Salvation of Children

Even a child makes himself known by his acts, whether what he does is pure
and right. Prov. 20:11, RSV. 

Much study and earnest prayer for heavenly wisdom are needed to know how to
deal with youthful minds, for very much depends upon the direction parents
give to the minds and wills of their children. To balance their minds in the
right direction and at the right time is a most important work, for their
eternal destiny may depend on the decisions made at some critical moment.
How important, then, that the minds of parents be as free as possible from
perplexing, wearing care in temporal things, that they may think and act
with calm consideration, wisdom, and love, and make the salvation of the
souls of their children the first and highest consideration! The great
object which parents should seek to attain for their dear children should be
the inward adorning. Parents cannot afford to allow visitors and strangers
to claim their attention, and by robbing them of time, which is life's great
capital, make it impossible for them to give their children each day that
patient instruction which they must have to give right direction to their
developing minds. 

This lifetime is too short to be squandered in vain and trifling diversion,
in unprofitable visiting, in needless dressing for display, or in exciting
amusements. We cannot afford to squander the time given us of God in which
to bless others and in which to lay up for ourselves a treasure in heaven.
We have none too much time for the discharge of necessary duties. We should
give time to the culture of our own hearts and minds in order that we may be
qualified for our lifework. By neglecting these essential duties and
conforming to the habits and customs of fashionable, worldly society, we do
ourselves and our children a great wrong. . . . 

It is the duty of mothers to cultivate their minds and keep their hearts
pure. They should improve every means within their reach for their
intellectual and moral improvement, that they may be qualified to improve
the minds of their children. Those who indulge their disposition to be in
company will soon feel restless unless visiting or entertaining visitors.
Such have not the power of adaptation to circumstances. The necessary,
sacred home duties seem commonplace and uninteresting to them. They have no
love for self-examination or self-discipline. The mind hungers for the
varying, exciting scenes of worldly life. . . . 

If parents would feel that it is a solemn duty enjoined upon them of God to
educate their children for usefulness in this life; if they would adorn the
inner temple of the souls of their sons and daughters for the immortal life,
we should see a great change in society for the better (Testimonies, vol. 3.
pp. 146, 147). 

>From Lift Him Up - Page 269

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