Christian Home Series
by Dr. W. Robert
JO Y IN THE
Smith
CHRISTIAN HOME
I T IS WELL FOR US TO REMEMBER as we progress in our spiritual growth that there are not two classes of peo ple, those who succeed and those who fail. All of us meet with failures. The difference comes in the classification of those who fail, for there are many who are not aware of their problems, perfectly content to go along in their same sins and weaknesses, never ex periencing true victory. Others get so discouraged and disheartened that they give up thinking that it is hope less and futile. The third class is made up of those who recognize their fail ure but are driven to depend upon the Lord Jesus Christ for all their strength, power and encouragement. It is to this group that all of us should belong. The pferson who thinks he is not a failure is a sorry and naive individual. While no one is perfect in the abso lute sense as is God, yet we ought to be striving for increased success through victorious living. It ought to be our desire to be more like ouf dear Saviour. One chief failure is that we will not trust the Lord and be joyful in Him. One of the things parents need to learn is how to enjoy their children, having fellowship together, even in times of difficulty. How wonderfully Christ exemplifies this aspect in our lives, providing a perfect pattern for us to follow. In answering questions listeners to “The Biola Hour” have sent in, we must realize that our help comes wholly from the Word of God through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will point out to us the limitations and weaknesses if we wish Him to. If we are honest we can see ourselves as He wants us to, and yet we can look out and see the Lord Jesus Christ, rejoicing in
the wonders of His love and His for giving grace. How marvelously He encourages us day by day to move ahead in our lives. Some of the problems which have been submitted have deep moral sig nificance. Because space is limited we will not have the opportunity to de velop these answers to the extent that we would like. One of the most beneficial discus sions can center around the desire for Christian growth in asking, “How does one start a family altar, especially where the husband is not interested?” The mother, in the early years of her children’s lives, must make it a point to spend time with them at frequent intervals. It may have to be when the husband is at work. Never put your husband in a bad light before the children. Be fore the little ones go to bed is a good time to read Bible stories to them, teaching them to pray. Let them lead out, too. Ideally, the family altar is a time when every member gathers together around the Word of God. There is re joicing in reading the Scriptures, praying together, giving thanks to the Lord for all His blessings, and ask ing Him for guidance and wisdom that each may grow in Christian grace and maturity. When our five children were born, we prayed over their crib from the moment they came home from the hospital. We prayed as if the child were doing it, and by and by he would come to understand this. In addition, there should be prayer at the table before every meal. This is not to be a ritual, or something per functory, but that which is meaning ful. Let the children have a part in this, too. The family altar should be a joyful 17
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