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Chapter 28—Ministry of the Home
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The restoration and uplifting of humanity begins in the home.
The work of parents underlies every other. Society is composed
of families, and is what the heads of families make it. Out of the
heart are “the issues of life” (
Proverbs 4:23
); and the heart of the
community, of the church, and of the nation is the household. The
well-being of society, the success of the church, the prosperity of
the nation, depend upon home influences.
The importance and the opportunities of the home life are il-
lustrated in the life of Jesus. He who came from heaven to be our
example and teacher spent thirty years as a member of the household
at Nazareth. Concerning these years the Bible record is very brief.
No mighty miracles attracted the attention of the multitude. No eager
throngs followed His steps or listened to His words. Yet during all
these years He was fulfilling His divine mission. He lived as one of
us, sharing the home life, submitting to its discipline, performing its
duties, bearing its burdens. In the sheltering care of a humble home,
participating in the experiences of our common lot, He “increased
in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
Luke 2:52
.
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During all these secluded years His life flowed out in currents of
sympathy and helpfulness. His unselfishness and patient endurance,
His courage and faithfulness, His resistance of temptation, His un-
failing peace and quiet joyfulness, were a constant inspiration. He
brought a pure, sweet atmosphere into the home, and His life was as
leaven working amidst the elements of society. None said that He
had wrought a miracle; yet virtue—the healing, life-giving power
of love—went out from Him to the tempted, the sick, and the dis-
heartened. In an unobtrusive way, from His very childhood, He
ministered to others, and because of this, when He began His public
ministry, many heard Him gladly.
The Saviour’s early years are more than an example to the youth.
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They are a lesson, and should be an encouragement, to every parent.
The circle of family and neighborhood duties is the very first field of
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