Family Life Emphasis Week

Christian Home and Family week readings 10-15 February 2014

Monday:
The Sweetest Type of Heaven
Home should be made all that the word implies. It should be a little heaven upon earth, a place where the affections are cultivated instead of being studiously repressed. Our happiness depends upon this cultivation of love, sympathy, and true courtesy to one another. (Adventist Home Page 15) (Testimonies for the Church Vol.3 page 539)

Tuesday:
 
Importance of the Home Atmosphere

Make your home atmosphere fragrant with tender thoughtfulness. If you have become estranged and have failed to be Bible Christians, be converted; for the character you bear in probationary time will bethe character you will have at the coming of Christ. If you would be a saint in heaven, you must first be a saint on earth. The traits of character you cherish in life will not be changed by death or by the resurrection. You will come up from the grave with the same disposition you manifested in your home and in society. Jesus does not change the character at His coming. The work of transformation must be done now. Our daily lives are determining our destiny. (Adventist Home Page 16).


Wednesday:

Creating a pure atmosphere
God would have our families symbols of the family in heaven. Let family bear this in mind every day, relating themselves to one another as members of the family of God. Then their lives will be of such a  character as to give to the world an object lesson of what families who love God and keep His commandments may be. Christ will be glorified; His peace and grace and love will pervade the family circle like a precious perfume. (Adventist Home Page 16, The Review and Herald, November 17, 1896)

Thursday:
Christ’s Presence Makes a Home Christian
From their infancy the youth need to have a firm barrier built up between them and the world, that its corrupting influence may not affect them. Every Christian family should illustrate to the world the power and excellence of Christian influence.... Parents should realize their accountability to keep their homes free from every taint of moral evil. (Adventist Home.  Page 19, Counsels to Teachers, Parents, and Students.  Page 119, The Review and Herald, October 9, 1900).


Friday:

Clean, Neat, Orderly
While we are to guard against needless adornment and display, we are in no case to be careless and indifferent in regard to outward appearance. All about our persons and our homes is to be neat and attractive. The youth are to be taught the importance of presenting an appearance above criticism, an appearance that honors God and the truth. (Adventist Home Page 22. The Review and Herald, June 10, 1902).

Sabbath:
Tender Ties That Bind
The family tie is the closest, the most tender and sacred, of any on earth. It was designed to be a blessing to mankind. And it is a blessing wherever the marriage covenant is entered into intelligently, in the fear of God, and with due consideration for its responsibilities. (Adventist Home Page 18, The Ministry of Healing,  pages. 356, 357)