CHRISTIAN HOME FEATURE
CHILDREN IN THE CHRISTIAN HOME
by Rev. Gerald Gooden Reference Librarian, Biola College T he secret of a well-balanced child is a well-balanced home. But how can a Christian home in this modern, fa s t generation maintain anything akin to equili brium? Can it be consistent and survive in this world in which God is considered to be dead or non-existent by some, ignored by others, and scoffed at by a large segment of our population? Is there example? Is there encour agement? Is there power? Every one has questions: but where are the answers? “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for re proof, for correction, for instruc tion in righteousness; that the man o f God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto every good work” (II Tim. 3:16, 17). The answers are to be found in God’s Word, but the Word is no magical book, imparting wisdom and instruction without any ef fort on our part. If God’s message
the truth that when he receives the proffered instructions, the promises of the Lord will be real ized in his life, with attendant blessings. Anticipating a deaf ear or rebellious attitude, the conclud ing part of the chapter describes the ominous results if the warn ings are not heeded. Make a spe cial Bible study of Proverbs in the family gathering to find all the practical wisdom that is avail able. (Chapter 31 is the word pic ture of the ideal mother whose in fluence, discipline, and love are the unifying factors in the well- balanced Christian home.) At this point, a look at Heav en’s order for a properly-regulat ed home is proper. If one is to escape problems, the first rule is to obey God’s law regulating the situation. If one would keep from falling, he must remember the law o f gravity and stay within the limitations set by that uncan- ( Continued on page 27)
of help is to be profitable, it must be learned by study. Agreed then that the Bible has the answers, let us consider together some pas sages that will be of help to keep the Christian home stable in these days of turmoil. The Book of Proverbs, with its 31 chapters, should be read re peatedly by parents and children alike. In it one finds not only the distilled wisdom of the ages, but also God’s solutions to the prob lems which families of all gen erations face. The book opens with the promise that wisdom and instruction are available. Chapter 1 :8 is the salutation of an earnest father speaking. He says, “My son . . .” at least twenty-seven times in the course of the book. The concerned father tells the immature son that he is to con sent not to the enticements of sinners, v. 10, and to walk not with sinners, v. 15. Then, in chap ter 2, the son is counseled with
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JULY, 1967
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