Chapter 19—Strength of Character Through Conflict
The first thirty years of the life of Christ were passed in the obscure
village of Nazareth. The inhabitants of this village were proverbial for
their wickedness, hence the inquiry of Nathaniel: “Can there any good
thing come out of Nazareth?” The evangelists say but very little in
regard to the early life of Christ. With the exception of a brief account
of His accompanying His parents to Jerusalem, we have the simple
statement only, “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled
with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him.”
Christ is our example in all things. In the providence of God, His
early life was passed in Nazareth, where the inhabitants were of that
character that He was continually exposed to temptations, and it was
necessary for Him to be guarded in order to remain pure and spotless
amid so much sin and wickedness. Christ did not select this place
Himself. His Heavenly Father chose this place for Him, where His
character would be tested and tried in a variety of ways. The early life
of Christ was subjected to severe trials, hardships, and conflicts, that
He might develop the perfect character which makes Him a perfect
example for children, youth, and manhood.
Children and youth are frequently situated where their surround-
ings are not favorable to a Christian life, and they quite readily yield
to temptations, and plead as an excuse for pursuing a course of sin
[79]
that their surroundings are unfavorable. Christ chose retirement, and
through a life of industry, keeping His hands employed, He did not
invite temptation, but kept aloof from the society of those whose influ-
ence was corrupting. Christ placed His feet in the most uneven path
that children and youth will ever be called to travel. He did not have
allotted to Him a life of affluence and indolence. His parents were
poor, and dependent upon their daily toil for sustenance; therefore the
life of Christ was one of poverty, self-denial, and privation. He shared
with His parents their life of diligent industry.
73