Every member of the family is equally important to God.
“He [Jesus] came to restore, elevate, purify, and ennoble every current of pure affection, that the family on earth might become a symbol of the family in heaven. In the Christian home the grace of God is to subdue and transform human character, and then the church will become an active, living, working church.” Manuscript 22, 1898.
It is God’s desire that not only the parents be saved, but that each member of the family be ready on the day that Jesus returns. For those of us who are parents, He has given the responsibility to be instruments in His hand to train up our children to be fit citizens for heaven. Someday the Lord is going to ask of parents, “Where is the flock that was given you, Your beautiful sheep?” Jeremiah 13:20, NKJV. Many parents, while claiming God’s promises, are neglecting these heavenly instructions:
- Our house is to be a house of prayer. (See The Signs of the Times, March 16, 1891.)
- Everyone in the family must understand that the law of God is the required standard of the home and will be enforced by both the father and the mother. (See Ibid., August 23, 1899.)
- Religious instruction should be given to children from babyhood by both precept and example. (See Deuteronomy 6:5–9.)
- The husband and the wife are to be one. (See The Review and Herald, July 8, 1902.)
- The privacy of the family must be protected. (See The Adventist Home, 177.)
- We must develop the graces of sympathy and courtesy at home. (See Testimonies, vol. 3, 539.)
- Manifest a sunny or cheerful disposition. (See Fundamentals of Christian Education, 68.)
- Show an interest in each member of the family. (See The Review and Herald, February 2, 1886.)
- Begin your home missionary work the first thing in the morning. (See Ibid., December 23, 1884.)
- Foster companionship. (See The Adventist Home, 190.)
- Do not locate your home in “Sodom” like Lot did. (See Genesis 13 and 19.)
- Teach your children to guard the “avenues to the soul.” (See The Acts of the Apostles, 518.)
- Teach your children how to manage their finances. (The Adventist Home, 396.)
- Train your children to do missionary work. (See The Review and Herald, December 24, 1901.)
Those who are co-workers with Jesus will reap the reward to stand on the sea of glass with their families intact. What a privilege and honor it will be to present our families to Him who saved us by His grace!