the world. This may not he much of a compliment in times like these; how ever, it is a testimonial to the practi cality of the principles taught in the homes of men and women of God. A number of years ago, Roger Bahson examined the backgrounds of the heads of 100 leading industries. He found that five per cent of these outstanding men were the sons of bankers; ten per cent were the sons of merchants and manufacturers; 25 per cent were the sons of doctors and lawyers, and over SO per cent were the sons of preachers whose salaries in that day didn’t aver age over $1500 a year. We say all of this just to underscore the fact that the best preparation for a life-time of service is in a Christian home, whether of missionaries and pastors, or of ear nest, dedicated Christian laymen. Each of us has a tremendous responsibility to bring up our boys and girls in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. * * * Parents who are afraid to put their foot down usually wind up with children who step on their toes. * * * UNION IN PRAYER As far as believers are concerned, there is probably nothing so widely discussed and universally agreed to as being the thing needed most, and yet most infrequently practiced as prayer. Communion with the Lord is not just talking to Him. More importantly, it is listening to what God has to say to us. We need to receive instructions, not just to ask for things we want. Prayer is really friendship, trust and sharing of secret thoughts with the Saviour. It is two persons conversing in har mony. Think of it this way: when you’re with your friends you don’t do all the talking. We’d soon find our selves alone if we did. Similarly, when we pray, if we talk all the time, how will it be possible to hear what God has to say to us? Prayer which is vital should open our hearts and minds to receive Godls message. To be sure, we may not hear very clearly at first, but if we continue day after day, setting apart time to commune with the Lord, we will find the joy of this blessed union in prayer. There are times when we need to be alone with Him with the
rest of the world shut out. It is diffi cult to concentrate so often. But, once these strong ties have been established, we will pray wherever we go. This may be while walking on the street, at work in the home, office or shop, or when some temptation suddenly confronts us. God wants us to ask for, and He is ready graciously to give us, His prom ised help and wisdom. Remember, our Lord taught us that, “Men aught al ways to pray and not to faint.” * You can always give without loving, but you can never love without giving. * * * BE A "COPYHEAD" Scripture urges us to be an example of the believers to others with whom we meet. The word “example” comes from the classroom and conveys the idea of the “copyhead” or the pattern of proper lettering which is given chil dren in teaching them how to write. They discover the rudiments of making the various letters of the alphabet. Our lives are to be like that, for each of us is the only Christian somebody knows. Would you want anyone else, your children, perhaps, to pattern their lives after yours, or would you have to tell them, “Don’t do as I do, do as I say”? You cannot shirk your duty or responsibility. Others are watching you intently. Be an example, a copyhead, of the believers “in word, in behavior, in love, in zeal, in faith and in purity.” PARENTAL INFLUENCE While Susannah Wesley had 17 chil dren she sought to spend one hour each day alone in her room praying for them. History records how God used two of her boys, John and Charles, to move the hearts of multitudes. Little wonder that they have made her home a national monument. Mrs. Wesley didn’t just find the time, she MADE it, being sure that nothing was allowed to interfere. Where are the Christian mothers and fathers who faithfully search the Word of God, hiding it away in their hearts, so that they may provide their children with daily spir itual food even as they would physical sustenance? 25 * *
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