Chapter 23—Children a Blessing
God Planned for Families—He who gave Eve to Adam as a
helpmeet ... ordained that men and women should be united in holy
wedlock, to rear families whose members, crowned with honor, should
be recognized as members of the family above
Children are the heritage of the Lord, and we are answerable to
Him for our management of His property.... In love, faith, and prayer
let parents work for their households, until with joy they can come to
God saying, “Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given
me.
A childless house is a desolate place. The hearts of the inmates
are in danger of becoming selfish, of cherishing a love for their own
ease, and consulting their own desires and conveniences. They gather
sympathy to themselves, but have little to bestow upon others
Counsel to a Childless Couple—Selfishness, which manifests
itself in a variety of ways according to circumstances and the peculiar
organization of individuals, must die. If you had children, and your
mind were compelled to be called away from yourself to care for them,
to instruct them, and be an example to them, it would be an advantage
to you.... When two compose a family, as in your case, and there
are no children to call into exercise patience, forbearance, and true
love, there is need of constant watchfulness lest selfishness obtain the
supremacy, lest you yourselves become the center, and you require
attention, care, and interest, which you feel under no obligation to
bestow upon others
[160]
Many are diseased physically, mentally, and morally because their
attention is turned almost exclusively to themselves. They might be
saved from stagnation by the healthy vitality of younger and varying
minds and the restless energy of children
1
The Ministry of Healing, 356
.
2
Christ’s Object Lessons, 195, 196
.
3
Testimonies For The Church 2:647
.
4
Ibid., 2:230, 231
.
5
Ibid., 2:647
.
115