Sunday
January 8
1. OUR FIRST HUMAN RELATIONSHIP
a. Who are normally the first human beings we encounter from the time we are born, and how does God use this unique relationship to illustrate the tenderness of His great love for us? Psalm 103:13; Isaiah 66:13.
b. Which commandment does this call to mind? Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:2, 3.
c. Why should faithfulness to this commandment spring forth in spontaneous gratitude from the truly converted soul? Proverbs 4:3.
Children should feel that they are indebted to their parents, who have watched over them in their infancy and nursed them in sickness. They should realize that their parents have suffered much anxiety on their account. Especially have conscientious, godly parents felt the deepest interest that their children should take a right course. As they have seen faults in their children, how heavy have been their hearts! If the children who caused those hearts to ache could see the effect of their course, they would certainly relent. If they could see their mother's tears and hear her prayers to God in their behalf, if they could listen to her suppressed and broken sighs, their hearts would feel and they would speedily confess their wrongs and ask to be forgiven.-Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4b, p. 138.
Monday
January 9
2. A SAD DETERIORATION
a. What widespread characteristic of people is especially plaguing the families in these last days? 2 Timothy 3:1, 2; Proverbs 30:11-14.
The sin which exists in this generation among children is that they are 'disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, . . . lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God' (2 Timothy 3:2, 4). And this state of things exists to such an extent that it is made a subject of prophecy as one of the signs that we are living in the last days of time.-Letters to Young Lovers, p. 53.
Rebellion and apostasy are in the very air we breathe. We shall be affected by it unless we by faith hang our helpless souls upon Christ.-The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 1, p. 1114.
b. What solemn warnings should we keep in mind, particularly as we see the conditions existing in today's society? Proverbs 1:8; 19:26; 20:20.
c. What attitude can we glean from Isaac's marriage? Genesis 24:1-4, 66, 67.
In ancient times marriage engagements were generally made by the parents, and this was the custom among those who worshiped God. None were required to marry those whom they could not love; but in the bestowal of their affections the youth were guided by the judgment of their experienced, God-fearing parents. It was regarded as a dishonor to parents, and even a crime, to pursue a course contrary to this.
Isaac, trusting to his father's wisdom and affection, was satisfied to commit the matter to him, believing also that God Himself would direct in the choice made."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 171.
What a contrast between the course of Isaac and that pursued by the youth of our time, even among professed Christians! Young people too often feel that the bestowal of their affections is a matter in which self alone should be consulted-a matter that neither God nor their parents should in any wise control.-Ibid., p. 175.
Tuesday
January 10
3. ELDERLY PARENTS
a. Why does God's voice in the fifth commandment continue to echo through the ages with deep resonance when our parents become aged? Proverbs 23:22.
There is no time when children should withhold respect and love from their father and mother. While the parents live, it should be the children's joy to honor and respect them. They should bring all the cheerfulness and sunshine into the life of the aged parents, that they possibly can. They should smooth their pathway to the grave. There is no better recommendation in this world than that a child has honored his parents, no better record in the books of heaven than that he has loved and honored father and mother.
Let children carefully remember that at the best the aged parents have but little joy and comfort. What can bring greater sorrow to their hearts than manifest neglect on the part of their children? What sin can be worse in children than to bring grief to an aged, helpless father or mother? Those who grieve their aged parents are written in the books of heaven as commandment breakers, as those who do not reverence the God of heaven, and unless they repent and forsake their evil ways, they will not be found worthy of a place in the saints' inheritance.
Is it possible that children can become so dead to the claims of father and mother that they will not willingly remove all causes of sorrow in their power, watching over them with unwearying care and devotion? Can it be possible that they will not regard it a pleasure to make the last days of their parents their best days? How can a son or daughter be willing to leave father or mother on the hands of strangers for them to care for! Even were the mother an unbeliever and disagreeable, it would not release the child from the obligation that God has placed upon him to care for his parent. Would that there were but few who would utterly ignore the duty that is due from a child to his mother. Alas! that there are so many who never bestow a thought upon their parents, except it be that they may gain some advantage from them. . . . But how bitter will be the close of the life of such children! They can have no happy reflection in their old age; for they will reap as they have sown.-The Review and Herald, November 15, 1892.
b. How did Jesus disclose the Pharisees' disregard of the fifth commandment? Mark 7:9-13. How did His own behavior stand in clear contrast to their gross hypocrisy? John 19:25-27.
Wednesday
January 11
4. CHRIST, THE GREAT CENTER
a. As revealed from the time of ancient Israel, why is morning and evening worship essential? 2 Chronicles 13:10-12. How should family worship be conducted in our days?
It should be the special object of the heads of the family to make the hour of worship intensely interesting. By a little thought and careful preparation for this season, when we come into the presence of God, family worship can be made pleasant and will be fraught with results that eternity alone will reveal. Let the father select a portion of Scripture that is interesting and easily understood; a few verses will be sufficient to furnish a lesson which may be studied and practiced through the day. Questions may be asked, a few earnest, interesting remarks made, or incident, short and to the point, may be brought in by way of illustration. At least a few verses of spirited song may be sung, and the prayer offered should be short and pointed. The one who leads in prayer should not pray about everything, but should express his needs in simple words and praise God with thanksgiving.-The Signs of the Times, August 7, 1884
b. What is the keynote of life to be learned in every home, whether the family be large or small? Philippians 2:1-4.
God would have our families symbols of the family in heaven. Let parents and children bear this in mind every day, relating themselves to one another as members of the family of God. Then their lives will be of such a character as to give to the world an object lesson of what families who love God and keep His commandments may be. Christ will be glorified; His peace and grace and love will pervade the family circle like a precious perfume.-The Review and Herald, November 17, 1896.
c. How are children to reflect the boyhood of Jesus? Luke 2:52.
Very early the lesson of helpfulness should be taught the child. As soon as strength and reasoning power are sufficiently developed, he should be given duties to perform in the home.-The Ministry of Healing, p. 401.
Thursday
January 12
5. A TRAINING GROUND FOR SERVICE
a. What is God's plan for our families? Psalm 128:1-6.
All Heaven is interested in your home. . . . Set your own heart in order. An unreserved surrender to God will sweep away the barriers that have so long defied the approaches of heavenly grace.-The Signs of the Times, November 11, 1903.
b. How is victory assured even to those who themselves may not have grown up under the best of circumstances? Philippians 3:13, 14.
Notwithstanding children may not have had the right instruction, and their characters not have been properly molded, God proposes to connect them with Himself as He did Nadab and Abihu, if they will heed His commands. If they will with faith and courage bring their will in submission to the will of God, He will teach them, and their lives may be like the pure white lily, full of fragrance on the stagnant waters. They must resolve in the strength of Jesus to control inclination and passion, and every day win victories over Satan's temptations.-The Signs of the Times, July 8, 1880.
c. What are the best heirlooms we can bequeath to our children? Micah 6:8.
The more fully the spirit of true ministry pervades the home, the more fully it will be developed in the lives of the children. They will learn to find joy in service and sacrifice for the good of others.-The Ministry of Healing, p. 401.
Friday
January 13
PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What are some good ways by which we can brighten the life of our parents?
2. What was Christ's example with regard to His parents?
3. How can we encourage more Christ-centered homes?
4. Why has God ordained the family unit to nurture human beings?
5. Why are human beings to be nurtured by the family unit?