infinite tenderness the souls whom He has purchased with His own blood. They are the claim of His love. He looks upon them with unutterable longing. His heart is drawn out, not only to the best-behaved children, but to those who have by inheritance objectionable traits of character. Many parents do not understand how much they are responsible for these traits in their children. They have not the tenderness and wisdom to deal with the erring ones whom they have made what they are. But Jesus looks upon these children with pity. He traces from cause to effect.
Praise God for the parents who understand what will be the results of their care and love for their children. Yes, there are great sacrifices to be made, but what of the blessings to be reaped when our children become an influence for good in the world. What a blessing to see your child experiencing the joy of sharing Jesus with the lost of the world.
There ia a statement in the Spirit of Prophecy which explains the mother's responsibility so very well. The modern day Eves who think their work with their children is not so important as what they believe to be their real work is shown to be a mistake.
There is a God above, and the light and glory from His throne rests upon the faithful mother as she tries to educate her children to resist the influence of evil. No other work can equal hers in importance. She has not, like the artist, to paint a form of beauty upon canvas; nor, like the sculptor, to chisel it from marble. She has not, like the author, to embody a noble thought in words of power; nor, like the musician, to express a beautiful sentiment in melody. It is hers, with the help of God, to develop in a human soul the likeness of the divine.
The mother who appreciates this will regard her opportunities as priceless. Earnestly will she seek, in her own character and by her methods of training, to present before her children the highest ideal. Earnestly, patiently, courageously, she will endeavor to improve her own abilities, that she may use aright the highest powers of the mind in the training of her children. Earnestly will she inquire at every step, “What hath God spoken?” Diligently she will study His word. She will keep her eyes fixed upon Christ, that her own daily experience, in the lowly round of care and duty, may be a true reflection of the one true Life. Adventist Home, pg 237.
Mothers who are trying to train your children, take note of how God looks at your work. Many, who even read this, will not take it to heart. The world, the church, and many parents will not understand or follow the light given as to how important the mother's work is in rearing her children. "No other work can equal hers in importance."
Mothers and fathers who put ministry in the church and in the world in front of the ministry to their children err. Ministry in the home is to be our first ministry, especially with mothers. May God bless the mothers who accept their responsibility and seek God's help.
